Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's, a well-known neurodegenerative disease, has an alternative name that is often overlooked in medical discussions. It can be referred to as "type 3 diabetes," which represents the advanced stage of type 2 diabetes. In this stage, individuals develop insulin resistance specifically within the brain tissue. It is important to understand that brain cells are highly metabolically active, about 22 times more active than an average human cell. Their metabolic demands are significant, making them susceptible to various factors that can disrupt their functioning.

Several factors can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The first set of factors involves the deterioration of brain cell membranes due to the presence of inflammatory omega-6/trans fats, heavy metals, and biotoxins. These substances can impair the proper functioning of brain cells and potentially trigger an overreactive immune response. Once the brain cell membranes are compromised, the initial signs of Alzheimer's may begin to manifest.

Considering the brain's exceptional metabolic needs, it possesses self-protective mechanisms within the blood-brain barrier. However, these defenses can become overwhelmed by the aforementioned invaders, allowing them to penetrate the brain and cause damage. Additionally, certain proteins found in grains, such as gluten in wheat and gliadins in corn, have been hypothesized to cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to the development of Alzheimer's. Many grains contain proteins that can trigger an immune cascade, leading to the production of antibodies.

To understand the relative importance of these contributing factors, it is necessary to rank them based on their magnitude of impact. In order to do so, we must first establish a clear question: What is Alzheimer's? At its core, Alzheimer's involves a breakdown in glucose metabolism and/or transport to the brain. So, what is responsible for this collapse in the brain's glucose metabolism?

The leading factors contributing to the disruption of glucose metabolism in the brain can be ranked as follows:

1. Imbalance in Omega-3 EPA DHA and Omega-6: The modern diet is characterized by a significantly higher consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids found in foods and vegetable oils. This has resulted in a ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 intake of approximately 20:1, whereas historically, the ratio was closer to 1:1. By restoring a more balanced ratio, such as 4:1 or 2:1, the risk of Alzheimer's could be significantly reduced.

2. Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier: The blood-brain barrier, which acts as a protective barrier for the brain, can be compromised, allowing toxins to enter the brain and potentially disrupt glucose metabolism. Identifying and addressing factors that compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier is crucial in preventing Alzheimer's.

3. Impaired Glut1 Transporter: The Glut1 transporter is responsible for transferring glucose from the bloodstream into the brain. When this transporter is no longer properly anchored to the healthy blood-brain barrier, glucose transport to the brain can be compromised, leading to metabolic dysfunction.

4. Type 2 Diabetes: Individuals with type 2 diabetes face twice the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Managing and preventing type 2 diabetes through lifestyle interventions and proper medical care can play a significant role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's.

5. APOE4 Allele Status: The presence of the APOE4 allele, a genetic variant, can increase the risk of Alzheimer's. Carrying one allele can raise the risk by approximately 2 to 3 times, while having two alleles can increase the risk up to 10 times. Understanding one's genetic predisposition can help in implementing preventive measures.

In summary, Alzheimer's disease, also known as type 3 diabetes, represents an advanced stage of type 2 diabetes that specifically affects the brain due to insulin resistance. Factors such as an imbalance in Omega-3 and Omega-6, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, impaired Glut1 transporter, type 2 diabetes, and APOE4 allele status all contribute to the collapse of glucose metabolism in the brain, ultimately leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. By addressing these factors and implementing preventive measures, the risk of Alzheimer's can be significantly reduced.