Alzheimers:Protecting Against Drug Side Effects and Slowing the DiseaseTo calm these agitated people, doctors often prescribe anti-psychotic medications such as Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa. Drugs QuestionedA major U.S. study found that the usefulness of anti-psychotic drugs is greatly limited by their severe side effects, which include:• confusion, • sleepiness, • tremors and • muscle stiffness. According to results published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the side effects of the drugs tended to outweigh any potential benefits. It is not the first time that questions have been raised about treating Alzheimers patients with these drugs. But because of the known lack of treatment options for this hard-to-manage group of patients, doctors kept using the drugs. Better OptionsThere are nevertheless, clinically tested ways to protect from some of the symptoms and the degeneration of Alzheimers. There are intervention strategies based on sound science.One of these strategies is to enhance the body’s own protective system by enhancing glutathione levels. Glutathione is made by the body and is being called the "Body’s Most Powerful Protector," and can be enhanced with nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals that enhance glutathione. Protective strategies have indeed been used to reduce symptoms, including the patients’ ability to recognize others. For Free E-BOOK, see:Protecting With the Master AntioxidantGlutathione (GSH) is a small tri-peptide that has been extensively studied by medical researchers world-wide, because it functions as the body's own "master antioxidant," in that it reduces "oxidative stress" and free radical damage.It is well known that aging is accompanied by a precipitous fall in glutathione levels, and that lower levels are implicated in Alzheimers. Researchers have indeed identified low glutathione in the areas of the brain relating to short-term memory and intellectual function, of people with Alzheimers. Why Has Glutahtione (GSH) Not Been In The News?Although there are over 70,000 medical studies world-wide relating low glutathione to a host of diseases, they do not indicate how to effectively raise your glutathione levels!In fact, until very recently, it was not medically known how to raise glutathione levels. Yes, GSH has been used clinically as a pharmaceutical drug, especially in emergency medicine, BUT... it was not until the breakthrough discovery of Dr. Gustavo Bounous that showed clinically how to raise glutathione levels on a day to day basis Dr. Bounous' Discovery What Do The Experts Say?
Dr. Jimmy Gutman MD, FACEP. is a glutathione expert.He is former Chief Resident in Emergency Medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, and Undergraduate Director and Residency Training Director of Emergency Medicine at McGill University in Montreal. He says that "Glutathione is not yet a household word, but it soon will be, now that we know how important this substance is. " Role of Glutathione and Alzheimer’sHow and where does GSH fit into this picture? If heavy metals are involved in the progression of Alzheimers, GSH can play a critical role in their elimination and detoxification.Certain studies have demonstrated that when aluminum is ‘pulled’ out of the cells using chelators, the symptoms of Alzheimers can be reduced or delayed. One of our primary defenses against these toxins is an adequate GSH enzyme system. And as researchers further define how free radicals contribute to brain cell destruction, the role of GSH as the primary intracellular antioxidant will come to the forefront. Much research has been focused on the role of antioxidants in alleviating Alzheimers symptoms and its progression, especially vitamin E because of its availability and low price. But the interaction of these antioxidants is complex, and many are dependent on adequate GSH levels for their proper functioning. A large number of post-mortem studies have compared normal with diseased brain tissue. They reveal significant changes in GSH and GSH peroxidase levels as well as elevated levels of the powerful oxidant lipid peroxide, against which GSH is a primary defense. Adams and his research team found GSH levels diminished in the area of the brain involved in short-term memory (hippocampus). Jenner and his co-workers found a similar decrease in the areas of the brain involved in higher intellectual functioning (the cerebral cortex). Although Alzheimers disease is certainly a multifactorial problem, certain aspects must be emphasized. It is unclear whether oxidative damage is the cause or just an effect of Alzheimer’s. However, there is no doubt that diminished oxidative stress can retard or diminish disease progression. In addition, the part apparently played by toxins such as heavy metal needs to be addressed. In either case, elevated GSH levels can be a critical strategy against both of these dangers. Case StudyDespite excellent care at home, Max eventually had to be institutionalized for his Alzheimers disease. His 78 year-old wife’s arthritis and heart disease left her unable to give him the high-maintenance care he needed.Previously a gregarious salesman who loved to tell a joke, in his present condition he was even unaware of who was in the room. His previous history of smoking one to two packs a day left him with chronic bronchitis, requiring frequent inhalation therapy. To treat his ever-thickening secretions, the respiratory therapist started raising his glutathione levels. After several weeks, Max began to smile when his wife entered his room and was visibly pleased by her visits. About Glutathione Slowing The ProgressionIn Alzheimers disease certain proteins seem to react with heavy metals and other elements, leading to plaque formation.Oxidative stress and free radical formation definitely play a role in promoting this damage. When heavy metals are removed by chelators, the symptoms of Alzheimers can be reduced or delayed. It is unclear whether oxidative damage is the cause or just an effect of Alzheimers. Nevertheless, antioxidants have been shown to be useful. And, overall antioxidant function is maximized by maintaining adequate glutathione levels. By diminishing oxidative stress disease the progression of this disease can be retarded or diminished.
Lowering Oxidative StressIt does appear that elevated glutathione levels can help slow the progression of Alzheimers, and symptoms have even be reversed in many people.Raising glutathione is done most effectively by providing the required precursors in the diet. Cysteine-rich protein has been shown to effectively raise the body's ability to manufacture it where needed, especially in the brain. Because the cysteine crosses the blood-brain barrier, it can be effectively used by the brain to increase its levels of glutathione. (Glutathione provided in pill form gets digested and does not get to where it is needed in the brain.) Low Glutathione and ALZHEIMERS:Toxin A Smoking GunAustralian scientists say they have identified a toxin which plays a key role in the onset of Alzheimer's, raising hope that glutathione's role in neutralizing toxins can help slow the degenerative brain disease.The toxin, called quinolinic acid, kills nerve cells in the brain, leading to dysfunction and death, the scientists said. "Quinolinic acid may not be the cause of Alzheimer's disease, but it plays a key role in its progression," Alzheimer's researcher Dr Karen Cullen from the University of Sydney said in a statement. "It's the smoking gun, if you like." As the body's main detoxifier, glutathione is plays a role both in prevention and in slowing the progression.
New Health Discoveries: Alzheimers Disease
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