Cognitive Decline, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment and Detoxification

Methylation Nutrients

(Homocysteine, Vitamins B6, B12, and Folate)

Elevated levels of homocysteine can indicate inflammation and problems in optimal methylation and nutritional support. Homocysteine buildup in the brain can also damage blood vessels. Healthy levels of vitamins B12 and B6, folate, and betaine can insure that homocysteine is recycled and does not build up causing damage to the circulation.

Insulin Resistance​

(Insulin, HgA1C, and fasting glucose)

High insulin and high glucose are known contributors to Alzheimer’s. Insulin supports neuronal survival but high levels of insulin blunt its ability to send survival signals. The other issue is that IDE (Insulin Degrading Enzyme) also degrades amyloid-beta plaques. High levels of insulin mean that IDE is too busy degrading insulin that it can’t help control the amyloid-beta plaques. They begin to slowly build up contributing to Alzheimer’s. Glucose can also alter proteins and create free radicals. These altered proteins and free radicals can damage neuro supporting molecules, DNA, and blood vessels which all contribute to the disease.

Inflammation Markers​

(C-reactive protein, Sed rate, IL-6, TNF-alpha)

Inflammation is important in the body’s defense against harmful substances or infections. However, chronic infections, food allergies, toxic exposures, and a host of other things, can chronically activate the body’s inflammatory responses. Chronic inflammation can then lead to the body damaging its own tissues and cells and slowing the natural turn over of dying cells leading to premature or accelerated aging. Inflammation in the brain can damage neurons and leads to Alzheimer’s. Here are a few important markers that can tell us if the body’s inflammatory responses are activated.

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): a protein made by the liver that is sent into the bloodstream in response to inflammation.
• Albumin/globulin ratio: high levels of albumin to globulin can be signs of infection or an inflammatory response
• Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio: both fatty acids are important for health, however omega-3s are anti-inflammatory while omega-6s are pro-inflammatory
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF𝜶): elevated levels of these cytokines can also indicate inflammation

Hormonal Status

(Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S, Pregnenelone, Cortisol, TSH, T4free, T3free)

• Hormones can contribute to cognitive function by supporting synapse formation and maintenance. We perform several tests to determine hormone status within the patient.
• Thyroid function: The thyroid controls the body’s metabolic
  processes. Suboptimal thyroid levels bring slower reflexes and
  lowered mental sharpness. Many people who suffer from dementia and cognitive issues also have lowered thyroid function.
• Estrogens and progesterone: There is strong evidence of the role
  estrogens play in the prevention of dementia. The ratio between estrogen and progesterone is also associated with brain fog and memory problems.
• Testosterone: Present in both men and women, testosterone is important for neuronal survival.
• Cortisol, Pregnenolone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. This hormone, in high levels, can damage neurons, especially those associated with memory. Pregnenolone is converted into all other hormones. During periods of high stress, pregnenolone is converted into stress hormones instead of sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, etc.). This leads to decreased levels of sex hormones which are important for brain health and cognition. DHEA is a “neurosteroid” that supports brain health and the body’s response to stress. Low levels of DHEA can hurt cognition.

Minerals

(Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium)

Some metals are necessary for metabolic processes and cellular function within the body. Other metals can cause inflammation and damage to tissues and cells. We can run tests to determine if a patient is deficient in beneficial metals or determine if they need to “detox” themselves from any harmful ones.

• Copper/zinc ratio: Levels of copper and zinc in the body are inversely related. High levels of copper mean low levels of zinc and vice versa. Higher levels of copper and lower levels of zinc are associated with dementia and other neurological issues. Copper can produce free radicals which can damage brain tissue. Zinc deficiency has been linked to increased autoantibodies and oxidative damage, reduced hormonal and neurotransmitter signaling, and enhanced sensitivity to toxins. These symptoms of zinc deficiency can all contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.
• Magnesium: an important micronutrient in brain function and health
• Selenium: This metal is critical in regenerating the peptide glutathione. Glutathione is needed to fight free radicals and inflammation. Low levels of either leads to inflammation, toxicity, and loss of neuronal support.

Vitamin D

(​Vitamin D 25[OH])

This vitamin is crucial for activating genes that affect a host of important things including creating and maintaining brain synapses. Suboptimal levels can be a hindrance for improving cognition and brain health in Alzheimer’s patients.

Cholesterol and lipid particles​

Low cholesterol is associated with cognitive decline. Cholesterol is an important part of cell membranes and lowered cholesterol can lead to brain shrinkage. We’ll test for lipid particles from damaged cholesterol molecules to determine if there are any issues.

