Anti-Alzheimer's Clinic

The D.E.A.R. Program: Four Step Anti-Alzheimer’s Method

Step #1:
The Anti-Alzheimer's Diet: Food for Thought

Dr. Fortanasce says it's not only “what” you eat that's important in preventing Alzheimer's disease—it's also the proportions, combinations, types and amounts of nutrients, specific supplements and order of consumption that help to maximize the hormonal enzymatic, and biorhythms that control an optimal state of neuronal health and mental capacity.

Participants in the four-step DEAR Program are coached to follow the Anti-Alzheimer's Food Guide Pyramid, using a food ratio at each meal that is one-third carbohydrates, one-third protein, and one-third good fats. This proportion is vital to maintain one's hormonal balance of insulin and glucagons – essential for brain health.

Specific foods, nutrients and natural dietary supplements work to protect the brain from disease and even heal the brain from injury. For example, blueberries are filled with anthocyanins, special chemicals that give them their dark purple color and incredible healing power. In studies, blueberries show a significant reversal in motor dysfunction and dopamine (a neurotransmitter and “messenger”) deficiency that correlates with aging. Blueberries are the only treatment known that can reverse the deterioration of motor function with aging. The phytochemicals in the blueberry extract appear to speed up neural communication.

Foods high in folate (spinach, chickpeas) reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction. Eating just one fish meal a week is associated with a 60 percent reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease while eating meat may increase the risk of pro-inflammatory markers linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has shown to improve cognition, including in studies of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects. Green tea contains catechins, and studies have shown that tea catechins protect brain cells in studies on animals and these studies also suggest that tea or green tea extract may be useful for protecting humans from senile disorders.

Garlic is rich in compounds with antioxidant activity. Garlic can potentially help against stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Garlic also protects blood vessels and prevents plaque build-up in arteries, an important factor in preventing heart disease and stroke. Human studies also show it reduces cholesterol, decreases blood pressure and increases blood circulation, factors that support overall brain health. Other studies suggest that garlic is also neuroprotective, and that it supports improved learning and memory.

Step #2:
Exercise: Daily Anaerobics for the Body and Brain

Dr. Fortanasce shows his recommended daily regimen of Anti-Alzheimer’s physical activities and exercises for participants to undertake which he calls the “3 Ss – Stretching, Strengthening, and Stepping” –all to boost brawn and brain power.

Physical exercise stimulates human growth hormone; regulates blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and blood lipids; and helps to maintain a normal weight. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain, which is necessary for quick thinking and creativity. Included are basic isometric exercises that will increase strength, bulk, and lean body mass. Isometric exercise strength train without moving a joint. It is performed by using the force of one limb against another, or a limb or body part against an immovable object such as the floor or a wall. isometric exercises can be done home, alone, and without equipment, and is the best way to increase one’s strength.

Step #3:
Accentuate your Brain’s Reserve: Daily Neurobics for the Brain

The key to keeping your mind active and healthy is by constantly building new neural paths. Dr. Fortanasce teaches patients these “neurobics.” When people use their brains in challenging ways, more blood flows into neural regions and new connections form. Giving yourself daily "brain boosters," such as math problems, sections to read aloud, lists to memorize, organizational tasks, and more can help. In addition, Dr. Fortanasce divides these "brain boosters" into categories, including Memory, Visualization, Thinking, and Reasoning.

Step #4:
Rest, Relaxation and Recovery: Finding Your Circle of Quiet

Dr. Fortanasce encourages patients to understand the detrimental effects of lack of sleep and chronic stress on the brain. For instance, he’s identified a link between snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and Alzheimer’s disease and explains the science that supports this link. He’s also found that people who are chronic worriers are twice as likely to develop some form of dementia. Even autopsy reports confirm the link between stress and dementia, showing fewer tentacles or dendrites linking the brain cells in people who were identified as being under chronic stress.

Patients are instructed in how to increase a spiritual awareness in their own lives. The importance of both religion and spirituality is explained with studies that link religion, prayer, meditation, and optimism with optimal health and less worry with aging. No matter what their belief system, all participants are instructed in how to increase a spiritual awareness in their own lives.