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Is it possible to prevent Alzheimer's disease through physical and mental activity and nutrition? About whether it is possible to avoid insidious disease says Irina Gonchar, leading researcher at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Candidate of Medical Sciences
Father was found increased level homocysteine, cholesterol, and he is also an experienced hypertensive patient. The doctor said that these factors increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Is it possible to prevent it - with physical and mental activity, nutrition? Anna N., Minsk.

On the topic asked by the reader, we are talking with Irina Gonchar, leading researcher at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Candidate of Medical Sciences.

Personality fades away

I have seen how Alzheimer's disease takes away the strength and intelligence of once brilliant scientists. A sad sight... Irina Anatolyevna, is this illness so insidious or is there something else that triggers the mechanism in the body?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It manifests itself as mood swings, irritability, aggressiveness, and progressive memory loss. As the latter weakens, the ability to speak, understand spoken speech, count, and write is impaired; a person loses communication and self-service skills.

The disease develops gradually, more often in people over 65 years of age, but there are forms with early onset. On average, it takes about 7 years from the time of diagnosis to the death of the patient. And if in 2006 there were 26 million people suffering from asthma in the world, then, according to the forecast, by 2050 the number of cases may increase by 4–5 times. Unfortunately, effective medicines There are no drugs today that can stop the progression of the disease or reverse it.

Do it like the Scorpions

- Is it possible to prevent Alzheimer's disease?

It is characterized long period harbingers. Therefore, it is very important to know the risk factors and how to influence them. In addition, by eliminating the negative, a person prevents other diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

First of all, you need to try to maintain physical and mental activity. I'm not talking about work. You can try to meet new people at a hobby club, do physical exercise or dance, which you probably didn’t have enough time for before. Read books, newspapers, magazines, solve crosswords, sudoku; talk and debate, delve into the topic being studied in detail. Such people are less likely to suffer from asthma in old age.
Special memory and movement training improve brain function. It is useful to master a computer if you are not familiar with it before. And start your own Facebook page, find old acquaintances you haven’t seen for a long time, communicate on Skype. Even computer shooting games actively train the area of visual-spatial interactions in the cerebral cortex and thereby delay extinction mental abilities.

"Last year I youngest son I went to a concert of the legendary rock band “Scorpions”, which took place in Minsk. I looked with admiration at the artists who, for two hours, enthusiastically sang and played guitars, each jumping on one leg. But the musicians are, by our standards, of retirement age! At such moments it becomes clear how far people are capable of leading such active image life, from Alzheimer's disease and other ailments of old age. »

"Elderly Diet"

Nevertheless, over the years, physiology takes its toll: cholesterol rises, blood pressure jumps. And these are also risk factors... Is it possible to reduce “ bad numbers» proper nutrition?

Indeed, scientific research has proven that increased levels of homocysteine, cholesterol, arterial hypertension(pressure) negatively affect the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of asthma.

Homocysteine is a substance normal conditions present in the body; occurs during the breakdown of amino acids - the building blocks of proteins; usually the level in the blood is low: folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 break it down. However, in 5–10% of the population, homocysteine is elevated: the cause may or may not be a hereditary metabolic defect. good nutrition.

Folic acid is needed to reduce the risk of asthma. It is found in the liver of any animal, egg yolk, cabbage, spinach, black (rye) bread, sprouted wheat, oranges, asparagus, and beans.

Natural sources of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) are cereals, whole grain bread, milk, fish, meat, liver, poultry, eggs, brewer's yeast, bananas, nuts. There is enough of it in green vegetables, peppers, cabbage, melon and carrots. But vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is found only in foods
animal origin - cheese, meat, sub- and seafood.
For those who rarely have this food on their dinner table, vegetarians are recommended to prevent asthma. vitamin preparations. Undevite and complementite are optimal and affordable.

High blood pressure increases the risk of developing asthma in old age. If a patient has already been diagnosed with arterial hypertension and is prescribed medications, then they should not be taken “by inspiration,” but constantly.

Increased cholesterol levels are also a risk factor for AD. You need a diet based on the consumption of low-fat foods.
The likelihood of developing asthma is higher when parents or other blood relatives suffer from it.

Antioxidants against free radicals

- Free radicals also have a negative effect on our brain...

Yes, they are responsible for the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain vessels, leading to the progression of AD.
Free radicals are metabolic breakdown products that damage our cells. Antioxidants protect us from harmful effects.
To natural ones, capable of capturing free radicals, include provitamin A (beta-carotene),
vitamins C ( ascorbic acid) and E (tocopherol). During the cold period, antioxidants can be obtained along with frozen gifts from the forest and garden, as well as complex vitamin preparations.

