Copper and Alzheimer’s Relationship: Enemy or Friend?

Enemy

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan reveals that copper pipes should not be used for supplying drinking water, as a building up of the metal in the body increases the risk of Alzheimer’s, heart diseases and diabetes in people over the age of 50.

According to the study published in the American Chemical Society’s Toxicology journal, traces of copper from the pipes mixes with the tap water consumed by people, and since our bodies are unable to process the metal, it simply accumulates over time resulting in major health problems, such as, Alzheimer’s in later age.

George J Brewer, who led the study points out that Alzheimer’s and heart diseases are only worsened by excess copper and iron, with such toxicities posing a looming public health problem in the ageing process, including ageing diseases.

As well, Brewer also warns people with a high intake of copper lose their brain function at over thrice the normal rate, if their diet comprises of a relatively high fat diet. The researchers also advise people over 50-years to refrain from taking vitamin and mineral pills containing cooper and iron, including reducing their meat consumption, as also avoiding drinking water from copper pipes.

The similar results were received by the researches, made by Larry Sparks, at the Sun Health Institute in Sun City, Arizona, and Bernard Schreurs, at West Virginia University. They confirmed that copper may increase the growth of the protein clumps in the brain that are a trademark of Alzheimer's disease.

Doing their research on rabbits, researchers first noticed that the rabbits they use to model Alzheimer's disease developed fewer plaques in their brains when they drank distilled water rather than tap water. These insoluble plaques, generated in the rabbits via a high-cholesterol diet, are a trademark of the degenerative illness. The copper drinking rabbits also suffered dramatically poorer memories in complex tests.

Not an Enemy, Not a Friend

Researchers in Germany, led by Drs. Thomas Bayer and Gerd Multhaup, prominent neuroscientists, have shown in their recent study that patients with mild AD who were given daily oral doses of copper for 12 months displayed no significant differences in their condition. That is, the patients who took the copper supplementation, up to 8 mg daily, showed neither improvement nor progression of AD. It should be noted that the US adult recommended daily allowance (RDA) for copper is 0.9 mg/day.

The clinical trial contained 68 patients, both male and female, with an average onset age of AD of 67. The phase II double-blind clinical trial divided the group into those receiving the copper supplementation and those receiving a placebo. The study demonstrates that the copper was well-tolerated.  Both groups of patients displayed no clinically significant differences in vital signs, physical examination, blood tests, or biochemical analyses.

The important conclusions of this clinical trial, for copper and AD, are that 

1) The long-term oral intake of 8 mg copper can be excluded as a risk factor for AD;

2) The long-term oral intake of copper is well-tolerated by AD patients; and

3) Copper intake has no effect on the progression of the AD.

Friend

Based on the researches, some of which were presented earlier, copper was postulated to be a possible risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease. However, other studies have completely opposite results, concluding that copper may reduce significantly the development of the disease.

Two recent studies, one by Exley and another by Jiang, both seem to point to the conclusion that copper reduces plaque build-up in the brain. This plaque is more specifically a clumping of the amyloid beta, a peptide present in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.  An earlier study from the Department of Psychiatry at the Saarland University Medical Center found lower levels of copper in post-mortem Alzheimer’s patients. Another study, by Bayer and Multhaup, found a positive correlation between copper levels and scores on an Alzheimer’s specific cognitive processing test.  The results support the notion of a mild copper deficiency in AD patients. All these data might suggest that there is a relationship between copper deficiency and Alzheimer’s disease, but it is too soon to jump to that conclusion. It is possible that an increased uptake of dietary copper may therefore be therapeutically relevant.

Conclusion

You may be confused by this post the same way I was confused by reviewing all information available for the causal relationship between Copper and Alzheimer’s. Let’s say, that the research data is still not conclusive at the moment, so the wait-and-see approach should be applied to get better scientific confirmation for one or another theory.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://visitbulgaria.info/12439-copper-causes-alzheimer-s

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4045-copper-link-to-alzheimers-disease.html

http://www.copperinfo.com/health/pdf/alzheimers.pdf

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=1718

http://intro2psych.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/alzheimers-sleep-and-copper/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051004084327.htm

Reminiscence Therapy for Alzheimers Treatment

Activity and Therapy

Reminiscence Therapy (RT) involves the discussion of past activities, events and experiences with another person or group of people, usually with the aid of tangible prompts such as photographs, household and other familiar items from the past, music and archive sound recordings. Reminiscence groups typically involve group meetings in which participants are encouraged to talk about past events at least once a week. Life review typically involves individual sessions, in which the person is guided chronologically through life experiences, encouraged to evaluate them, and may produce a life story book. Family care-givers are increasingly involved in reminiscence therapy.