Vitamin E

This vitamin is an important antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals. It is one of the few monotherapies, in clinical trials, to have shown any effect on cognitive decline.

Vitamin B-1

(Thiamine)

This vitamin has been linked to healthy memory formation. Sufficient levels are required to support healthy cognition.

Toxic Metals

Metals such as mercury, lead, aluminum, and cadmium are extremely harmful to the body. Along with being neurotoxic, they have been linked to a host of other health problems, including cancer. Tests can be run to determine heavy metal exposure and their levels within the body.

Sleep

Sleep is an important time for the brain to clean and repair itself. New cells are created and old ones are swept away. Therefore not getting enough sleep and disorders that disturb your sleep, such as sleep apnea, are important factors in cognitive decline. It’s important for patients to get at least 8 hours of restful, uninterrupted sleep every night. Sleep studies or brain mapping (QEEG) can be done to determine if the patients have any unaddressed issues with sleeping.

Detox Protocols for Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease

The following information provides specific protocols for detoxification of an individual suspicious of or diagnosed with a Cognitive Disorder such as dementia or AD. The ideas and principles for detoxification build upon the nutrient and hormone support discussed previously, which provides a foundation for the next steps involved in detox work for heavy metals and bio-accumulated toxins. Pertinent laboratory data should be gathered to evaluate for oxidative stress, methylation pathways, toxicities, and sources of inflammation. Once a patient begins to support immune and detoxification pathways with the proper supplements and diet, a detox program for the Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia patient can be implemented as described below. The use and or activity of HBOT​ or ​Neurofeedback ​can be done individually or at the same time as all therapies are synergistic.

Step 1: Make a diagnosis and gather all pertinent data

All of the therapies offered through the EVND Treatment Center do not require the prescription of a physician on staff. The protocols for NFB are based on brain maps(QEEG) available to all patients. Detox protocols for Infrared Sauna and Detox Foot Baths have set durations and programs. HBOT is offered in 60 minute increments up to 40 sessions as recommended by the research. It can be helpful to have a diagnosis and even a prescription for the various therapies we offer before arriving, but if not, we will provide recommendations below. If you desire a more thorough laboratory workup for specific dietary and nutrient recommendations, or would like to discuss the various therapeutic options, please schedule with one of our physicians.

Step 2: Testing

Based on the initial appointment with the doctor and a detailed intake, a laboratory order will be written. Upon completion of the labs a follow up visit will be scheduled to review and recieve specific recommendations based on the information gathered. Testing considerations can include specific nutrients, methylation pathways, food intolerances, and toxicities. We sadly cannot offer testing to patients who choose to utilize services through our EVND Treatment Center only, without seeing a physician.

Step 3: Diet and Intestinal Health

Many patients have reported improvement in symptoms with avoidance of food intolerances as found on IgG based food allergy tests. As insurance does not cover this testing, to reduce out of pocket expenses, we might instead recommend a 2 week trial of gluten and dairy avoidance to evaluate benefit. In addition we recommend avoiding all foods with unnatural food additives and colorings. Careful observation will help discover what impact food reactions might have. In addition we might recommend detoxification of yeast with herbs or prescription medications which sets the foundation for further detox protocols. Avoiding food allergies and reducing yeast forms improves immune function, reduces inflammation, and improves cognitive functioning.

Step 4: Detox Wellness Plan

At EVND we want individuals to take initiative in their healing and we hope to provide the tools to allow you to do so using our Treatment Center therapies without the need of establishing yourself with one of the doctors. If you are not achieving the results that you would expect of this program, we highly recommend that you meet with one of our doctors for a more deep and specific look into your overall health state. We may need to see if there are other obstacles that are hindering you from healing or the initial 6-8 weeks detox portion may not be long enough and it may be recommended to detox a little longer.

Hydrate!

Hydration is extremely important when moving toxins out of the body. We recommend that you put great effort in drinking plenty of filtered water during this time. Also to properly detoxify regular bowel movements at least 1 x day is necessary and if you are having difficulty achieving this or have chronic digestive issues it would be best to establish yourself with one of our physicians to get to the root issue and help correct this before proceeding with detoxification.

Detox & Methylation Nutrient Support

It is highly recommended that each patient support energy, and detox pathways by taking supportive nutrients. The minimum recommendation is a high dose Multivitamin Mineral Supplement such as Ultra High Nutrients or Mitocore. Additional and more specific
recommendations may be made based on the comprehensive laboratory workup completed with your physician.

