Ageing MS and Parkinsons

Question 1

Define Alzheimers?

Answer 1

Misfolding of Amyloid beta/Tau proteins. Hippocamal neurons are lost.

Question 2

Describe the 3 types of alzheimers

Answer 2

Hot/Inflammed: M1 + reduced SIRT1. M1-M2 (using nrf2). NFkb increases M1.
Cold Atrophic - reduced BDNF (neuroprotective protein)
Cortical/toxic - linked to environmental toxins - chronic inflamm +brain atrophy.

Question 3

What is nrf2?

Answer 3

a transcription factor supporting shift from M1 to M2 (microglia - resident immune cells of the brain).

It senses cellular stress to increase glutathione enzymes/ SODs/Catalase/ Phase2 detox enzymes

Question 4

Risk factors for Alzheimers

Answer 4

Dysbiosis - via microbiota brain-gut axis - comms to TLR on brain microglia

Oxytoxin: enriched social interactions - through vagus nerve can supress microglia-related inflammation

Oral dysbiosis: P Gingivalis - increased risk of Alzhimers

Aluminium/lead/mercury

Obesity - T2DM stress on body/brain. Pheripheral/neurological inflammation

Question 5

Diets and natural approach to Alzheimers?

Answer 5

MIND (mediterranean + DASH) - mildly ketogenic 12/3.
Medditerranean diet
Coconut oil (MCT rich) -easily absorbed. increase blood ketone + cognitive/brain energy.
Yoga
vagus nerve stimulation
Dietary choline (aceytlcholine for mood/memory/learning)

Question 6

Supplements and doses for Alzheimers

Answer 6

Vit C (mg)
Lactobaccilus Acidiphillus (1-4bn)
CoQ10/B Complex/Vit E
Citicholine (250mg)
Curcumin (500)
Vit D (2000iu)
Omega 3 (750mg)
Reservetrol (100) - protect from misfolded Amyloid

Question 7

Multiple Sclerosis - what is it?

Answer 7

Inflammation of immune cells infiltrate BBB and attack myelin Sheath. Oligodendrocytes reduce (which produce myelin sheath) and neurodegeneration ensues.

T cell mediated - TH17 (away from T-Regs)

Question 8

Types of MS?

Answer 8

Relapse/remitting
primary/progressive
Secondary/progressive
CIS (once)

Question 9

Risk factors for MS

Answer 9

low vit D/K/B12
EBV
Childhood trauma
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Smoke
AI
Toxins
Obesity (BBB permeability - CNS inflammation) Leptin increases TH17. Increased M1 microglias (M2 boosts myelin sheath/oligodendrocytes)
Thymic involution increases autoreactive T cells.
Parasympathetic vs sympathetic state - Autoreactive T cells/myelination

Question 10

Diets for MS

Answer 10

Swank diet (low saturated fat/fruit and veg/ no read meat or pork for 1 year/limited fish and poultry.

Wahls protocol: DGLV/sulphur rich/colourful/Omega 3/grassfed/seaweed

Question 11

Supplements for MS

Answer 11

Vit D/K
Quercetin (500mg)
Alpha Lipoic (300)
Citicholine (250)
Omega 3 (750mg)
B12 (1g)
Methyl folate (500mcg)

Question 12

Describe Parkinsons Disease

Answer 12

Gradula loss of dopamine producing neurons.
Affects substantia Nigra
Misfolded protein Alpha Synuclein - oxidative stress - lewy bodies (aggregate around dopamione neurons) - mito loss/neuron loss, OX stress.

Question 13

Initial symptoms of PD

Answer 13

Constipation and loss of smell

Question 14

Causes/risk factors of PD

Answer 14

Recreational Drugs (esp Amphetamines)
Brain injury/trauma
Mitochondrial dysfunction (Oxidative stress and inflammation)
Toxicity
stress/depression
pesticides/herbicides (Rotenone, paraquat)
Aluminium toxicity. Mangenese/iron/mercury toxicity

Question 15

Ways to diagnose PD

Answer 15

DatScan (Tremors v PD)
PET scan (Brain irregularities)

Question 16

How does L-dopa act in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD)?

Answer 16

L-dopa can cross the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine within the central nervous system, serving as a precursor to dopamine.

Question 17

What is the role of serotonin neurons in L-dopa medication?

Answer 17

Serotonin-producing neurons convert L-dopa to dopamine using the enzyme amino acid decarboxylase. However, L-dopa can damage serotonin neurons, leading to potential negative psychological effects.

Question 18

How does the decarboxylase inhibitor in L-dopa medication function?

Answer 18

Prevents the conversion of L-dopa into dopamine outside the brain, ensuring a higher level of dopamine reaches the brain.

Question 19

Why is it recommended to take Vitamin B6 away from L-dopa medication?

Answer 19

It may interfere with the function of decarboxylase inhibitors.

Question 20

From where is L-dopa derived, and how can patients benefit from it?

Answer 20

Amino acid tyrosine.

Some patients benefit from eating protein-containing meals after their medication, facilitating easier L-dopa passage into the brain.

Question 21

What is the Catecholaldehyde Theory of PD?

Answer 21

The theory involves the degradation of dopamine in a neuron’s cytosol to form the toxic compound DOPAL, primarily through the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO B). L-Dopa medication can significantly increase DOPAL levels.

Question 22

How does DOPAL interact with alpha-synuclein in the context of PD?

Answer 22

DOPAL interacts with alpha-synuclein, promoting misfolding and the formation of toxic Lewy bodies. Misfolded alpha-synuclein accelerates the formation of toxic DOPAL.