Reminiscence refers to recollections of memories from the past. It is familiar to us all and can be utilized for the benefit of others. For people with Alzheimer’s disease encouraging the act of reminiscence can be highly beneficial to their inner self and their interpersonal skills. Reminiscence involves exchanging memories with the old and young, friends and relatives, with caregivers and professionals, passing on information, wisdom and skills. It is about giving the person with Alzheimer’s a sense of value, importance, belonging, power and peace.

Reminiscence activity and therapies are used frequently in our own lives and well as in therapeutic settings and residential care. We all use it to cope in times of stress, such as mourning, it can also help reduce injury to our self image and it can create a feeling of intimacy and give special meaning to contact time with others.

Theoretical Perspectives

Reminiscence is the process of recalling personally experienced episodes from one's past. Based on his theory of "life review," Butler (1963) posited that reminiscing about the past would serve an adaptive function for older adults, whereby they could achieve a sense of psychological well-being and closure in the face of their own mortality. Shortly after Butler's seminal paper, psychotherapists began using reminiscence as a therapeutic  approach to improve psychological and social functioning. In studies with cognitively intact older adults, reminiscence therapy has been associated with positive changes in self-esteem and affect; increased life satisfaction; decreased depression; and increased communication skills, spontaneity, and laughter.

From a cognitive standpoint, the rationale of using reminiscence therapy with individuals with dementia is based on the theory that function is improved by decreasing demands on impaired cognitive abilities and capitalizing on preserved ones. Because individuals with dementia (in the early to moderate stages) have greater preservation of remote as compared to recent autobiographical memories, researchers have hypothesized that talking about previous life events would result in enhanced communicative interactions.

Although reminiscence can be evoked through primarily verbal means, often props such as music, pictures, objects, and sounds are used to facilitate reminiscence. For example, a reminiscence therapy session centered on "pets" may include photos and slides of different pets; objects such as dog collars; stuffed animals; and tapes of dog, cat, and bird sounds. In recent years, a number of commercially available reminiscence materials have become available. These kits are designed for both caregivers and therapists, and are often organized around historical themes such as "The Great Depression", chronological timelines arranged by decades or developmental life milestones. 

Different Mediums used for Reminiscence Therapy and Activities

A variety of mediums can assist the act of remembering that use different senses. It means that people who have difficulty communicating verbally can have the opportunity to do so in other ways. Establishing identity with or without words is a good example of how we have to adapt, giving a valuable opportunity to acquire and use new skills of communication.

* Visually: photographs, slides. Painting pictures, looking at objects of autobiographical meaning.

* Music: using familiar tunes from the radio, C.Ds, or making music using various instruments.

* Smell or taste: using smell kits, different foods

* Tactile: touching objects, feeling textures, painting and pottery.

Photographs comfort patients

Photographs from the past allow patients to reminisce about pleasant times in their lives. Photographs from the present help patients relate to their current situation. The patient experiencing memory loss is able to “remember or recognize someone they love and know in a world where so many things are now unfamiliar to them.” A study by Ellen Mahoney of Boston College found that photos may efficiently distract the Alzheimer’s patient from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Photographs provide additional information that allows Alzheimer’s patients to become comfortable with their environment. In one study, an Alzheimer’s patient in the United Kingdom used photographs to remember the names of members of his social club. The scrapbook is in essence, “A portable memory reacquainting the resident with themselves and familiarizing the staff with the resident.”

Types of Reminiscence Activities and Therapies

Reminiscence can be used as individual, group or family sessions and is generally categorized in three main types:

* Simple reminiscence. Here the idea is to reflect on the past in an informative and enjoyable way.

* Evaluative reminiscence is more of a therapy and may, for example, be used as a life reviewing or sometimes conflict resolving approach.

* Occasionally, unpleasant and stressful information is recalled and this has been called offensive-defensive reminiscence. It can be the either the cause or the result of behavioral and emotional issues. Dealing with them can provide resolution - a coming to terms with life events and possible closure.

