Alzheimer's Awareness

January is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. For years people thought that a decrease in memory and judgment was a normal part of aging. Now, health care researchers show that a small decline in memory is expected, healthy lifestyles, social involvement and nutritious foods can help diminish memory loss as we age.
A condition that erodes the memory, Alzheimer's, is the most common mental problem effecting seniors, making it hard for them to communicate with anyone or take care of themselves. Estimates show that approximately 4.5 million Americas suffer from the disease; the number has doubled since 1980.

While, typically Alzheimer's disease develops after the age of 65, a genetically inherited but rare type of the disease can affect people between the ages of 30 and 60. Other risk factors for developing Alzheimer's may include inflammation, oxidative stress, head trauma, estrogen loss after menopause in women, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, high homocysteine and folate deficiency, and possibly diabetes.

Investigating Preventative Alternatives

While the majority of Alzheimer's research focuses on discovering the Alzheimer's genetic code or on developing new medications, several research centers are investigating the role some alternative remedies may play in combating the disease. Here at Pure Life Clinic, we strive to utilize their research in our treatments:

• A Chinese Herb called huperzine A has shown some Alzheimer's-fighting properties, as well, by improving memory in elderly people.

• Acupuncture has been found to do much of the following in most patients:
-Increase a patient's verbal and motor skills
-Improve mood and cognitive function
-Endorphins, produced naturally in the brain, can be stimulated to block pain sensations and reduce inflammation

Because the available conventional treatment for Alzheimer's doesn't necessarily accomplish all that we'd like them to do, it is a disease which may prompt a greater need for alternative therapies. Call Pure Life Clinic today at 503-288-4454 to schedule your acupuncture appointment with Molly or Susanna. We are conveniently located in Portland, OR at 118 N. Killingsworth St.