By Joanne Reid Rodrigues
ALZHEIMER’S disease is one of the leading causes of death, globally. It’s a devastating condition for the sufferer, and is often called the beholder’s disease, as it affects the entire family. Lockdown was a catastrophe for people with dementia and for their families; and since lockdown, rates of people being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have continued increasing.
Like many of you, I have personal experience of caring for a loved one with this devastating condition. My beloved mother was in her early 50s when she was diagnosed, though she’d been showing symptoms for a couple of years before that. Back around 1990, Alzheimer’s wasn’t a household name. Most folks had never heard of it. As a family, we couldn’t know just how rapidly it would progress in our mother, causing an emotional landslide for us all.
My dad was devoted to my mum’s care. And my sister and I became primary carers also. My mum was just 61 when she died. During those years, my outlook and the entire trajectory of my life changed.
More than 30 years have passed since my mum’s diagnosis. Many theories about the cause of Alzheimer’s have been debated. Having more than a keen interest, I’ve read a great deal over the years. I’ve never been tested to see if I have the gene that increases my own likelihood of developing dementia. To be honest, I’d rather not know. And while there’s a shortlist of factors that contribute to getting the disease, there’s one I urge everyone to consider.
I strongly believe there’s a link with chronic stress and low levels of B vitamins – specifically B12, B6, B1 and folate.
People with Alzheimer’s have a build-up of amyloid protein in their brain. Amyloid sticks to neurons – brain cells – causing plaques and preventing the neurons from communicating with one another or issuing commands to other parts of the body. In time, someone with Alzheimer’s has more trouble finding the right words and finishing sentences. They typically become withdrawn. In the early stages, those around them might wonder if they’re depressed.
Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s can stop speaking entirely and have difficulty swallowing, walking or moving.
Chronic stress elevates our levels of an amino acid called homocysteine. Our body produces homocysteine when it metabolises another amino acid called methionine. High homocysteine levels put us at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and a build-up of amyloid in the brain. Vitamin B12, B6 and folate help to keep our homocysteine levels low. A deficiency in these vitamins can result in higher levels of homocysteine.
B vitamins need to be replenished regularly. There are various reasons why people might be low in B vitamins. Some have a genetic malabsorption of B vitamins. Regular alcohol consumption or alcoholism inhibits the absorption of nutrients.
Post bariatric surgery, nutrient absorption is reduced. Restricted diets or eating disorders (especially laxative dependent) cause deficiencies; and food allergies or intolerances that make it essential to eliminate certain foods can be a reason too.
But here’s the thing: chronic stress depletes our B vitamins while simultaneously elevating homocysteine. This combination is a high-risk factor.
Lifestyle interventions such as regular walking and exercising the circulatory system, quitting alcohol (or drinking very little infrequently), quitting smoking and eliminating ultra-processed foods make a real difference.
Yet, one of the most important interventions is stress management. Therapy to deal with childhood trauma – or a recent traumatic or stressful event – can help diffuse emotional turmoil or anger. Adverse childhood experiences have lasting effects on health and our ability to trust and interact with others.
Work-induced stress, whether due to a heavy workload, or bullying, or conflict with colleagues takes a tremendous toll on our health. For any type of stress issue, alcohol is a flawed and dangerous coping mechanism.
Acquiring tools that alleviate stress and gaining more peace can be the most powerful preventative medicine. Stress management is key to health.
It was during my mum’s illness that I discovered mindfulness for the first time. It took me on a life-enhancing (and probably life-saving) path.
As vegetarians, my husband Zak and I take B12 supplements three or four times a week. Tests have shown that I don’t absorb B12 well at all. Neither did my lovely mum. Sometimes I take B12 on its own, and sometimes as part of a B complex supplement (B1, B3, B6 and folate are also important for the brain).
Some foods containing B vitamins include lentils, oatmeal, potatoes, black beans (and other beans), nuts, seeds, avocado, green vegetables, peas, cottage cheese, tuna, chicken and eggs.
Turmeric is proven to reduce systemic inflammation and is thought to reduce amyloid plaques – add it to food preparation together with ground black pepper. The compound piperine in pepper activates the anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric. Curcumin – the orange compound in the root of the turmeric plant – is a powerful antioxidant. Available in supplements, curcuminoids are excellent for the gut microbiome, the brain, and the cells of the body.
The old adage, “use it or lose it” is right. We need to use our brain. Learning new skills and having a purpose keeps us inspired. It’s OK to retire from a job, but never retire from life.
Last year, I read that one sign of cognitive decline was not being able to park your car inside straight lines. I decided I’d park mindfully and put every effort into practising straight parking.
At one venue where I teach my classes, the parking spaces run diagonally, with tight room for manoeuvre. A perfect test. I chuckled when one of my male clients praised me on my apparently “perfect” parking. Little did he know I’d made it my life’s mission to park my car perfectly straight that day. I must remember to keep that up.
It’s been 27 years since my lovely mother died. I’ve thought of her and loved her each and every day. Her love was God’s gift to us.
Life is fleeting. Learning to relax more, laugh more and simplifying our lives are positive health investments.
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Joanne Reid Rodrigues is the founder of Slimming Together, an author, trainer and therapist in nutrition, CBT, PTSD, and stress management. Joanne is available for workplace stress management sessions and private coaching at Health Point Clinic, Suite 2.4B, The Lido Medical Centre. She can be contacted via her website: JoanneRR.com.
