The Alzheimer's Solution Revolution Podcast

How much thought have you given to what your later years will be like? Will your 60s, 70s, and 80s be joyful and filled with the activities you most desire to have in your life at that time?


Well, if you are like me, you have long wanted to live younger, longer. 


I knew at a younger age that I had much I wanted to accomplish before my time was up, and that it would not get done unless I made it to a ripe old age and in good mental and physical health.


Fortunately, I was guided into the health and wellness profession in my late 30s and soon enrolled int a University of Chinese Medicine and developed an expertise in Functional Medicine.


The functional and integrative medicine approaches to my own and my patient’s care has served us well.


It has supported my mission to be of service and realize my ambitions for getting a few dreams fulfilled. Hopefully many!


Indeed, this has been a 30+ year journey that includes a very dedicated understanding of the risk factors associated with dementia in aging and how that can be transformed into an action plan for a younger and longer healthspan. 


I describe that in great detail in my Amazon best selling book, The Diabetic Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease.


What about you? Are you looking to arm yourself with the healthspan extending information and resources so you can have along, joyful and fruitful later life?


Or, will it be spent with doctor visits—one after the other- as you manage your diabetes, heart disease, and the worry about your cognitive function declining and what it might mean in terms of your brain health. 


Are you at risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s?


Would you like to be informed about what is possible to live a younger and longer life that is based on good science?


Then tune into The Alzheimer’s Solution Revolution podcast show where I will be talking and sharing about what you need to know and what you need to do to get you there!


In Service, Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom.


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com


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]]>en-usfalseRalph Sanchezhttps://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/Ralph Sanchezinfo@thealzheimerssolution.comepisodicBrainDefend®Why Low Estrogen Levels in Women is Linked to an Increased Risk for Alzheimer's Disease98sZyPKTIMon, 06 Jun 2022 10:00:00 GMT1778https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseIn the U.S., two-thirds of diagnosed cases of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are women.


A number of studies have shown that lower estrogen levels "before, during, and after menopause" is a risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.


However, the risk factors associated with declining estrogen levels and late-onset Alzheimer's disease in women as they age is not widely known.


Estrogen is a regulator of glucose metabolism in women and brain estrogen deficiency sets in motion a brain energy metabolism crisis in women—particularly after menopause.


A decline in estrogen in menopause is commensurate with a decline in cerebral glucose metabolism.


Thus, the inability to efficiently metabolize glucose in the aging brain (glucose hypometabolism) predicates the need for an alternate fuel to sustain the brain's high demands for energy .


The demand for an alternate mitochondrial fuel in low estrogen states results in a compensatory shift to ketone metabolism that is enabled by the metabolism of fats derived from myelin-a nerve sheath substance that wraps around the axon extension of nerves.


That catabolism of myelin (grey matter demyelination) is a signature hallmark of grey matter atrophy and the loss of brain volume, which in turn is a pathological feature in the progression of Alzheimer's disease in the aging brain.


Plus, female ApoE4 carriers may be at higher risk for glucose hypometabolism and an earlier onset of myelin breakdown.


Additionally, ApoE4-related mitochondrial dysfunction is also linked to the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease.


Since "mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited and mitochondrial defects that contribute to the risk for brain metabolic deficits that include glucose hypometabolism and oxidative stress is seen in adult offspring of mothers with a history of Alzheimer’s.", optimizing mitochondrial function in the aging brain is of critical importance—particularly in ApoE4 carriers.


Please listen in to episode # 10 for more on this vital association between estrogen deficiency and the increased risk for of late-onset Alzheimer's disease in women.



Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com


https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution



]]>110Modifiers of the Gut-Brain Axis in the Risk for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Diseaseb0f7un2-zSun, 29 May 2022 09:01:00 GMT1778https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseThe Gut-Brain Axis—what does that connection represent?

 

Well, the gut-brain connection is often described as a bidirectional highway that is linked to many cause and effect health consequences, and many studies have explored the impact of the gut environment and microbiome on brain health in that gut-brain dynamic.

 

Indeed, the role of the gut-brain axis is a significant factor in the risk for numerous health disorders throughout life, and it can have substantial implications on your body-brain health as you age.

 

For example, numerous studies have examined the role of gut health and disorders such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and their consequences on brain health that includes mood and mental health disorders.

 

Additionally, significant research that links SIBO and pro-inflammatory disorders such IBD in the risk for cognitive decline and dementia has been accruing now for well over two decades and I have been following that science since the 1990s and to this very day.

