The Underlying Mechanisms of Alzheimer’s

Understanding and Addressing The Disease

As a graduate student, Natalie Ray witnessed Alzheimer’s disease rob her grandfather, Milford Cowling, of his life. The experience inspired her to put her education to task in helping others fight the devastating disease that affects so many.

Today, Natalie is an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse). She holds a master’s degree in Anesthesia and is a Board-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and licensed to practice and deliver treatments related to cellular medicine. Her team members at Re-Gen & Aesthetics Concierge of Texas are either RNs or APRNs with fields of specialty.

While there’s still no cure for Alzheimer’s, research continues into understanding its causes and developing more effective treatments. Natalie and her team at Re-Gen & Aesthetics Concierge of Texas lead the way. Their approach shirks current mainstream treatments that merely manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Uncovering the Root Causes

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with chronic brain inflammation (neuroinflammation), which contributes to the progression of the disease. Research documents that causes can include
oxidative stress, protein accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, vascular changes, tumor/cancer, environmental toxin exposure, mineral deficiencies, and viral or other pathogen
exposure.

“Neuroinflammation can be caused by various factors such as chronic stress, infections, traumatic brain injury, autoimmune reactions, and metabolic disorders. When the body’s natural defense and repair mechanisms are compromised, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is increased,” Natalie explains.

Natalie Ray

The Science Behind the Buildup of Abnormal Proteins in the Brain

Natalie went on to carefully explain the cycle of issues that eventually disrupt normal brain function and lead to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter in the brain that plays an important role in learning and memory. In Alzheimer’s disease, there is an imbalance in glutamate signaling, leading to cell damage caused by excessive stimulation of nerve cells.

When microglia are chronically activated, they can begin to attack the brain’s own tissues, resulting in neuronal damage. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to excess Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) causing oxidative stress. The oxidative stress damages DNA, proteins, and lipids. Cell damage accelerates the production of tau and amyloid, commonly referred to as “sticky proteins.”

Tau proteins form neurofibrillary tangles, twisted bundles of filaments found within neurons, while degenerating fragments of neurons and other cells combine to create amyloid plaques in the spaces between nerve cells. As these plaques accumulate, they disrupt nutrient transport across neurons, further compromising their function.

A weakened blood-brain barrier allows harmful molecules to infiltrate, leading to neuronal damage and cell death. This breakdown compromises the brain’s defense against pro-inflammatory chemicals, which can harm brain tissue and disrupt normal function. Additionally, reduced blood flow to the brain can result in hypoxia—a dangerous condition where tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen. Hypoxia can manifest through symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and bluish discoloration of the skin.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease illustration-Amyloid plaques are misfolded proteins aggregates between neurons
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
Glowing neurons signals.
Alzheimer’s Disease

How Do We Stop the Cycle that Leads to Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer's

“The current mainstream treatments manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but do not target the underlying causes of the disease,” Natalie says. “And these types of treatments often come with substantial side effects.”

Natalie and her team at Re-Gen & Aesthetics Concierge of Texas implement a multifaceted treatment approach to address the root causes of Alzheimer’s’ slow progression and provide neuroprotection in a safe and scientifically-proven way. All treatments are backed by clinical studies and cutting-edge scientific research while avoiding the potential side effects and safety concerns of traditional pharmaceutical approaches.

Treatment plans customized for disease prevention, early reversal, and slowing the progression

Ketamine

IV infusions are administered to reduce neuroinflammation, enhance neuroplasticity, and help regrow neurons and re-establish neuronal connections in key regions of the brain. Ketamine works by blocking the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain, which are involved in glutamate signaling. By modulating the NMDA receptor, ketamine may protect brain cells from damage and slow cognitive decline.

One of the more promising aspects of ketamine is its ability to promote neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new neural connections). Ketamine has been shown to increase the growth of dendritic spines (small protrusions on neurons where synapses are located). This could potentially counteract some of the neural degeneration seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

Selank and Semax

These nootropic peptides help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation and ROS in the brain. They have demonstrated positive results in supporting memory and cognitive performance, preventing tau tangles and amyloid plaque formation, and improving vascular health. Selank has been shown to stabilize mood, while Semax improves cognitive functions, attention, and memory.

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

As a daily oral therapy, LDN is inexpensive and well-tolerated. Naltrexone was approved for treatment of opioid addition by the FDA in 1984. LDN refers to daily does that are approximately 1/10 th of the typical dosage. At the low dose level,Naltrexone has been successful in treating fibromyalgia, a separate condition, but one that is also caused by chronic inflammation. In Alzheimer’s patients, LDN has shown to modulate immune response, reduce neuroinflammation, and enhance the brain’s ability to clear plaques and tangles.

Evidenced-based supplement support also includes:

Curcumin, Boswellia, Gotu Kola, Bupleurum: used to combat inflammation and oxidative stress, promote autophagy, and support neuroprotection.

L-Tyrosine, Velvet Bean, L-Theanine: used to boost neurotransmitter levels, particularly dopamine, and enhance cognitive performance while reducing inflammation.

Lion’s Mane, Lithium Orotate, Selenium, Iodine: used to promote neurogenesis, protect neurons, and reduce oxidative stress for improved brain health.

EPA/DHA (Omega-3s): to reduce neuro-inflammation and protect against amyloid-beta plaques.

Toxin Removal: supports the removal of environmental toxins, neurotoxic metals, and pathogens from the brain to further protect neural function.

To learn more, set up an in-person or virtual consultation by visiting ra-tx.com or calling 214-500-4540. The practice is conveniently located on Luther Lane between Douglas Avenue and Dallas North Tollway just south of Northwest Highway at 5944 Luther Lane Ste 915, Dallas, TX 75225.

Read another recent post on TheSavvyLife.com about a program offered by Re-Gen & Aesthetics Concierge of Texas to treat first responders and military suffering from PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Learn more about other local leaders in Alzheimer’s research including AWARE and its grant rcecipients, and the School of Behavioral and Brian Sciences at UTD.


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