Reversing Alzheimer's: New Research Improves Cognition & Protects Brain Health | Dr.Heather Sandison

Summary

In this Empowering Neurologist episode, Dr. David Perlmutter interviews Dr. Heather Sanderson, author of 'Reversing Alzheimer's'. They discuss the groundbreaking approach to treating Alzheimer's disease, which involves a multimodal intervention rather than a single pharmaceutical solution. Dr. Sanderson shares her experiences and the results of her study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, showing significant cognitive improvement in patients with Alzheimer's. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing various factors like nutrition, exercise, and infections to improve brain health and potentially reverse cognitive decline.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Alzheimer's disease is a complex condition with multiple potential causes, including inflammation and beta-amyloid, but the root triggers for these factors need to be addressed.
• 🔬 Dr. Heather Sanderson emphasizes a multimodal approach to treating Alzheimer's, which contrasts with the traditional single-molecule pharmaceutical interventions.
• 📚 Her book, 'Reversing Alzheimer's,' details how a personalized lifestyle intervention can lead to cognitive improvement in patients with cognitive decline.
• 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Sanderson's work is built upon the foundational approach by Dr. Dale Bredesen, who suggests that Alzheimer's can be reversed through a stacking of interventions.
• 📈 A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's disease in August 2023 showed a 73.9% improvement in cognition among participants who underwent a personalized lifestyle intervention.
• 🌟 The study's results are significant when compared to traditional Alzheimer's drugs, which only slow the rate of cognitive decline rather than improving it.
• 🏋️‍♀️ The multimodal approach includes various interventions such as dietary changes, exercise, better sleep, and social interaction, among others.
• 🌡️ Contrast oxygen therapy is introduced as a part of the multimodal approach, where patients cycle between high and low oxygen levels to induce a hormetic effect and improve blood flow to the brain.
• 🌿 The importance of treating infections, such as P. gingivalis and herpes simplex, is highlighted as they can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease by triggering inflammation and beta-amyloid plaque production.
• ❄️ The concept of hormesis is discussed, which involves applying mild stress to the system to build resilience, similar to the effects of exercise and fasting.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dr. Heather Sanderson's book 'Reversing Alzheimer's'?

Dr. Heather Sanderson's book 'Reversing Alzheimer's' focuses on the multimodal approach to reversing Alzheimer's disease, which includes various interventions such as lifestyle changes, nutritional balancing, and addressing infections, rather than relying on a single pharmaceutical intervention.

How does Dr. Heather Sanderson's approach to Alzheimer's treatment differ from traditional methods?

Dr. Heather Sanderson's approach to Alzheimer's treatment differs from traditional methods by emphasizing a multimodal, integrative approach that addresses various factors contributing to the disease, such as inflammation, nutrient imbalances, and infections, instead of solely focusing on a single molecule intervention like a pharmaceutical drug.

What was the outcome of the study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's disease in August 2023 by Dr. Heather Sanderson?

The study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's disease in August 2023 showed that a personalized lifestyle intervention led to a statistically significant increase in memory and overall cognition in 73.9% of the participants with cognitive decline.

What is the significance of the Lancet Commission report mentioned in the script?

The Lancet Commission report, updated in 2020, lists 12 modifiable risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's, suggesting that up to 40% of worldwide Alzheimer's cases could be prevented by addressing these factors. This report underscores the importance of a multifactorial approach to preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease.

How does the concept of hormesis relate to the treatment approaches discussed in the script?

Hormesis is a concept where a small stressor can induce a beneficial response, leading to increased resilience. In the context of the script, treatments like contrast oxygen therapy and fasting are mentioned as examples of hormesis, where the body is stressed in a controlled manner to improve health outcomes, such as enhancing cognitive function.

What role does beta-amyloid play in the context of Alzheimer's disease as discussed in the script?

In the script, beta-amyloid is discussed as an antimicrobial peptide that accumulates in the brain to protect it against various pathogens. It is suggested that beta-amyloid's presence is a response to triggers like inflammation or infections, and understanding its role involves looking at the root causes that lead to its accumulation.

Why is addressing infections important in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease according to the script?

Addressing infections is important in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease because certain pathogens, such as P. gingivalis and herpes simplex virus, have been linked to the production of beta-amyloid plaques. Treating these infections can help reduce the inflammatory response and potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer's.

What is the significance of the patient's improvement from a MOCA score of 2 to 7 as mentioned in the script?

The patient's improvement from a MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) score of 2 to 7 signifies a significant cognitive improvement. A MOCA score of 30 is perfect, and a score of 26 and above is considered normal. A score of 2 indicates severe dementia, so the increase to 7 represents a substantial recovery in cognitive function.

How does the script challenge the traditional narrative around Alzheimer's disease?

The script challenges the traditional narrative around Alzheimer's disease by presenting evidence that it can be reversed through a multimodal approach, rather than being an irreversible condition that can only be managed with pharmaceutical interventions. It emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple factors contributing to the disease and the potential for significant cognitive improvement.

What is the role of Dr. Dale Bredesen in the context of the script?

Dr. Dale Bredesen is mentioned as a pioneer in the field of Alzheimer's reversal, having trained Dr. Heather Sanderson and written a book called 'The End of Alzheimer's.' His approach, which involves stacking interventions, has influenced the multimodal treatment method discussed in the script.