"Goldfish. For health

- Many older people give up meat and switch to fish...

And they do it right. Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids contained in fish are extremely important for proper functioning nervous system, they provide cells with energy to transmit impulses. A high concentration of these valuable compounds is found in the brain and retina of the eyes.
A sufficient level of omega-3 in the body ensures good speed thought processes, storing information in memory, and quickly retrieving it.

In international scientific research the ability of omega-3 to protect blood vessels from atherosclerosis, and the heart - from sudden stop. In addition, these acids help restore neurons, as they regulate inflammatory and degenerative processes in the brain and protect against AD. It is known that when eating at least once a week a portion of fish (preferably sea) or seafood, the risk of AD is reduced to 30%.
Similar unsaturated fatty acids are found in flaxseed, rapeseed and mustard oils, and also in nuts. You can add omega-3 to your diet thanks to medicines, created on the basis of fish oil.

Coffee - too... prevention

- Despite the years, many do not part with a cigarette, a cup of coffee...

The prevailing scientific opinion is that smoking increases the risk of asthma in small degree. A glass of wine or beer 1-3 times a month does not significantly affect the incidence of this disease. And the best part is that caffeine protects the brain from AD, so giving up coffee to prevent this disease is out of the question.

Each of us, if, of course, we are lucky, will be able to live to see old age, and, as is known, in these years, the risk of many serious illnesses, among which is this terrible pathology, like Alzheimer's disease or as it is sometimes called hydrocyanic dementia.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Typically, the disease “starts” when a person reaches 65 years of age. The first sign of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss, which initial stages The disease may simply manifest itself as some completely harmless forgetfulness.

But over time, this symptom begins to take on a threatening character, when a person cannot remember events of the past, or even what happened to him just a couple of minutes ago.

Unfortunately, the disease is prone to progression and develops over several decades, and can destroy a person’s nervous system in a much shorter period of time.

In addition to memory impairment, other symptoms occur: irritability, sudden mood swings. There may be a disturbance in speech and perception of reality. A person simply cannot understand what is being said to him, as if the conversation is in an unfamiliar language.

Late stages diseases are characterized by the presence of complete desocialization of the individual. Fatal outcome occurs as a result of multiple disruptions in the functioning of vital important organs.

Treatment and prevention

Of course, correction of the patient’s condition must be comprehensive, namely the use of medications, and psychosocial interventions. The prerogative of prescribing one or another treatment method lies entirely with the specialist.

I just want to touch on the issues of preventing this disease. IN lately many medical specialists They talk about dietary habits that should significantly reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. How should you eat to get rid of the prospect of getting such a terrible attack?

About the dangers of obesity

About what obesity promises its owner, in recent years a lot has been said. And this is not without reason. According to world organization health care, every third person on the planet has problems with overweight.

When a person is young, he may not notice any troubles, except for some social discomfort, but over the years, and as the pathology progresses, a mass arises in orgasm pathological processes, which can lead to circulatory disorders of the central nervous system.

Damage to the blood vessels of the brain leads to its oxygen starvation, which may stimulate the early onset of this disease. Besides vascular disorders, recently there has been a lot of talk about some relationship between the frequency of detection of diabetes mellitus and senile dementia. And, as you know, obesity increases blood sugar.

In light of the above, it becomes clear that the basis for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, first of all, is the fight against obesity. It is very important to recognize the presence of problems with excess weight in time and accept everything necessary measures aimed at its elimination.

Diet features

In addition to the amount of food consumed, it is also very important high-quality composition. Many specialist nutritionists talk about a direct relationship between the amount of unsaturated fatty acids in the food consumed and the frequency of occurrence of this disease.

As is known, the leader in the content of these the most valuable substances is sea fish and some seafood, more precisely, salmon, fatty herring, salmon and some other varieties.

In addition to seafood, many nutritionists rave about quail eggs. This product contains huge amount unsaturated fatty acids, and can also significantly reduce blood sugar levels.

Unsaturated fatty acids

Why are unsaturated fatty acids so beneficial for humans? The thing is that these substances can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, therefore they are excellent means prevention early appearance vascular atherosclerosis.

As a result of this, discirculatory disorders in the central nervous system, if they occur, occur much later. In addition, the likelihood of occurrence should also be taken into account cardiovascular pathology, significantly worsening the patient’s quality of life.

Low glycemic index foods

What's happened glycemic index? This is an indicator that determines the change in blood glucose levels after consuming any product. As a matter of fact, everything we eat, one way or another, can be characterized by this value.

