This part of my review is an update. My opinion of this book has changed. While a lot of my review is still accurate, and I based it on just diet and lifestyle changes without any products or services, Bredesen has turned his focus to unproven products and methods that are very expensive and do not seem to be beneficial. In other words, a lot of hogwash. Instead, I now highly recommend The Alzheimer's Solution by Drs Dean and Ayesha Sherzai. Unlike Bredesen's study of just 10 people, the Sherzais have studied thousands of participants over many years and are respected around the globe. There are no controversies with their program. Alzheimers cannot be cured. But it can be prevented or pushed back so we can enjoy life longer. Their program does not require the use of supplements or tests that prove nothing, like the Bredesen Protocol. It's all about lifestyle changes. Nutrition. Exercise. Stress reduction. Good sleep. And optimizing the brain through various techniques such as learning new skills. You can find all of their advice online for free or get their book. Also, Dr Sanjay Gupta has a book, Keep Sharp, that is very similar to what the Sherzais teach. Get either or both. But don't buy the Bredesen Protocol.
I am hesitant to update my star rating just yet because it might make my review fall off the first page and I want people to read this. Please look for an alternative program.
Original review is below
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My mother, and roommate, has frontal lobe dementia and, they believe, Alzheimers. Watching her decline has been heart wrenching, and I'm constantly trying to find ways to make her life better. I worry not only about Mom, but about myself. I believe that I am on the same path.
I first heard of the Bredesen Protocal last winter, when Maria Shriver discussed it on the Today Show. I quickly researched it as much as possible, but info was limited. I had a feeling a book was forthcoming, so I anxiously awaited it's release. I was worried The End of Alzheimer's would contain too much technical information that I might not be able to understand. I was very happy to see that it was written in a casual format that intentionally makes it easier for the rest of us. The details are clear, the tone is casual, and it's easy to follow.
As I read through this book, I was surprised by how many points were familiar to me. That's me! I do that! Oh heck! It was as enlightening as it was scary. Living with Mom, I also live in fear because I know I'm on the same path she struggles down every day. That's my future.
On page 97, Bredesen says "How to give yourself Alzheimer's. Live your life in a way that keeps your brain supplied with as many as possible of the 36 factors that influence whether APP gets cut into the destructive quartet or the beneficial duo. How to prevent it. Live your life in a way that minimizes the number of the 36 inducing factors in your brain." Those 36 factors are clearly laid out and I believe they are not difficult to control.
Several years ago, I struggled with brain fog and often had difficulty remembering numbers for even a couple of minutes. I also was overweight and had heart problems. I reached a point where I thought I would die, so I wrote my will and made plans for my dogs after I was gone. Then I said enough was enough, and I dramatically changed my lifestyle. I cut out processed foods, ate lots and LOTS of vegetables and fresh fruits, especially leafy greens and berries. I ate wild caught fish, but no other animal products. My diet was low in grains. I used the USDA Super Tracker to make sure that my diet exceeded the RDA for every nutrient they tracked. There's a lot more to it, but I was eating all the time and I exercised every single day. Within a few weeks, I had much more energy. Within a few months, my brain was on FIRE! But then...
I started a new job and everything about my lifestyle and schedule changed. Long story short, I fell back into old habits, abandoned my perfect diet and exercise program, and gradually regained weight. I also started losing clarity and life became more difficult. I recognize that. And I know that I alone can change that.
I'm so very glad to have read the Bredesen Protocol because I know now, more than ever, the importance of getting back on track. I am making a serious effort to change my future. I believe this book can help. I have already marked my calendar and plan to follow up on this review in 3 months and again in six months. Mom may be too far along, I don't know, but it's worth trying for both of us. Dr. Bredesen states in the book that his protocol may not work for frontal lobe and other types of dementias. It has only been tested on Alzheimers. I feel that it's still very important to heed his advice, as Alzheimers often doesn't get a definite diagnosis until after death.
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Note that the above is the original review. Please read my update at the beginning of the review.
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