Inclusion of Caregivers, Friends and Relatives in Reminiscence Activity 

In a care facility, or in a professional setting, the co-operation and inclusion of relatives and friends can enhance the reminiscence time for all parties. They may be able to provide photos or remember incidents in the person’s life that can increase the pleasure and engage a person with Alzheimer’s attention more fully. Friends and relatives can also provide valuable information on any subject that a person may find distressing or upsetting that require increased support.

This therapy improves caregiver and patient relationships while utilizing the fact that Alzheimer's disease often does not affect long-term memory access until after short-term memory begins to fade. Asking questions about the past and inviting patients to tell their stories is also deeply therapeutic, encouraging life-review. Photo albums, jewelry and souvenirs can be used to trigger memories and reminiscence.

The Right to Refuse Activity Involvement and Alzheimer's

Remember to respect the individual’s involvement and contributions. By all means try to encourage participation but if a person does not want to be involved in the activity respect their right to refuse. Their refusal is as valid as yours, for self protection, privacy, as an act of autonomy and power over their situation.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://alzheimers.about.com/cs/treatmentoptions/a/reminiscence.htm

http://www.creativememories.com/dcVault/Consumption/WCM005621/AlzheimersAlbum.pdf

http://www.livestrong.com/article/106184-alzheimers-holistic-remedies/

http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-5789734/Evidence-based-practice-recommendations-for.html

17 Myths and Facts about Alzheimer's Disease

According to the Alzheimer's Association, about 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease today -- a figure that's expected to increase as the baby boom generation ages. The disorder causes neurons, or cells in the brain, to malfunction and die. The onset of Alzheimer's usually happens after the age of 60, but early-onset Alzheimer's can affect younger people. Though scientists have learned much about the illness in the last decade, many questions remain about the causes, stages, and treatment of Alzheimer's. It's not surprising, then, that patients' and caregivers' understanding of the disease is often off-target. Myths and half-truths only add to fear of the disease, which can prevent people from getting help that could improve their quality of life.

Here are 17 common myths about Alzheimer's -- busted.

Myth: If you're forgetful, you're getting Alzheimer's disease.

Reality: Memory loss is a key symptom of Alzheimer's, but forgetfulness doesn't mean you have the disease. Even if your forgetfulness is due to more than simple aging, there are still many causes for dementia that lead to a decrease in cognitive function; physicians will make an Alzheimer's diagnosis only after other conditions have been ruled out.

Myth: Memory loss is a natural part of aging.

Reality: In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness. Whether memory naturally declines to some extent remains an open question. Many people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they grow older, but determining whether there is any scientific basis for this belief is a research challenge still being addressed.

Myth: Most people with Alzheimer’s are oblivious to their symptoms.

Reality: Typically someone in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease does realize, at least part of the time, that something’s wrong. (Whether they recognize it as Alzheimer’s is another matter.) Most people with the disorder are aware that they’re experiencing memory lapses, for example, or that they’re starting to have trouble doing certain familiar tasks (following a favorite card game, cooking a particular recipe). Insight varies by individual, and the degree of awareness can shift from day to day.

Depending on their level of awareness and attitude toward correction, people with Alzheimer’s may appreciate being gently told when they make a mistake due to memory loss, disorientation, or another disease symptom. On the other hand, self-awareness of symptoms can make someone frustrated, angry, scared, or socially withdrawn. As the disease progresses and symptoms worsen, awareness of the situation is likely to decline.

Myth: An x-ray of the brain can diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

Reality: Unfortunately, the brain changes that cause Alzheimer's can not be seen with an x-ray. However, promising new tests using MRI and other imaging techniques are in development. Physical examination is important to rule out other conditions; the disease is then most often diagnosed by a series of tests of mental status.

Myth: If you have a family member with Alzheimer's, you'll get it, too.

Reality: In rare cases, early-onset Alzheimer's is inherited through genes. This familial form of Alzheimer's causes just 7% of all Alzheimer's cases. Genetics plays a small role for those people who don't have this form of Alzheimer's but who do get the disease later in life. If you have a parent, brother or sister with the disease, you have a slightly higher risk of getting it.

Myth: Aluminum in products we use causes Alzheimer's.

Reality: Most of us use products every day that contain aluminum. Food prepared in aluminum pots and pans carries trace amounts of the metal. Many underarm antiperspirants also contain aluminum. There is no scientific evidence that aluminum exposure causes Alzheimer's. Although the disease's exact cause is unknown, most research suggests that several factors, such as age, genetic susceptibility and overall quality of health, ultimately contribute to whether or not someone develops the disease.