Fluctuations in sugar levels are more significant if you eat something containing a large amount of simple sugars. For example, a chocolate bar has a very high glycemic index.

Products low in simple sugars - lean meat, grains - have virtually no effect on blood sugar levels. What's all this for? Some scientists argue that sharp fluctuations in blood glucose significantly increase the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease.

Therefore, it is very important to take this indicator of products into account. What should be given priority? Here is a small list of necessary provisions: lean meat, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains.

About the benefits of coffee

Coffee is a product that significantly enhances cerebral circulation. As a result of this, mental and physical activity, the perception of the surrounding world improves through our senses.

Scientists have long noticed one trend - just one cup invigorating drink in the morning, can significantly reduce the likelihood of early onset of disorders in the central nervous system, including this terrible disease.

True, one should not place high hopes on an ersatz drink called instant coffee, no matter how marketers extol it. The substance located inside a beautiful jar, before it gets there, passes through 10 to 20 different chemical reactions, which completely destroy the useful component.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that in addition to nutritional features, one should not forget about physical activity. As they say, movement is life. If you don't have time to visit gyms, you can improve your health through regular jogging or walking in the fresh air.

Laureate Nobel Prize, Brazilian oncologist Drausillio Varella:
"Today in the world we invest 5 times more money in medicines for male potency and in silicone for female breast than in treatment for Alzheimer's disease. In a few years we will have old women with big breasts and old men with strong penises, but none of them can remember what it’s for.”

(also senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type) - the most common form of dementia (dementia), neuro degenerative disease, first described in 1906 by the German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer. As a rule, it is found in people over 65 years of age, but it also exists early illness Alzheimer's is a rare form of the disease. The global incidence in 2006 was estimated at 26.6 million people, and by 2050 the number of patients could quadruple. Alzheimer's disease is an incurable degenerative disease of the central nervous system, characterized by the gradual loss of mental abilities (memory, speech, logical thinking). The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases after age 65. Although relatively few people suffer from this disease, it is one of the leading causes of dementia in older people. Similar condition is a big blow and a heavy psychological burden for the patient’s family members.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease

The exact causes are unknown, but Alzheimer's disease is usually associated with destruction large quantity nerve cells, lack of substances necessary for transmission nerve impulses, heredity (genetic predisposition), toxic metal poisoning, head injury, brain tumor, hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

At an early stage:

forgetfulness, inability to remember recent events, which gradually progresses;
inability to recognize familiar objects;
emotional disorders, depression, anxiety;
disorientation;
apathy (indifference) to surrounding objects, people and events.

At a late stage:

hallucinations, delusions;
inability to recognize familiar people, even close relatives;
problems with movement (walking), which gradually develop into a “shuffling gait”;
loss of the ability to think and move independently;
in some cases, seizures.

Is it possible to prevent this disease? International studies designed to assess the extent to which a given measure can slow or prevent the onset of the disease often yield conflicting results. To date, there is no firm evidence of the preventive effect of any of the possible factors. However, epidemiological studies suggest that some modifiable factors—diet, risk cardiovascular diseases, taking medications, mental activity and others are associated with the likelihood of developing the disease. And it’s not for nothing that diet is one of the first places on this list!

It is believed that the ingredients Mediterranean diet, including fruits and vegetables, bread, wheat and other cereals, olive oil, fish and red wine may individually or in combination reduce the risk and mitigate the course of Alzheimer's disease.

So what foods should you include in your diet to prevent this disease?

Our brain is accustomed to “eating” exclusively on carbohydrates, and primarily on sucrose, however, this does not mean that for good brain function only sugar or sweets are needed; it is much healthier for it not to “fast” carbohydrates, but to “slow” ones - from whole grains products, vegetables and fruits. But besides this, our brain urgently needs many other components of food.

First of all this water . Our body consists of 60-85% water, and the brain - more than 90%, so a lack of water primarily affects the condition and functions of the brain.

In addition, for good brain function, a normal blood supply is necessary, which means the condition of the blood vessels and good hematopoiesis. For this we need omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, vegetable oils, primarily flaxseed, nuts), vitamins (C and rutin), minerals (sodium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, iodine, cobalt, manganese, etc.) contained in vegetables and fruits. To accelerate conduction in nerve endings and improvements in oxygen supply to the brain are necessary B vitamins , especially B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B12 (cyanocobalamin). You need to look for them in yeast, cereals, bread coarse, dried fruits, nuts and legumes, liver, kidneys, beef, lamb, egg yolk, milk, etc.

