The Liver-Alzheimer's Connection

Alzheimer's - perhaps our most dreaded part of aging.Not surprisingly, early research shows that healthy
Fortunately, there are constantly new breakthroughsglutathione levels can delay the onset of Alzheimer's
in knowledge and medicine and prevention ofdisease. (3) This fi nding was not initially well
Alzheimer's.understood, but in light of the role the liver plays on
Here's some valuable information on some simpleregulating amyloid-beta, it makes sense.
steps that protect your liver - and your mind!Supplementing with glutathione is diffi cult because it
A Sound Body Means a Sound Mindcannot withstand the digestive process. There's a
As you get older, it's common to wonder if yourgood alternative, though. You can supplement with
misplaced keys or a forgotten name are a sign ofn-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), an amino acid that catalyzes
early Alzheimer's.glutathione production in your liver.
You might wonder -- what you can do to protectYou can take 500 mg of NAC three times a day
yourself from the memory loss and mental declinewithout side affects. (4) If you plan to take NAC on
that so many experience?an ongoing basis, it's a good idea to combine it with
Here's some fascinating new research: Take betteran amino acid complex. This helps you to maintain a
care of your liver.good balance of amino acids. Also make sure your
Clear Out Alzheimer Toxinsmultiple vitamin contains copper because NAC can
Alzheimer's disease is caused in part by amyloid-beta,slightly deplete your copper levels.
a naturally occurring peptide. These peptides lodge inThis new research shows it's important to take good
your brain and create tangled plaques that affectcare of your liver in order to keep your brain healthy
your memory, you clarity, and your overall functionand sharp. A healthy liver will also give you the added
Researchers from the University of Washingtonbenefi ts of more energy and a better immune
wanted to better understand how amyloid-beta insystem.
the bloodstream affects the levels in the brain. TheyIt's important to discuss changes to your diet,
used rats for the study. The researchers inhibited theexercise, or supplements with your doctor fi rst. Next
liver from removing the peptides from theweek, find out how something as simple as how
bloodstream. As the peptide levels in the blood rose,many times you chew your food can make a
so did the levels in the brain. (1)difference to your health. See you next week!
The researchers concluded that when the
amyloid-beta levels of the blood rise, it interferes1. "Peripheral Amyloid-β Levels Regulate
with your brain's ability to remove the peptides.Amyloid-β Clearance from the Central Nervous
When amyloid-beta levels in the blood fall, the brain isSystem," Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 2009; 16(2):
able to transfer more of these dangerous peptides331-39
into the blood, away from where they can do harm.2. "Peripheral Amyloid-β Levels Regulate
(2) The key here is a healthy liver that will removeAmyloid-β Clearance from the Central Nervous
amyloid-beta from the blood. Then the brain canSystem," Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 2009; 16(2):
better protect itself.331-39
The Key to a Healthy Liver3. Li YJ, et al. "Glutathione S-transferase omega-1
Your liver needs specifi c nutrients to do its job.modifi es age-at-onset of Alzheimer disease and
Glutathione is found in every cell of your body. ItParkinson disease," Human Molecular Genetics 2003;
works as a powerful antioxidant. It also binds with12(24): 3259-67 "N-acetylcysteine," WholeHealthMD.
toxic molecules from drugs, alcohol, and pollutantsViewed 3/16/2009.
and helps you liver eliminate them.