Question 23

What are suggested neuroprotection strategies in PD treatment?

Answer 23

Slowing down monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) and promoting the detoxification of DOPAL to its metabolite, DOPAC, for protecting dopaminergic neurons.

Question 24

Other things that can be done for PD patients

Answer 24

Hyerbaric oxygen
Avoid EMFs from mobile phones and microwaves
Chelation of Aluminium
Alpha Lipoc acid can chelate iron deposits from brain

Question 25

What protocol can be used for PD patients and Alzheimers?

Answer 25

MEND protocols 1 &2 Optimise diet Exercise/reduce stress Brain stimulation CRP test B5/6/12/folate test GI health Glucose optimisatiom/insulin Vit D optimisation Synaptic components Support mitochondria Check HM toxicity MCTs (Coconut oil) - brain energy

Question 26

Supplements for PD

Answer 26

Vit C (5000) alpha Lipoc Acid (300) Taurine (1000mg) Lactobacillus acidophillus]CoQ10 Citicholine Curcumin (500) Vit D (2000iu) Omega 3 (750mg) Methyl folate (500mcg)

Question 27

Which berries are MAO-B inhibitors and what toxic compound do they protect against?

Answer 27

Blackberry, blueberry, blackcurrant. Protect against toxic compound- Dopal

Question 28

Describe the mitochondrial theory

Answer 28

Mitochondria are the main source of ROS in a cell. Oxidative stress within mitochondria leads to mtDNA mutations, reduced ATP and energy. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to apoptosis (programmed cell death). Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to MS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and many chronic inflammatory diseases

Question 29

hormesis

Answer 29

to ‘excite’. How mild stress triggers antiageing reactions in our cells a process in which exposure to a low level of stress or toxicity induces an adaptive, beneficial effect in a cell or organism.

Question 30

What can mildly stress the body (Hormesis) and how?

Answer 30

calorie restriction phytochemicals exercise cognitive stimulation intermittent exposure to mild cold and heat By increasing the production of endogenous antioxidants and cellular quality control mechanisms

Question 31

What factors contribute to our allostatic load? How?

Answer 31

Exposure to toxins (from the environment, household, cosmetics) Inadequate exercise Poor nutrition High stress levels Genetic susceptibility Chronic inflammation Dysbiosis (microbial imbalance in the body). ↑production of glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and phase II detoxification enzymes.

Question 32

Calorie restriction and exercise - explain effect

Answer 32

induce stress partly by depleting cellular energy ↓ATP ↑ADP ↓NADH ↑NAD. Low cellular energy: Activates AMPK, a pro-longevity protein. Activates the sirtuins (SIRT 1-7), a family of anti-ageing proteins. AMPK and sirtuins initiate a process called autophagy (self-eating), where worn-out or damaged cellular components are digested to improve the quality of the whole organism. Mitophagy (autophagy of mitochondria) In a healthy cell, mitochondria undergo mitophagy every few days. Depending on the type of tissue, mitochondria are digested 9-25 days after their biogenesis to maintain their ability to produce energy.

Question 33

Autophagy defends against the 9 key signatures of ageing - what are they?

Answer 33

Genome instability. Telomere shortening. Epigenetic alterations. Loss of protein regulation and disposal — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Insulin resistance and poor nutrient sensing. Cell senescence (biological ageing). Stem cell loss. Altered intercellular communication.

Question 34

How do positive social connections impact health, particularly in older adults?

Answer 34

a potent anti-inflammatory factor, comparable to quitting smoking or regular exercise.

Question 35

What is the role of Phase I detoxification enzymes, and what can trigger them?

Answer 35

Phase I detoxification enzymes convert xenobiotics, steroids, and drugs into reactive forms with the addition of oxygen. Hydrocarbons from smoked/cooked foods can trigger these enzymes.

Question 36

Why is excessive Phase I detoxification associated with ageing and cancer?

Answer 36

Over-activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) leading to accelerated ageing, cardiovascular disease, and cancer is associated with excessive Phase I detoxification.

Question 37

How do plant compounds support detoxification, and what role does Nrf2 play?

Answer 37

Plant compounds induce phase II and III detoxification through anti-ageing Nrf2 activation. Phase II conjugates or binds to reactive intermediates, while Phase III removes detoxified metabolites from cells.

Question 38

What are the key aspects of the Okinawan diet associated with longevity?

Answer 38

high in unrefined carbohydrates, small/moderate amounts of lean meat and fish, high intake of vegetables/legumes, low in saturated fats. eating until 80% full Small plates

Question 39

How do practices like calorie restriction and intermittent fasting contribute to anti-aging effects?

Answer 39

Calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, and fasting activate sirtuins, anti-aging proteins, improving various aspects of health, including mitochondrial activity, cardiovascular health, and DNA integrity. These practices also increase adiponectin, linked to longevity.

Question 40

What are the consequences of obesity on mitochondrial health?

Answer 40

Experience mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced biogenesis. Encounter a loss of viable stem cells, impacting tissue repair and renewal. Have increased inflammageing, contributing to inflammation. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs): Proteins modified by glycation can bind to AGE receptors (RAGEs) and induce inflammation. AGEs are linked to accelerated aging, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cancer.

Question 41

Name nutrients for anti-ageing

Answer 41

B vits Omega 3 Magnesium Vit D Vit K CoQ10 Shiitake/resihi mushroom EVOO Beetroot Wheatgrass/barley grass Reservatrol Alpha-Lipioc acid Green tea Berries Pomegranate Cruciferous veg Garlic and onions Turmeric and ginger Nuts and seeds