There is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease

"Everyone knows a cancer survivor, but no one knows an Alzheimer's survivor".

This phrase is haunting.  I've never thought of it this way, but it was repeated in the book I just finished, The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline by Dale E. Bredesen, MD.

Alzheimer's awareness is SO important for EVERY single person on this planet.  Not much is known about this affliction - even by the educated minds that study it.  Awareness is so crucial, because by the time you have symptoms or are diagnosed, you have lost so much time you could have been preventing it.  From everything I have read, reversing these symptoms has never been 100% successful.  And if you have witnessed the progression of the disease from a loved one, you know it's a scary thing.

I think any form of education you can get your hands on about this topic is well worth your time, but this book was a hard read.  That worries me so much - if you don't geek out on being hyper aware of health related topics I can imagine that you probably won't read this book.  It's complicated, detailed, and has a hefty list of recommendations.  Now that I've talked you out of reading the book, let me back track and tell you why you really should read this book!

* There are so many ah-ha moments and reminders about things you've forgotten to consider.  For this reason, you must finish it to the end.  Get past the hard stuff and keep going.

* Any little bit of information you can use in your own life is worth the read, no matter how many things you don't apply.

* The realization that not all doctors are totally looking out for your best interests.  There are doctors that are firmly set in their belief that Alzheimer's has no recourse other than pills that are proven not to work.

* Understanding that many times doctors and pharmaceutical companies are working together on those pills....who stands to benefit from that kind of team work?

* It takes work to make progress on anything - from learning a new skill, to making fitness gains, to building relationships.  If you want to see change, you have to work for it - this book reminds you that making change takes effort.

* Provides a framework for knowing where to start on getting your cognitive function evaluated.  You are fully aware that getting a colonoscopy, mammogram, skin cancer checks, blood pressure and cholesterol measurements, dental exams, and yearly physicals are all beneficial for your health.  Why do we overlook our cognitive function?

* This book gives a deeper explanation of what exactly happens to create the cognitive decline inside our brain and how it eventually kills you.

* If you have a family history of any kind of cognitive decline, prevention for yourself may be your saving grace.  Why would you wait until you can't retain any information to start learning about how to restore your cognition?

I don't agree with everything in this book.  I also think the amount of tasks is overwhelming.  But I am so glad to have read it.  I am so glad to know that there are doctors out there that are fighting for a true understanding of this disease.  I am thankful that some one out there understands that the pill pushing will never be the answer.

What this book and I agree on:

* Lifestyle choices matter.

* Taking care of your cognition is not a one-task solution.

* You must be an advocate for your own self-care.

* A plant-based diet DOES matter and is beneficial for your cognition.

* You must follow a plan to see results.  One time doesn't cut it.

* Exercise is not optional.

* Shifting your focus from treating the symptoms to treating the root cause.

* Adequate sleep is so overlooked and is super important.

* Avoid toxins - heavy metals, GMOs, processed food, smoke, drugs, etc.

I don't believe that it's ever too late to start making changes to your lifestyle.  We can be the proof that our choices matter and make change.  The end of Alzheimer's starts with being proactive in our prevention.

I'd love to discuss this more!  If you have read this book or are considering it, message me or comment.  I want to know who else out there is thinking about this disease and how it has affected your family.

💗

Lisa