<p>In this episode, Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, a Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology & Toxicology, explains the vascular hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease which says the central problem is a progressive neuronal energy crisis of impaired blood flow to the brain and impaired mitochondrial respiration. He walks us through the ways we can intervene in this process and also shares details of the exciting future of Alzheimer's treatment and prevention.</p> <p>We discuss:</p> <ul> <li>Background and interest in the brain [<a href="">5:15</a>];</li> <li>The unique nature of the human brain [<a href="">9:15</a>];</li> <li>Why we've made so little progress in Alzheimer's research [<a href="">23:00</a>];</li> <li>The amyloid beta hypothesis [28:30];</li> <li>Hypometabolism in the brain leading to cognitive decline [39:30];</li> <li>Early signs of AD, and deciphering between age-related decline versus something pathologic [47:45];</li> <li>The vascular hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease [54:00];</li> <li>The relationship between mitochondria, cytochrome c oxidase, and Alzheimer's disease [<a href="">1:08:00</a>];</li> <li>Chronic inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase leads to chronic neurodegenerative disease [1:22:45];</li> <li>Major risk factors for AD, head trauma, and other forms of dementia [1:33:45];</li> <li>Methylene blue for treating and preventing neurodegeneration [1:38:15];</li> <li>Current standard of care for AD, and the reasons for a lack of advancement [2:01:45];</li> <li>Near infrared light as a targeted treatment for cognitive decline [2:05:30];</li> <li>The ketogenic diet as a treatment and preventative measure [2:13:15];</li> <li>Exciting future research coming from Francisco [<a href="">2:23:00</a>];</li> <li>Methylene blue for traumatic brain injuries [2:25:15]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p> <span> Learn more at <a href="http://www.peterattiamd.com/"><span><u>www.PeterAttiaMD.com</u></span></a></span></p> <p> <span>Connect with Peter on <a href=""> <span> <u>Facebook</u></span></a> | <a href=""> <span> <u>Twitter</u></span></a> | <a href=""> <span> <u>Instagram</u></span></a>.</span></p>
Actionable Insights
1. Adopt Ketogenic Diet/Ketones
Adopt a ketogenic diet or supplement with exogenous ketones to provide an alternative, uncompromised energy source for the brain, especially as glucose uptake declines with age and insulin resistance develops.
2. Practice Periodic Fasting
Practice periodic fasting (e.g., 14-16 hours once a week) to upregulate ketogenic enzymes, enabling the body to use its own fat for energy and reduce hunger between meals.
3. Optimize Blood Pressure
Control high blood pressure, aiming for a systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg, to prevent chronic brain hypoperfusion and related cognitive decline.
4. Improve Cardiovascular Health
Actively work to improve overall cardiovascular health, as any improvements in heart and arterial circulation directly benefit brain health and help prevent dementia.
5. Avoid Brain Trauma
Protect your brain from generalized trauma, including repetitive head impacts, as these can lead to forms of dementia by affecting midbrain and upper brain stem function.
6. Facilitate Mitochondrial Respiration
Seek ways to facilitate mitochondrial respiration, as its compromise is a likely common denominator for various forms of dementia and can be a key intervention point.
7. Consider Low-Dose Methylene Blue
Explore low-concentration methylene blue as it can act as an electron cycler to enhance mitochondrial respiration and has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models and improved memory in human studies.
8. Ensure Methylene Blue Purity
If considering methylene blue, ensure it is pharmaceutical quality (USP grade) to avoid toxic impurities like lead, mercury, and cadmium found in lower grades.
9. Explore Near-Infrared Light Therapy
Investigate transcranial near-infrared light therapy, which uses specific wavelengths (e.g., 1064 nm) to photo-oxidize cytochrome oxidase and enhance mitochondrial respiration in the brain.
10. Exercise During Fasting
Incorporate exercise during fasting periods to accelerate the consumption of circulating glucose, further enhancing the body’s ability to build ketogenic enzymes.
11. Methylene Blue for Chemotherapy
For individuals undergoing chemotherapy, consider methylene blue administration before or during treatment to protect the brain from drug-induced mitochondrial respiration side effects.
12. Methylene Blue for Acute Insults
In emergency situations involving acute brain insults like stroke or traumatic brain injury, low-concentration intravenous methylene blue (1 mg/kg) may offer neuroprotection.
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