 

In today’s podcast, I’ll be sharing about the findings of a few studies that investigated aspects of the gut-brain axis with regard to the risk for cognitive decline and dementia in aging.

 

On such study, a substudy of CARDIA titled Association of the Gut Microbiota With Cognitive Function in Midlife, it was determined that " gut microbial community composition, was significantly associated with cognitive scores in an analysis of middle-age CARDIA participants,"

 

The parent CARDIA study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults), was initiated in 1985-86 for the purpose of “examining the development and determinants of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease and their risk factors.”, from young adulthood into middle age.

 

Since its inception, the CARDIA study has investigated the role of several risk factors that affect cognition and brain health in aging including cardiometabolic disease (diabetes, heart disease, obesity) which is highly associated with an increased risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease in aging.

 

There are two main findings that I focus on in this podcast with regard to the CARDIA substudy (Association of the Gut Microbiota With Cognitive Function in Midlife) that were significant modifiers of the gut-brain axis and cognitive performance...


  •  a gut bacteria associated with SIBO and cognitive performance and,

 

  • short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which are beneficial metabolites produced by healthy fermentation of resistant starches—a fiber that functions as a prebiotic.


I also briefly review the findings of a few studies on the neuroprotective benefit of several probiotic strains and probiotic therapy in modifying the risk for type 2 diabetes and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Please listen in to hear the rest of the gut-brain axis story!



Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com


https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution


]]>19The Role of Cardiometabolic Disease and Insulin Resistance in Vascular Dementia, Type 3 Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease oKb_GQUfjTue, 17 May 2022 09:32:28 GMT1587https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseToday in episode # 8 I'll be reviewing the role of hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease (cardiometabolic disease), and insulin resistance in your risk for late onset Alzheimer's disease.


The metabolic and biochemical pathways by which cardiometabolic disease increases the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's later life is the central theme in my book: The Diabetic Brain in Alzheimer's Disease.


The book thoroughly describes how and why the most prevalent age-related disorders of our time, put your brain and you at great risk for either vascular dementia, type 3 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease in later life. 


The podcast provides an audio summary on how obesity and cardiometabolic disease drive pro-inflammatory pathways and insulin resistance in the body and brain. and subsequently increase the risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.


Plus, I'll also provide an overview about a couple of very important biomarkers risk factors—hemoglobin A1c and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)— that are prime risk factors for not only diabetes and heart disease, but also for cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 


Hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose are biomarkers that are easily and widely available on blood tests and these biomarkers and many others should be carefully tracked as one ages—particularly if there is a family history of cardiometabolic disease, dementia or late-onset Alzheimer's disease.


Please listen in!



Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com


https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution


]]>18Genetic Variants in the Risk for Late-onset Alzheimer's Disease—ApoE4 and BeyondLcavtfnkxSat, 07 May 2022 08:10:00 GMT2203https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/false

How does you unique genome increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease as you age?


In todays episode—#7, I’ll be giving a comprehensive overview on the APOE gene, the ApoE4 genetic variant, and other genes and their genetic variants linked to the risk for late-onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD), and how, when, and why Alzheimer's takes root in certain individuals that are carriers of these genes and the variants associated with them.


While the ApoE4 genetic risk variant is widely recognized as a risk factor for LOAD, how ApoE4 contributes to the risk for Alzheimer’s is not as so well recognized by most individuals.


Indeed, the ApoE4 genetic variant is often highlighted as the most significant risk factor for LOAD, but how often have you run across the reasons why ApoE4 raises your risk for LOAD, and how other genetic variants may similarly and synergistically increase the risk for LOAD? 


Yes, many other risk variants add to the polygenic (more than one gene) disease profile of LOAD.


The known functional and structural vulnerabilities linked to the ApoE4 variant are multifaceted, and I describe these functional and structural abnormalities that are linked to ApoE4 in my book, "The Diabetic Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease".


However, since the mechanisms that underly the link between ApoE4 in LOAD are a vast topic, I focus on two key points—cholesterol and fat binding and transport, and beta-amyloid deposition and clearance from the brain.


ApoE4, APOJ, ABCA1 and ABCA7, and TREM2 variants greatly determine how these two key mechanisms—cholesterol and beta-amyloid metabolism are factored into the risk for LOAD.


Additionally, I briefly describe another very common variant—MTHFR 677T, that is a critical risk variant in methylation and homocysteine metabolism—yet another pathway that links the importance of the heart-brain axis in the risk for Alzheimer's disease.


Please listen in and get ready for about 35 minutes of a revealing overview on the genes and their variants that are widely available in genetic profiling tests, and are major risk factors in LOAD.


Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution




]]>17How Early in Life Can You Begin to Assess AND Track Your Risk for Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease?mwgiKdjsxSun, 24 Apr 2022 09:20:00 GMT1636https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseHow early in your lifespan you can start to assess and track for specific biomarkers that are linked to the risk and earliest stages of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), and have you given that much thought?


In fact, there has been a significant shift in the progressive medical and research community

over the last ten years in the understanding that you really have to start looking at your risk factors earlier in life….by midlife, because at midlife the brain damage associated with LOAD begins to hit a pivotal crisis point in terms of your risk for LOAD later in life—particularly if you are more susceptible to the disease.


Now, I've talked about this in my book, and my articles and my social media posts many times as Alzheimer's disease has a long stage of development, and the prevailing wisdom over these last few years has been that it has a timeline of 20 to 30 years or so where it develops.


And, bear in mind, it is a silent disorder in the asymptomatic stage of LOAD—the preclinical stage, which might have its roots in cardiometabolic disease (type 2 diabetes/cardiovascular disease).


Case in point, the findings of a recently published study—an offspring study of the Framingham Heart Study, revealed that: “These findings show for the first time that cardiovascular risk factors, including HDL which has not been consistently reported as a strong risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease starting as early as age 35.” (Dr. Zhang)


Undoubtedly, if you have a family history of cardiometabolic disease, or dementia, you may want to start looking at these risk factors to gain an understanding of where you might stand in relation to your risk for a dementia and Alzheimer's disease later in life.


Please listen to the podcast to get the rest of the story!



Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom.



www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution

]]>16The Role of Tau Protein and Tau Tangles in the Progression and Development of Alzheimer's Disease fo8bESDE94Sun, 17 Apr 2022 09:08:00 GMT1205https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseIn the fifth episode of The Alzheimer’s Solutions Revolution podcast with Ralph Sanchez, I talk with my co-host Susan Brender, as we continue with our special podcast series called Think Ahead.


In this week’s episode, I'll provide an overview on the role of tau protein and neurofibrillary tangles (tau tangles) in the progression and development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD).


The toxic accumulation of tau tangles in brain cells (neurons) are one of the two hallmark lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aggregation of beta-amyloid peptides (protein) into amyloid plaque is the other toxic hallmark lesion linked to the onset and progression of LOAD.

 

Additionally, I'll give an a summary on the importance that tau protein plays in a critical component in the conveyance network and cytoskeletal structure that is an essential element of neuronal function and structure.


The cytoskeletal conveyance structure of the neuron contributes to the shuttling of mitochondria to the neurons axonal terminal and synapse in order to provide the energy metabolism required for synaptic function.


Please listen in and be informed!


Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution



]]>15The Role of Beta-Amyloid Protein in the Progression and Development of Alzheimer's Disease that Spans DecadesZxJrmZOXKSun, 10 Apr 2022 04:58:00 GMT1489https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseIn this Alzheimer's Solution Revolution episode #4, I’ll give an overview of episode #3, and I’ll provide several key insights about a protein that is associated with the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease—beta-amyloid protein, which forms the proverbial amyloid plaque that is often cited as a principal lesion of the disease process.


Additionally, in this Think Ahead podcast, I pick up where we left off on the last episode (#3) with regard to the genesis of Alzheimer’s, disease in the brain, and the role of beta-amyloid protein aggregates in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in aging. I illustrate how the disease process can progress from the preclinical stage (asymptomatic) to a mild cognitive impairment stage, and eventually a diagnosis of a dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease,


Please listen in to continue learning how amyloid precursor protein is processed to produce beta-amyloid protein particles and aggregates, which underlies the earliest stage (preclinical) of the Alzheimer’s disease continuum that can span decades before an eventual diagnosis of dementia.


Lastly, we touch on the role of the APOE gene and the ApoE4 variant—the most validated late-onset Alzheimer’s disease genetic risk variant— with regard to beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain, and how research has significantly progressed over the years to illuminate how we can leverage these new findings to reduce the risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.


We end with what to anticipate in an additional podcast coming soon in the Think Ahead series—the role of tau protein and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease.


Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution

]]>14Insights Into the Genesis of Early-Onset and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease in AgingznhRYMs4WSun, 03 Apr 2022 04:39:52 GMT1644https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseIn this 3rd episode of The Alzheimer’s Solutions Revolution Podcast, I, Ralph Sanchez, talk with my good friend and co-host Susan Brender, as we begin this special podcast series designated as the Think Ahead podcast series. 


