High-Priced Alzheimer's Lifestyle Plan Provides Misleading Optimism, Assert Experts
Loose Lips Sink Supplement Ships
Living with Alzheimer's proved problematic for Kerry Briggs, a 64-year-old woman from North Barrington, Illinois. To keep track of her various supplements, husband John created a spreadsheet, detailing everything from ashwagandha to lion's mane mushroom. Frustrated by the countless capsules and tablets, John blended the concoction into a daily shake and colored it to conceal its unappetizing olive hue.
The reasoning behind Kerry's supplement regimen retraced back to a doctor's claim that Alzheimer's symptoms could be slowed, and even reversed, with enough supplements and lifestyle adjustments. An intriguing idea echoed in numerous media outlets, focusing on the potential of supplements, TV specials, and self-help books.
However, experts in the medical community expressed concern, emphasizing the lack of evidence supporting such claims, which they worried could mislead vulnerable populations. Their alarm increased when discovering the source of this miraculous cure—Dale Bredesen, a neurologist with a dubious reputation.
"Alzheimer's Is Now Optional"—a phrase emblazoned on Bredesen's bracelets—garnered particular interest. His 2017 book, "The End of Alzheimer's," gained immense popularity, achieving New York Times bestseller status and selling over 300,000 copies in the U.S.
Many medical professionals advocate for Alzheimer's patients to modify their diets and exercise routines to slow the disease's progress. However, concerns arise when the discussion shifts toward reversal.
Dr. Bruce Miller, director of the Memory and Aging Center at the University of California, San Francisco, explained, "It's one thing to say that you're reversing an illness because someone says they feel better, but another to prove it. We don't have the proof."
Bredesen's unconventional methods include skepticism of conventional medicine, a focus on food, supplements, lifestyle changes, and detoxification treatments, all aimed at modifying 36 different factors concurrently to treat Alzheimer's. This strict protocol, tailored after extensive lab testing, generally involves a low-carbohydrate diet, intermittent fasting, supplements, and in some cases, treatments like hormone therapy and home mold remediation.
The costs of these adjustments escalated for the Briggses—approximately $25,000 over eight months for supplements, doctor's visits, and additional expenses. Yet, their motivation remained steadfast—a desire to help find a treatment for the disease and support Kerry's well-being.
The Bredesen Protocol, while embraced by some, has faced criticism from the medical community. The Alzheimer's Association, an organization that partially funded his earlier research, views the protocol as insufficiently rigorous due to the absence of control groups and the small size of trials, with participant numbers ranging from 10 to 25.
Similarly, neurologists like Dr. Joanna Hellmuth and Dr. Jason Karlawish have raised red flags regarding flaws within Bredesen's studies, such as potential placebo effects. The Alzheimer Society of Canada has even accused Bredesen of offering "false hope."
Nonetheless, Bredesen maintains that the program can yield remarkable results, acknowledging that its success may diminish for those with more pronounced symptoms. Bredesen shared testimonials from patients like Sally Weinrich, 77, who reported clearer thinking, and Darrin Kasteler, 55, who found tasks like tying a necktie and driving simpler.
While Bredesen's approach differs from conventional medicine in its boldness and strict treatment plan, his focus on lifestyle adjustments is not the core issue. Rather, it's the exaggerated claims, business enterprise, and questionable scientific evidence that spark controversy.
- Kerry Briggs, a 64-year-old woman from North Barrington, Illinois, was struggling with Alzheimer's disease, and her husband, John, created a spreadsheet to manage her numerous supplements, including ashwagandha and lion's mane mushroom.
- The notion that Alzheimer's symptoms could be slowed or even reversed with supplements and lifestyle adjustments is a popular idea, Often found in media outlets, TV specials, and self-help books.
- However, medical professionals have expressed concern about such claims, especially when they come from sources like Dale Bredesen, a neurologist with a questionable reputation.
- Bredesen's approach, known as the Bredesen Protocol, includes a low-carbohydrate diet, intermittent fasting, supplements, and in some cases, treatments like hormone therapy and home mold remediation.
- The costs of implementing this protocol can be high, as the Briggses spent approximately $25,000 over eight months for supplements, doctor's visits, and additional expenses.
- Criticism of the Bredesen Protocol comes from the medical community, organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, and neurologists, who question the protocol's rigor, the small size of trials, and the potential for placebo effects.
