Is Alzheimer's Preventable?

I came across this article and thought it was especially poignant to discuss. I know many of my patients are caring for parents and/or loved ones struggling with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive decline. We talk about it a lot in the clinic. It’s not just disheartening and sad to see a parent decline over time but it’s the stark realization of almost ‘losing’ someone you knew so dearly. Like the person you love is changing to someone you don’t recognize. 

Understandably, the patient will often ask if there’s anything that can be done? At the very least, perhaps, there’s something the patient can do to prevent a similar outcome for them. 

This article investigated the common explanation of ‘plaques’ developing in the brain that causes brain activity and neuronal function to ‘misfire’, thus causing a progressive worsening in memory, function and even behaviour. The culprit being an excess of ‘Beta-Amyloid’ protein accumulation in the brain. 

It is good to see that there continues to be research done on other possible explanations for Alzheimers or at least, other possible factors. This article highlights one of those research avenues. (If you’d like to read the original article, just follow the link here: https://theconversation.com/alzheimers-might-not-be-primarily-a-brain-disease-a-new-theory-suggests-its-an-autoimmune-condition-189047?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=bylinecopy_url_button

Is Alzheimer’s an auto-immune disease? This article highlights a direction of research that possibly considers the accumulation of Beta-amyloid in the brain as a function of your body trying to fight off an infection. However, doing it in a way that normal, healthy brain cells are also attacked. Looked at it from this perspective, perhaps the key is to focus on our immune function and find ways to optimize this factor for the entirety of our lives. 

I want to present some beginning signs of Alzheimer’s and I’ll finish off with actionable steps we all can take now to possibly prevent this in the future.

1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

What's a typical age-related change?Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in Planning or Problem Solving 

Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What's a typical age-related change?Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.

3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks

People living with memory changes from Alzheimer's or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What's a typical age-related change?Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.

This is just a brief list of signs, but ones that loved ones will notice. 

Now from my research and experience related to this topic, I see many patients who are very interested in discussing longevity. Not just of physical health but of also cognitive and mental health. 

Incorporating, established research on communities around the world that are known for low rates of Alzheimers in spite of long life spans, I see a common theme emerging and it has to do with diet. Or what’s been commonly referred to as the “Blue Zone” diet. These diets seem to be very good at limiting or reducing inflammation in the body but also have been shown to promote healthy digestive bacteria in the gut. 

These diets are very high in beans, fish, vegetables, fats, nuts and limited animal meat and proteins. What is stark is that all of these diets are very low in processed foods. Blue zone diets, if you really examine them are all relatively fresh foods. Items that even in a refrigerator, would not last very long.

As an aside, for anyone who has travelled to countries outside of North America will attest to, the refrigerators in other countries are very small. Tiny compared to North American standards. Which is a clear indication that these communities and thriving on very fresh food. People in a lot of these places are literally shopping for food daily. 

As they say, this is absolutely ‘food for thought’. So the moral of today’s story is that although an unforgiving foe as Alzheimer’s may currently be life altering for loved ones close to those afflicted, perhaps this article might give some solace and a starting point in addressing this issue for the future. 

As always, if there’s anything the team could help you with, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Yours in health, 

Peakform Team.

Waking Up to Pee?.....Early Signs of Diabetes

This one, again goes in the category of significant discussions that occur fairly frequently in our clinics and it’s entirely based on a simple question; “How’s your sleep?”. 

Most commonly, I see it more in the male population. So for the guys out there (or the people who care for them), please take note. So addressing the, How’s your sleep? Question, the response is often quite innocent. The usual reply is, “not so good lately.”. 

From there, I inquire further and ask the patient to explain. The response is telling. The patient explains they’ve noticed the need to wake up from their sleep to pee. Often more than once a night, when before, the patient was able to sleep through without issues. Upon further questioning, the patient also often admits that they’ve been feeling lethargic, thirsty, hungry, irritable, moody or similar odd symptoms. 

So if this is happening to you or someone you love, please take note that these may be early warning signs of Diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition related to irregular usage or production of insulin. In other words, your body is not likely not interacting with insulin like it should. Now, as many of you are aware the prevalence of Diabetes has only been steadily increasing with time but it can be effectively managed with the appropriate lifestyle changes and guidance. From our offices, we then advise the patient to refer back to their family doctor for some simple blood tests to confirm. The moral of the story with Diabetes or a list of other issues is always early detection. 

Here’s some other early symptoms of Diabetes;

1. Frequent Urination

One of the earliest and most common signs of diabetes is frequent urination, medically known as polyuria. High blood sugar levels force the kidneys to work overtime to filter the excess glucose from the blood, which leads to an increase in urine production. If you notice that you’re visiting the bathroom much more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like increased thirst.

