Alzheimer's

When Alois Alzheimer, a German neuropathologist, examined brain tissue taken from a 51-year-old woman who had been suffering from depression, hallucinations and finally dementia which progressed over a 5-year period, he named the neurological condition Alzheimer's disease. Under the microscope, the brain tissue revealed a clumping and entanglement of the neurofibrils in the cerebral cortex. Another pathologist, Dr. Perusini, also described the same pathology in another group of patients who experienced the same symptoms.

As of today, the cause of this neurological condition has remained unknown. Many theories have been proposed but to no avail. It has been thought by some that aluminum, which is found in many antacids, may be a contributing factor, but that has been dismissed. It has also been suggested that the condition may be related to certain viruses and bacteria. As of this date, this has not been proven. Environmental toxins have also been considered, but this still remains questionable. Theories of nutritional deficiencies of vitamin E, magnesium and other trace elements have proven to be unfounded.

Just this week, President Ronal Reagan expired after a 12-year bout with Alzheimer's disease. Certainly, he was a smart and celebrated president. His presidency experienced some good and bad times; however, no one is perfect. As he often said, "I'll do my best." It is known, however, that he was also addicted to eating jellybeans, which leads me to think that something in those beans could actually cause a jelly brain.

The other day, I picked up a bag of jellybeans in a grocery store and read the ingredients. It was unbelievable, the amount of chemicals found in these multicolored candy treats. The dyes used to color the beans are innumerable. Many colorings in foods have been found to be toxic at certain levels. If a diet is made of these candies, I am sure that toxic levels in the body, affecting brain tissue, can be reached.

Dr. Benjamin Feingold demonstrated many years ago, how artificial dyes and food colorings can affect the brains of children, causing them to have many neurological deficiencies. In fact, it has been demonstrated recently that the blood flow in the brains of nutritionally deprived children have the same flow found in Alzheimer's patients. Children who are nutritionally deprived demonstrate neurological and behavioral characteristics similar to those with Alzheimer's disease.

Over the years, I have been suggesting that the high fructose, dye-laden drinks served up in the African American communities are also giving our children behavioral problems. This drink is known as "quarter water," because it costs a quarter and takes the place of water. It will be interesting to see ultimately how this drink will affect the brains of these children as they grow older.

At the present time, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease; however, there are drugs that seemingly slow down its progression. It has been reported that the herb ginkgo biloba has shown some promise. Other drugs, such as Tacrine, Donepezil and Rivastigmine, also have been shown to decrease symptoms. These drugs should be prescribed by your family physician.

Finally, I am not drawing any conclusion as to how President Reagan acquired Alzheimer's disease, but the chemicals in jellybeans may be a clue in causing a jelly brain. It would be interesting to see the pathology of the tissues taken from his brain. Again, jellybeans may be all right, occasionally, but could lead to toxic levels of chemicals that affect neurological functioning.

It is extremely important that at the first signs of Alzheimer's disease, the patient should be diagnosed and treated aggressively in order for them to have a quality of life.

Last updated Jan 4/07