Question:

Alzheimer's is a pretty hot topic in the news recently, but I have trouble keeping all of the advice straight. What do you think is the best way to prevent the disease?

Dr. Wright:

There are quite a few natural approaches for keeping your mind sharp well into old-age, and while each of them could very well fill a book all its own, here's a quick outline of the top five recommendations I make to Tahoma Clinic clients who are trying to prevent Alzheimer's disease:

• Eliminate refined sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet -- especially if you have Type II diabetes in your family or if you are insulin resistant. Research has suggested that insulin resistance raises your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Research has also linked elevated homocysteine levels with an increased risk of Alzheimer's. Keep your homocysteine levels down by taking B-complex vitamins and/or a multiple vitamin containing vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid.
• Take 1 Tbsp of fish oil per day. This natural anti-inflammatory contains omega-3 fatty acids that help repair brain cell membranes.
• There is ample evidence indicating that adequate levels of estrogen or testosterone could allow you to dramatically reduce your Alzheimer's disease risk. Consider using bio-identical hormones to keep your levels of estrogen or testosterone where they need to be.
• Research shows that the mineral lithium has strong potential to reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

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