In the Think Ahead series, which will be published here over the coming weeks, I'll provide an extensive overview on the numerous risk factors associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD), and I expand on the research that sheds light on how you can modify and reduce your risk for LOAD and dementia as you age. 


In the first Think Ahead episode, I lay down the foundation for understanding the genesis and difference between early onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and LOAD, and the science-based findings that illuminates the association between many risk factors—including genes and genetic variants, that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.


Additionally, I'll begin the overview on the hallmark protein-based lesions (amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles) that are associated with Alzheimer’s is discussed. More on that topic to come in subsequent Think Ahead podcasts here at The Alzheimer's Solution Revolution podcast channel.


Please, listen and empower yourself with a basic understanding of the early stages of EOAD and LOAD that includes the genetic determinants and genetic risk factors for each, and the stages of the disease process that leads to cognitive impairment and dementia in aging.


]]>13Can a Basic Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement Reduce Your Risk for Cognitive Decline and Dementia as You Age?Oyl5zSK-kMon, 28 Mar 2022 20:03:00 GMT1408https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseShould you supplement with a basic MVM to sustain a healthy brain in aging? Has any physician or practitioner emphasized just how important a MVM supplement might be for your brain and heart as you get older?


Well, as promised on my welcome episode last week, I'll be expanding on a study and recent research with regard to the supplementation with vitamins, minerals and certain nutrients found in foods, and it's role in the heart-brain axis in this episode of The Alzheimer's Solution Revolution Podcast.


The study that I will be referring to today looked at the potential benefits of a cocoa extract and a multivitamin-mineral supplement (MVM) together, and separately vs. combinations of the two and a vs placebo on Global Cognitive Function which was measured by a composite global functioning score—cognitive assessments that are commonly used in trials and clinical settings to assess cognitive function.


The outcome?


"Taking a daily multivitamin (MVM) for 3 years is associated with a 60% slowing of cognitive aging, with the effects especially pronounced in patients with cardiovascular (CVD) disease,."


The MVM benefit on cognition peaked at 2 years and remained stable over time and included significant improvement measures of memory composite score and executive function.


Surprisingly o beneficial effect was linked to the intake of cocoa flavanols—a plant chemical which part of the larger polyphenol phytochemical family— over the 3 year study period.


However, there is much more to the story regarding the potential role of flavanols and many other polyphenols and I cover that in detail in this episode that includes how vitamins, minerals and polyphenols benefit and optimize cognitive function and protect it against the onset of dementia in aging.


Listen in as I dive into all the juicy details!


Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom


www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution



]]>12Welcome to The Alzheimer's Solution Revolution Podcast!VMH6aWIXZThu, 17 Mar 2022 07:00:00 GMT563https://www.thealzheimerssolution.com/falseWelcome!


Indeed, this is the inaugural episode of the The Alzheimer's Solution Revolution Podcast!


This is your host. Ralph Sanchez, and I am grateful that you are reading and/or listening in to what this podcast will bringing to you on a weekly basis.


The purpose of this welcome edition is to share a little about me and my experience and background in health care and medicine that emphasized a progressive paradigm and model of healthcare termed functional medicine. 


Essentially, the overall scope of this podcast will to bring you cutting edge information on how you can enhance your wellness, your brain health, and your wellness longevity—your healthspan.


Now, the inspiration as well as for the inclusion of word "Revolution" in my podcast title stems from the fact that over the the past 20 plus years, proposed solutions to the Alzheimer’s pandemic have gone from none to many studies and experts in the field now advocating prevention measures for dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease that must begin earlier in life.


I’ll be expanding on all of this over the next few weeks in order to lay a foundation for this podcast and the type of information I will be sharing and talking about, and then I’ll have guests that on the show that bring a unique set of skills, resources, and experience for you to benefit from.


So please, look for me wherever you enjoy looking for and listening to your favorite podcasts, and you can learn more about me and my mission in my book, and my brain health program—BrainDefend, at my website—www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com or at www.BrainDefend.com


Lastly a review at Apple or Google podcasts or wherever you go to search for podcast would be very much appreciated and if you subscribe to this podcast, you’ll be sure to be automatically alerted about the newest edition of the podcast when it's released.


Thank you for stopping by and listening and I can’t wait to be back next week to continue this Alzheimer's Solution Revolution podcast journey with you!


God bless...Ralph Sanchez, MTCM, CNS, D.Hom



www.TheAlzheimersSolution.com

https://www.facebook.com/TheAlzheimersSolution

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-sanchez

https://www.instagram.com/alzheimers_solution





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