Alzheimer’s Disease - There Is a Lot That Can Be Done!
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. In the early stages, the change is subtle, but it is often missed and attributed to fatigue, age, and other “excuses.”
מחלת אלצהיימר - יש הרבה מה לעשות!
מחלת אלצהיימר היא הדמנציה השכיחה ביותר. בשלבים המוקדמים השינוי הוא עדין, אולם לרב מתפספס ומשוייך לעייפות, גיל ותירוצים נוספים:)
In most cases, the symptoms will develop gradually and may be expressed in one or more of the following ways: forgetting new information, repeating questions, difficulty retrieving words, reduced concentration, or confusion about time or familiar places. It is important to understand whether there has been a change from the previous state and whether we are losing abilities we once had. The longer we wait, the condition will worsen and additional functions will be affected. This may take years, but the earlier we diagnose and treat, the greater our chances of significantly influencing the course of the disease.
Until a few years ago, people said, “There is nothing that can be done.” However, today there are various treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. The most researched “non-pharmacological” treatment in recent years, and one that has shown improvement in patients with Alzheimer’s, is the “Bredesen Protocol,” named after Dr. Dale Bredesen (Dale Bredesen, MD, Apollo Health), an American neurologist and Alzheimer’s disease researcher for over 30 years.
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The protocol is based on a comprehensive assessment designed to identify reversible risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and treat them in order to improve brain and physical function, and to slow, delay, or stop the disease, depending on the patient’s condition. In addition, the protocol addresses lifestyle in an optimal way, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal deficiencies, and environmental changes such as exposure to mold, heavy metals, or chronic infections (including COVID). Dr. Karin Elman-Shina is the first neurologist in Israel to have completed the training by Dr. Bredesen and is listed among the practitioners on his website, and today she mainly treats using this approach.
It should be noted that there are also medications for Alzheimer’s disease today (Leqembi, Kisunla), unlike in previous years. When they are given to suitable patients (according to medical criteria), they are able to slow the progression of the disease to a certain extent and for a certain period of time. Unfortunately, they still do not improve the condition, they also have side effects, and they are not included in the health basket. There is no reason not to combine the Bredesen treatment protocol with pharmacological treatment. In any case, treatment will always be personalized.
Our Approach
Personalized Neurology is an approach that combines neurological-cognitive assessment with a broad view of the many factors that affect the brain, ranging from lifestyle, habits, genetics, and environment. At the clinic, we integrate all of the patient’s data (questioning and various tests) in order to obtain a “systemic assessment” and a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan.
Unlike the conventional approach, where the goal is to diagnose the disease, find the appropriate medication, and improve the symptoms we experience, in the ‘Personalized Neurology’ approach, the goal is to improve brain and body health, treat the causes of the symptoms, and thereby prevent deterioration and additional problems, so that the patient becomes healthier.
The emphasis is on preventing diseases, and preventing deterioration when symptoms are already present. Because a healthier brain is necessarily less diseased and experiences fewer symptoms.
In this approach, we place emphasis on:
Identifying reversible factors that may affect brain function, such as lifestyle, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal deficiencies, and harmful environmental exposures, with the aim of treating them and changing the balance.
Advanced (functional) tests aimed at identifying these factors (such as tests to assess exposure to mold, heavy metals, microbiome function, and more).
A personalized treatment plan based on the medical and environmental background, cognitive, physical, and mental health status, and the various test results.
Preventing deterioration and additional symptoms through a multi-system approach that goes beyond focused treatment.
בגישה הזו אנו שמים דגש על:
01
זיהוי גורמים הפיכים שעשויים להשפיע על התפקוד המוחי, כמו אורחות חיים, חסרים תזונתיים, חסרים הורמונליים וחשיפות סביבתיות מזיקות, במטרה לטפל בהם ולשנות את המאזן.
02
בדיקות מתקדמות (פונקציונליות) שמטרתן למצוא את הגורמים האלו (כמו בדיקות להערכת חשיפה לעובש, מתכות כבדות, תפקוד המיקרוביום ועוד).
03
תכנית טיפול מותאמת אישית על בסיס הרקע הרפואי והסביבתי, המצב הרפואי הקוגניטיבי, הגופני והנפשי והבדיקות השונות.
04
מניעת החמרה ותסמינים נוספים, על ידי טיפול רב מערכתי, מעבר לטיפול הממוקד.
אין “תוכנית אחת לכולם”.
התהליך מותאם לאדם, על בסיס הנתונים שלו והמטרה שלו.
Recommendations from the Clinic
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
In some cases, there is a genetic influence. One of the most extensively studied genes is APOE, which may affect the risk of developing the disease as well as certain aspects of its treatment. However, it is important to understand: genetics is only part of the picture.
The genetic makeup cannot be changed — but environmental factors and lifestyle can be influenced, and they play a significant role in brain function and in the progression of the process. At the clinic, emphasis is placed on identifying modifiable risk factors — such as sleep, nutrition, stress, inflammation, and habits — based on the understanding that they affect gene expression (epigenetics) and brain function. Therefore, in many cases, despite heredity, there is a great deal that can be done.
If We Have Already Been Recommended Medications, Is It Still Worth Coming?
Yes. Medication can be an important part of the process, but in most cases it focuses on managing the symptoms rather than identifying their causes. At the clinic, we examine whether there are additional factors affecting brain function — such as sleep, stress, nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, overload, and habits — and how they can be addressed in a targeted way.
The goal is to build a personalized, evidence-based, and precise plan that will improve cognitive and overall functioning — sometimes alongside medication, and sometimes beyond it.
What Is the Difference Between “Normal Forgetfulness” and Something That Requires Evaluation?
Occasional forgetfulness can be natural, for example if I forgot a name and remembered it later. But when there is repetition, difficulty retaining new information over time, difficulty retrieving words, confusion about time or places, or a change in personality or daily functioning, it is recommended to undergo an evaluation as early as possible. The longer we wait, the lower the chance of improvement.
Can Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Be Improved or Stopped?
In many cases, yes. There are currently many studies that have demonstrated cognitive improvement through lifestyle changes, treatment of chronic conditions, and the use of supplements/medications. There is no single solution that guarantees a cure. However, when chronic problems are identified and the relevant factors are treated, the body’s function usually improves. In this approach, we are not looking for a treatment for the disease, but rather a treatment for the body, neutralizing harmful factors and enhancing physical function.
Is It Recommended to Come with a Family Member?
Sometimes it is very helpful, both to provide additional information and to create support in implementing the recommendations (for example, dietary changes). However, it is also possible to start alone, depending on the situation.
In Summary
If there is a concern about changes in memory or functioning, or if a diagnosis has already been made and you want to understand all the options available to you (including beyond medication), it is advisable to come for an initial consultation, during which we identify the relevant factors and guide the evaluation and treatment accordingly.
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