Contrary to the popular saying that nerve cells are not restored, they are extremely necessary for the renewal of brain cells and its normal functioning. essential amino acids , and first of all – tryptophan, phenylalanine and leucine, found in vegetables, herbs, fruits, nuts, milk, and meat.

It would seem that what is the connection between full-time work intestines and normal functions brain? But she is! Constipation or diarrhea causes problems with intestinal microflora, which is “responsible” for the synthesis of B vitamins necessary for our brain and nervous system as a whole. In addition, toxins, absorbed from the intestines into the blood, poison the life of the entire body, including the brain. This means that for it to work well it needs probiotics and prebiotics (fermented milk products, rye bread, sauerkraut etc.), fiber (whole grains, vegetables and fruits) and pectins (fruits and berries).

Very important for good brain function antioxidants , which are produced by our body, but with age they become less and less. We also lose them during stress, due to poor nutrition, smoking, and environmentally polluted atmosphere. There is no one to slow down free radicals, our body, and first of all, the brain, ages ahead of time. However, according to the latest scientific data, the entire complex of antioxidants can be obtained by eating ten grape seeds(you just need to chew them well) or drinking a glass of red wine. The most promising antioxidants are natural biologically active products, in particular beekeeping products: buckwheat honey, linden honey, sweet clover honey, polyfloral honey, pollen, beebread, native royal jelly, propolis (propolis oil). The greatest antioxidant effect comes from taking honey, royal jelly and propolis.

Some doctors recommend a glass of red for dinner grape juice or a glass of red wine. Microelements that are part of grape skins protect brain cells from harmful influence oxidative stress (physiological stress or damage to the body due to oxidative reactions uncharacteristic of its own metabolism) and beta amyloid (a protein that is involved in the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease).

And one more component that is extremely necessary for our body - cholesterol , yes, exactly the cholesterol that millions of people around the world are up in arms against.

A new "cholesterol" sensation that threatens the multibillion-dollar statin business has the world in shock. The previously created “Longevity Gene Project” decided to study the “cholesterol profile” of centenarians (over 100 years old). This project, started by the Albert Einstein College Institute on Aging in the US, examined 158 people in Europe, mostly Jews, the most genetically homogeneous ethnic group, aged 95 to 105 years. As it turned out, all these centenarians had increased content namely “bad” cholesterol, localized in very large cholesterol particles - chylomicrons.

Additional studies of Jews aged 75 to 85 found a clear correlation between the levels of large cholesterol particles in the blood and the persistence of intellectual abilities V old age. The results of these studies were published in the journal of the American Federation of Neurologists, Neurology, on December 26, 2006, and caused a media sensation.

Some medications have been aimed at selectively reducing precisely this previously considered “bad” fraction of cholesterol. The company that made them, Pfizer, explained its decision simply: "...people want to maintain their intelligence into old age and prevent Alzheimer's disease, even if it comes with a slight increase in heart risk."

The synthesis of this large cholesterol chylomicron was controlled by a special gene, which was called the CETP code, and in the press - the “longevity gene”.

I think, based on the above, it becomes clear that for older people, nutritious nutrition and adequate nutrition are extremely important for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. drinking regime. Their diet should be dominated by vegetables, fruits and berries (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, pectins and fiber), whole grains (fiber, vitamins, “slow” carbohydrates) and fermented milk (complete proteins with essential amino acids and probiotics) products, nuts and vegetable oils (omega-3 fatty acids). Fatty fish (omega-3) and meat (complete proteins) are recommended 2-3 times a week. But “fast” carbohydrates in the form of sugar and sweets should be limited; most studies indicate that there is a direct connection between high level blood sugar and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

When the level of the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (choline acetylase), which is involved in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is necessary for learning and memory, is reduced in the brain. And those neurons that normally function through it suffer first. Theoretically, taking acetylcholine precursors - choline or phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) should also slow down the progression of the disease. This has not yet been proven, but enrich the diet with their sources ( egg yolks, offal, whole grains, peanuts, wheat germ) are in any case not harmful.

Aluminum entering the human body contributes to the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (autopsy reveals high concentration aluminum in the brain tissues of patients). To avoid contact with aluminum, aluminum utensils should not be used for storing or preparing food; in addition, it is found in drinking water, industrial products, toothpaste, deodorants and anti-sweat products, antacids(used for gastritis and heartburn), etc.

It has been established that there is a connection between Alzheimer's disease and diseases such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.

Lastly, more and more data about age-related changes intelligence confirms folk wisdom: “What you don’t use, you lose.” Those who are engaged mental labor, improves his education, loves crosswords, quizzes and other intellectual activities, and relatively rarely suffers from Alzheimer's dementia.