2. Increased Thirst

If you find yourself feeling unusually thirsty all the time, it might be a sign of high blood sugar. This condition, called polydipsia, occurs because excessive urination causes dehydration. Your body compensates for the lost fluids by triggering the sensation of extreme thirst. It’s important to recognize that while thirst is common in hot weather, constant and unrelenting thirst should not be ignored, particularly if it’s coupled with frequent urination.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

While it may seem counterintuitive, significant weight loss is another early sign of diabetes, particularly in Type 1 diabetes. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, it starts breaking down fat and muscle tissue for energy. This leads to weight loss, even if you haven’t changed your diet or exercise routine. If you notice unexplained weight loss, it could be an early warning sign of diabetes, and it’s worth seeking medical advice.

4. Fatigue

Feeling tired or fatigued is a common symptom of diabetes. When the body is unable to properly use or store glucose for energy, you may experience persistent tiredness, even after a full night’s sleep. Fatigue may also occur due to dehydration caused by frequent urination or as a result of the body’s struggle to convert glucose into energy. If you’re finding that you’re consistently exhausted, it’s important to assess other symptoms and consult a healthcare professional.

5. Blurred Vision

High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the fluid levels in your eyes, which affects your vision. This may result in blurred vision or difficulty focusing. If blood sugar levels remain high for a prolonged period, it could lead to more severe eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy, which can result in permanent vision loss. If you notice blurred vision, it’s a good idea to have your eyes checked and, more importantly, have your blood sugar levels tested.

6. Slow-Healing Cuts and Infections

People with diabetes often experience poor circulation, which can slow the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections. If you find that cuts, scrapes, or infections are taking longer than usual to heal, this could be a sign of diabetes. Additionally, high blood sugar can impair your immune system’s function, making it more difficult to fight off infections.

7. Tingling or Numbness in Hands or Feet

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a common complication of long-term diabetes. Early on, you might notice tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation in your hands or feet. This symptom occurs because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that nourish your nerves, leading to poor circulation and nerve issues. This sensation, also known as diabetic neuropathy, is often worse in the feet and hands but can occur anywhere in the body.

8. Increased Hunger

When blood sugar levels are high, the body’s cells are unable to absorb glucose for energy. This results in a feeling of constant hunger, known as polyphagia. Your body signals hunger in an attempt to get more glucose, but because it cannot utilize the glucose properly, the feeling persists. If you find that you’re always hungry, even after eating a full meal, it might be worth checking your blood sugar levels.

Please don’t ignore these early warning signs. But also, it goes to show how a clinic like Peakform and our practitioners can make a huge impact on your quality of life. 

If you have questions or need to visit us, we’re ready to help!

Yours in health. 

The Peakform Team.

Is Menopause Just Around the Corner? Things to consider

So this topic may seem, on the surface, a little odd coming from a Chiropractor and a wellness clinic. However, it actually speaks to the wholistic care we offer at Peakform. Let me explain.

During every patient visit, we get to 'catch up' with our patients and see how things have been for them. Invariably, we also explore the topic of sleep and rest. Here is the gem for people to consider, your sleep can signal issues with your overall health. Especially if a patient notices they have been having poor sleep for an unusual amount of time.

Often times, a female patient might complain of;

1) Difficulties getting to sleep.

2) Difficulties Staying asleep

3) Discomfort while sleeping. Not pain mind you but feeling warm, hot. General unease.

4) Changes in sleep and energy not noticed before.

What we've also noticed is that even with female patients still in their 30's, after the common issues and causes have been explored, the discussion can often gradually includes hormonal health. Sometimes we even bring up the possibility of Peri-menopause for our patients still in their 30's.

Here are some other things to consider when discussing peri-menopause.

Perimenopause, often referred to as the menopausal transition, is the time when a woman’s body gradually shifts towards menopause. This period is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels—primarily estrogen and progesterone—which can lead to a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Menopause is confirmed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, but the symptoms of perimenopause can begin years before that point.

Understanding the early signs of perimenopause allows women to manage symptoms more effectively and make informed decisions about their health. It can also help differentiate these symptoms from other medical conditions that might require attention.

1. Irregular Periods: The Most Common Early Sign

One of the earliest and most common signs of perimenopause is a change in menstrual cycles. This could mean shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter flow, or even skipped periods. These irregularities occur due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels as the ovaries gradually decrease hormone production.

2. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Unmistakable Warning Signs

Hot flashes and night sweats are hallmark symptoms of perimenopause, affecting up to 75% of women during this transition. These sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushed skin, are triggered by hormonal fluctuations that affect the body’s temperature regulation system.

3. Mood Swings and Emotional Changes: The Overlooked Sign

Perimenopause can significantly impact mood due to fluctuating estrogen levels, which influence serotonin—a key neurotransmitter for mood regulation. Women may experience increased irritability, anxiety, depression, or mood swings similar to those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Good news is there are some helpful and effective strategies that can help a woman manage the symptoms and navigate this transition.

Often is starts with a referral to their family doctor for more blood work. From there co managing with other health care providers becomes very possible.

Speak to us if you have more questions!

Yours in health!

The Peakform Team.