Dementia - a symptom with many causes from Alzheimers to poisonings
From DoctorMyhill
|
Dementia is not a diagnosis - it is a symptom of some underlying dysfunction. Dementia is not an inevitable consequence of ageing - it always has a cause.
The early signs of dementia are brain fog, poor short term memory, poor concentration, difficulty learning and so on. If these symptoms are tackled early then progression to dementia may be halted.
Causes of dementia
Poor energy supply to the brain
Prion disorders
Poor blood supply
See Arteriosclerosis - what causes it and how to prevent it.
Hormonal disturbances
Myxoedema madness (underactive thyroid) is a much forgotten diagnosis. This is often overlooked in Down's sydrome, where the mental retardation is put down to the Down's and no thought is given to other possible diagnoses. See Hypothyroidism
Poisonings
- Alcohol - a relatively small amount disturbs short term memory
- Pesticides - the farmers with "sheep dip flu" develop a sub-cortical dementia.
- Drugs - especially psychoactive drugs like major tranquillisers (Largactil)
- Heavy metals - lead, cadmium, aluminium, etc..
Anatomical problems
The following are all possible causes of dementia. Any patient with a progressive dementia should have a brain scan.
- Brain tumours
- Hydrocephalus
- Blood clots (sub-dural haematoma).
Alzheimer's disease - but is the diagnosis correct?
Only too often I see patients who have gone demented and have been diagnosed as having Alzheimer's without having been properly investigated to exclude other causes. If I had a patient with dementia I would want to go through:
- MRI brain scan
- All the causes of brain fog, poor memory, difficulty thinking clearly. See Brain fog - poor memory, difficulty thinking clearly etc
- Tests for hypothyroidism
- Trial of B12 injections - I can't think of a reason not to try these in any patient with dementia or foggy brain!
- Kelmer test for heavy metals or blood or sweat analysis.
- Trial of high dose oils - see Phospholipid exchange
Possible cause of Alzheimer's
The link between Alzheimer's and aluminium was discovered at a renal unit in Leeds, where 10% of the patients developed "dialysis dementia". It was discovered that the water used for dialysis was not distilled water but tap water. Alum is used to clear tap water (otherwise the water was brown from the peat). Aluminium in the alum, therefore, passed freely into these patients causing dialysis dementia. Aluminium should be avoided. The main sources are:
- Deodorants - nearly all are aluminium based and pasted on under the arms in sweaty areas where they can easily be absorbed.
- Antacids (acid blockers - it amazes me that these are allowed to contain aluminium!)
- Aluminium pots and pans, cooking foil
- Aluminium cans for drinks
- Cigarette smoke
- Aluminium is made more toxic where there is a zinc or selenium deficiency. Both are very common.
Related Tests
Related Articles
Sarah Myhill Limited :: Registered in England and Wales :: Registration No. 4545198
Registered Office: Upper Weston, Llangunllo, Knighton, Powys, Wales LD7 1SL, UK.
Tel 01547 550331 | Fax 01547 550339