• Mitocore 2 capsules 2 times daily (Orthomolecular)
• Liposomal glutathione 1 capsule 1 x day (Pure Encapsulations)
• G.I. Detox 2 capsules 1 x day (Binders must be taken 60 minutes away from other supplements and
• food)
• Micro Ingredients- Super foods Organic Chlorella Powder (Amazon) 1 scoop in alternative milk or smoothie
• Dr. Shade’s Liver Sauce 1⁄2 tsp first thing in the morning
• Pekana Detox kit 30 drops of each vial in the kit in 1 cup of water 1 x day

Detox Footbath

This is an excellent tool that can aid the body in liberating chemicals and metals from the body and can be very safe for even small children. We offer the use of Footbath for removal of toxic metals as an option or adjunct to IV or oral chelation therapy, which can be very demanding on the body. We recommend 2 sessions a week with 3-4 days separating treatments as this therapy has shown significant benefit in removal of heavy metals, and glyphosate. (For ex. Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday). Each session takes 30 minutes. To better understand all of the health benefits from the Detox Footbath therapy click ​here​. We recommend Detox Footbath treatments 2 times weekly for a period of 6 weeks.

Infrared Sauna Therapy

If purchasing a personal sauna isn’t an option then you are welcome to schedule your sauna session at EVND. Prepare to work yourself up from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. Bring ice water to sip on while in session to help you stay in longer. To better understand the health benefits of the Infrared Sauna click ​here​. We recommend Sauna therapy as often as you can for the 6 weeks, with a minimum of 3 sessions a week for optimal benefits.

**Electrolytes to be taken post sauna: Examples include Reacted Multi-Min (Orthomolecular) 3 capsules or Liquid Trace Minerals 1/2-1 tsp in water before and after Infrared Sauna treatment

Injection Therapy

Injections that contain key nutrients for detox support can be added in at any time for additional support. We recommend at most 1 x week to 1-2 x month.

Super Detox Shot

​This injection includes the ingredients: M.I.C., B complex and Glutathione. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant. One of its many roles in the body is to protect the cells from
damage induced by lifestyle and environmental factors. Often these toxicities decrease the amount present in the body which only further taxes the body’s ability to rid itself from toxins. MIC stands for methionine, inositol and choline which aid the liver in detoxification. There have been some reports that Inositol has also been able to rid the body of silicone specifically.

Phase II: Cellular Damage Repair and Cell Danger Response

If after Phase I Detox there are still some lingering symptoms we suggest that you enter into the phase II of the Cognitive Program, which includes Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) and possibly IV Therapy. FSM uses specific and directed frequencies to enhance detoxification of specific organs and reduces trauma created from the toxins in the cells throughout the body to facilitate repair. FSM works by increasing the production of the substance ATP in injured tissues. ATP is the major source of energy for all cellular reactions in the body. Because treatment with FSM can increase ATP production by as much as 500% in damaged tissues, this may help with revitalizing the vital organs and nervous systems to function more optimally once again.

Also as discussed previously, FSM can influence the Cell Danger response. The toxic load within the extracellular fluid matrix bathes all the organs and deprives them of oxygen leading to build of lactic acidosis, mitochondrial damage, slowed metabolism, and reduced ability to detoxify. The aide in cell repair will begin once the toxic load is reduced and essential nutrients and antioxidants are replenished. Often with chronic illness and exposures other measures need to be taken to regain balance in the body. Sometimes a block in complete healing can be related to the cell’s memory of the toxic agent (emotional and physical) and in its inability to unlock itself from harm. The theory on Cell Danger response shines a light on this very issue. The cells of the body including the brain have to be “Re-set” and we have found that Frequency Specific Microcurrent is dynamic in its ability to correct this error. FSM uses specific and directed frequencies to enhance detoxification of specific organs like lymph, liver, kidney, and fat cells and reduces trauma created from the toxins in the cells throughout the body to facilitate repair. This synergistic therapy optimizes the return and function of the various organs and systems of the body for improved energy, focus, mood, sleep, and vagal stress response.

Your doctor will put together programs that are specific to what they feel your body’s needs based on your history and symptoms. Treatments are typically 1 x week for 5 weeks. Sessions last about an hour and 15 minutes. We request that you be hydrated before your appointment as that encourages better outcomes. You will lay comfortably on the table, while warm wash cloths are laid in locations directed by your physician and the FSM technician will attach the electrodes from the machines to the washcloths. You can read, or rest during the treatment.