Two important new pieces of information should give the mainstream medicine minions pause when it comes to one of the most feared medical conditions of our time — Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
First, new evidence indicates Alzheimer’s disease may start early in life.
Second, one of mainstream medicine’s biggest blockbuster drugs, prescribed early in life to tens of millions of young and middle-aged adults (and even children), may be a major cause of Alzheimer’s.
Of course, for decades, intensive brain research and funding has focused almost exclusively on particular proteins that can build up in the brain with aging. But multi-million dollar drugs meant to target those changes have been a big bust. Instead, the science points us in other, not-so-surprising directions…
Hallmark brain changes of AD spotted in childhood
Last month, researchers reported in the leading medical journal Neurology that they can observe brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease in children.
For the new study, researchers analyzed a group of 1,187 healthy children and young adults from ages three to 20 years from whom brain-imaging and cognitive-testing data had been collected. The children had also been tested for a gene associated with AD risk called the APOE gene (apolipoprotein E). A particular variant of this gene — called e4 APOE — shows the highest risk for AD.
Children with this gene (e4 APOE) had a significantly smaller hippocampus area of the brain, which is strongly associated with memory. Areas of the brain cortex — the outer layer of the brain — were also smaller in children with this gene. These cortical areas are associated with decision-making and object recognition.
Previously, mainstream minions believed these kinds of changes resulted from AD in older age. But the new research shows they are already present in childhood. These children may grow up and have a higher risk for developing AD later in life.
Nature versus nurture applies to Alzheimer’s mystery
The new research raises the age-old question of the “chicken or the egg,” and “nature vs. nurture.” Are diseases “caused” by genes…or by exposures during life?
In my view, this new research seems to push us in the direction that genes play a role…but so does the environment. And previous research shows the more intellectually stimulated you remain your entire life, beginning at a young age, the lower your Alzheimer’s risk.
There isn’t much you can do to change your genes. Indeed, we have spent nearly a half-century searching for “gene therapies” to “fix” genes. And it’s been another big bust.
But — if you have increased genetic susceptibility (and even if you don’t), you can avoid one major environmental factor that contributes to the disease: statin drugs.
Statin drugs have history of brain impairment
The fact that stain drugs impair brain function is nothing new. The FDA website even warns that statin users report cognitive impairment, such as memory loss, dullness and confusion. The FDA also says statin users have an increased risk of high blood sugar levels and Type II diabetes. Of course, evidence links high blood sugar itself with the development of dementia. Years ago, I began calling this pathogenic process “Type III diabetes.”
Of course, the deputy director for safety of the FDA Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products (DMEP) quickly reassured us that this “new” information should not “scare” people away from taking statins.
Really?
First of all, this information can only possibly sound “new” in the tidy bureaucratic world of the FDA.
I (along with many others) have been reporting for years about the indisputable evidence of toxic side effects of statins. Studies show statins cause cataracts, fatigue, liver toxicity, muscle pain and weakness, memory loss, and Type II diabetes, which is in turn the leading cause of cardio-metabolic heart disease. Increased blood sugar is a common denominator among several of these conditions.
Last month, a study published in the American Journal of Physiology found that statin drugs are more likely to destroy health than to improve it. To be more specific, they accelerate the aging process, destroy muscle cells, as well as increase the risk of Type II diabetes.
Of course, metformin is the one prescription drug that controls blood sugar and Type II diabetes, as well as all the complications in eye, kidney, heart, and blood vessels. As an added “side effect,” the drug lowers the risk of chronic diseases and complications associated with Type II diabetes, as well as certain cancers.
Metformin actually derives from an ancient European herbal remedy called French lilac, known in the U.S. as “goat’s rue.” The USDA in the U.S. classifies the herb as a “noxious weed.”
So — here are two simple steps you can take for “anti-aging” — including preventing memory loss and dementia.
First, stay intellectually and socially engaged. Especially as you get older.
Second, don’t take statin drugs. Ever. Period. And if you currently take them, make a plan to discontinue them. For a detailed guide on how to ditch these dangerous cholesterol drugs for good, check out my report The Insider’s Guide to a Heart-Healthy and Statin-Free Life.
And you can learn about all the effective, natural and non-drug approaches for preventing and reversing Alzheimer’s disease in my new Complete Alzheimer’s Cure online learning protocol. Click here to learn more or to enroll today.