Maybe I have finally figured this disease out

Lane Simonian

I have been trying to figure out Alzheimer's disease for nearly twenty years.  It comes down to this very simple observation:

"The inflammatory mediator peroxynitrite, when generated in excess, may damage cells by oxidizing and nitrating cellular components. Defense against this reactive species may be at the level of prevention of the formation of peroxynitrite, at the level of interception, or at the level of repair of damage caused by peroxynitrite."

Every treatment that slows down the production of peroxynitrite slows down the progression of Alzheimer's disease, but only those treatments which scavenge peroxynitrite and reverse part of the damage it does to the brain largely stabilizes Alzheimer's disease over long periods of time.

Here is a good example, Aricept/donepezil slows down oxidative stress by inhibiting the release of intracellular calcium and Namenda reduces oxidative stress by inhibiting NMDA receptors but both work much better with compounds that also scavenge peroxynitrite and repair part of the damage that it does to the brain:

Adding Chinese herbal medicine to conventional therapy brings cognitive benefits to patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a retrospective analysis

"MMSE change in groups with or without herbal medicine. a Patients with Alzheimer’s disease had a transient improvement in cognitive function with conventional therapy (CT), but declined to a level similar to no treatment after 18 months. CT supplemented with herbal medicine (CT + H) provided additional benefit. The effect from herbal medicines became more pronounced over time. Expected decline of MMSE were calculated by formula produced from previous data. b In subgroup analysis, patients with moderate AD (red lines) were initially more responsive to both CT + H and CT therapies than mild AD (blue lines) patients. Over the course of treatment, CT + H outperformed CT therapy, a substantial deceleration in cognitive decline being observed in patients with moderate AD, while a long-term stabilization effect being observed in the patients with mild AD. MMSE denotes mini-mental state examination."

A number of other examples of this exist.  For instance, compounds in panax ginseng that not only slow down the production of peroxynitrite but also scavenge it and reverse part of its damage led to improvements in cognitive function at 24 weeks that were sustained for two years.  Anavex 2-73 which like Aricept inhibits peroxynitrite formation by reducing the release of intracellular calcium, but unlike Aricept acts as a direct antioxidant largely stabilized cognitive function for three years.  The evidence for other treatments that do the same thing is more short-term but includes aromatherapy and GV-971 (a drug derived from brown algae).

The multiple failures in Alzheimer's drug development was not due to the intractable nature of the disease, it was due to efforts that nibbled around the edges of the disease rather than attacking its core.

RIM

What products should I purchase to try aromatherapy for my 93 yr, MCI, father.  I’m aware you are a strong advocate for aromatherapy.

Lane Simonian

The following essential oils are good for cognition: rosemary, clove, lemon balm, bay laurel, oregano, thyme, and sage.  Lavender, rose, sweet orange, patchouli, and chamomile help with relaxation and sleep at night.  Direct inhalation (a few seconds under each nostril a day) seems to work best for the stimulating essential oils whereas a diffuser can be used for the more relaxing ones.

I have received and heard reports that some people with Alzheimer's disease see an increase in blood pressure and anxiety from some of the more stimulating oils (especially from rosemary and clove).  So this is something to be monitored.  But as a whole, essential oils via aromatherapy have a very good safety profile.

Cyndisaunt

I love essential oils (EO) and have found that replacing my LO's perfume with an essential oil works well for her. She wears a few different EOs on her pulse points. 

If she is having sleep interuption I will drop a few drops on her pillow. 

I have also found some EO blends are really nice. I found this parasympathetic blend has shown to work for calming and smells lovely. If you have not stumbled upon Vibrant Blue Oils check it out... my doctor told me about it when my son was young to help us all sleep. 

https://shop.vibrantblueoils.com/product/parasympathetic-essential-oil/

There is a huge difference in quality of essential oils so if you are going to apply to skin be sure to purchase from a trusted source. Or find a local herbalist or Naturopathic doctor to get a recommendation. 

One word of caution, leaving a diffuser running all day everyday is not recommended. Similar to running a humidifier in your house all day. 20 minutes of diffused oils then fresh air is the best combination. 

Oh, and test the oil before adding to skin as I have had an itchy rash reaction to some oils that contact flower essences. 

Hugs to you all! 

Cyndi

Cyndisaunt

Thank you, Lane... this was really interesting. I am going to share this with my Naturopath. My LO has dementia from a stroke, so I am curious if this applies or if this is specific only to Alzheimer's. I have only started reading more and asking more questions as I see the changes in my LO. 

I feel so fortunate to have found this message board and all of you!

Cyndi

Lane Simonian

Thank you for all this valuable information, Cyndi.  I will be curious to hear what your Naturopath has to say, but essential oils via aromatherapy may help with dementia due to stroke in part because they reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and increase blood flow in the brain.  

Yes, don't run a diffuser all day.  Some essential oils need to be mixed with a carrier oil to avoid rashes and skin burns (I once accidentally dropped a bit of oregano essential oil on my skin and it really stung).  Also it is better to buy the blends than to try to mix the oils yourself; the latter can lead to a real bad smell in your home.

For those of you who are trying this or want to try it, if you feel comfortable doing so, let me know the results.  I have received a number of reports over the years (some from this site) including more engaged and more aware of surroundings to more agitated and restive.   The use of aromatherapy in various care facilities has produced good results overall and my experience with it was very positive for my mother with Alzheimer's disease (fewer delusions, more awareness and alertness, better sense of time and place). 

Best wishes to you and your loved one, Cyndi.