Myth: Aspartame causes memory loss.

Reality: This artificial sweetener, marketed under such brand names as Nutrasweet and Equal, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in all foods and beverages in 1996. Since approval, concerns about aspartame's health effects have been raised.  According to the FDA, as of May 2006, the agency had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies.

Myth: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health. 

• A Nov. 27, 2001, Canadian Medical Journal report suggests older adults who were vaccinated against diphtheria or tetanus, polio, and influenza seemed to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those not receiving these vaccinations.
• A report in the Nov. 3, 2004, JAMA found that annual flu shots for older adults were associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes.

Myth: Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Reality: According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer's. The concern that there could be a link arose because "silver" fillings are made of an amalgam (mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is known to be toxic to the brain and other organs.

Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer's. Public health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.

• March 1991, the Dental Devices Panel of the FDA concluded there was no current evidence that amalgam poses any danger.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1991 funded a study at the University of Kentucky to investigate the relationship between amalgam fillings and Alzheimer's. Analysis by University statisticians revealed no significant association between silver fillings and Alzheimer's. 
• October 30, 2003, a New England Journal of Medicine article concluded that current evidence shows no connection between mercury-containing dental fillings and Alzheimer's or other neurological diseases. 

Myth: All old people have Alzheimer's disease.

Reality: Even though age is an important risk factor for Alzheimer's, the majority of old people do not have the disease. It's important to note that normal aging doesn't necessarily include dementia or Alzheimer's.

Myth: Alzheimer’s disease affects only old people.

Reality: Though the majority of patients with AD are above 65 years old, there are also cases, when the disorder affects people in their 50^th or even 40^th. That is why it is important to understand that the symptoms of AD, such as memory problems, are not part of normal aging. The earlier the disorder is detected – the more effective management of it could be.

Myth: Men are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's than women.

Reality: Alzheimer's disease affects both men and women that is true but it is believed to be more common in women. The reason for this claim is based on the unrelated fact that women live longer than their opposite sex so are more likely to develop the disease at some stage of their life.

Myth: Alzheimer's disease is preventable.

Reality: There is no treatment that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. There is, however, a growing amount of evidence that lifestyle choices that keep mind and body fit may help reduce the risk. These choices include being physically active; eating healthy foods including fresh fruits, vegetables and fish; keeping your brain challenged; reducing stress, keeping an eye on your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels; avoiding traumatic brain injury; and keeping socially active.

Myth: Alzheimer’s disease can be cured with pills, herbs, or supplements.

Reality: Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Modern pharmaceutical options can only slow down the progression of the disorder. The effect of herbs, such as ginkgo biloba, vitamins E, B and C, as well as folic acid and selenium, on patients with Alzheimer’s disease is also not yet fully understood, and the history of their use for AD treatment contains many controversies and vagueness. There are some evidences of beneficial effect of the said remedies, but it is definitely too early to claim that they are able of curing Alzheimer’s disease.

Myth: Alzheimer’s disease makes people hostile, violent, and aggressive.

Reality: As a matter of fact, Alzheimer’s disease affects different people in different ways. Some patients develop certain changes in their behavioral patterns, like becoming violent or aggressive, and some do not. It is important to understand that the symptoms of AD may be frightening and scary first of all for a patient himself; that is why it is important to educate yourself, as well as a patient, about the disorder, and what to expect from it in order to prevent aggressive responses from a patient. Try to improve his usual surroundings in accordance with his specific demands, do not expose him to stressful events, and make him feel comfortable even with his gradually decreased abilities.

Myth: People with Alzheimer's disease cannot understand what is going on around them.

Reality: Some people with Alzheimer's disease understand what is going on around them; others have difficulty. The disease does affect a person's ability to communicate and make sense of the world around them, although it affects each person differently. When we assume someone does not understand, feelings can be hurt unintentionally. The fact is a person with Alzheimer's disease is still the same person as before and needs to be treated with dignity and respect.

Myth: Life with Alzheimer's disease isn't worth living.

Reality: There is no single course for Alzheimer's disease, which typically can be a part of a person's life for many years. Memory loss and communication problems can cause frustration and anger. With help, though, a person with Alzheimer's can have a meaningful and productive life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, several medications have been approved for early- and middle-stage Alzheimer's, including Aricept(donepezil), Exelon (rivastigimine),  Namenda (memantine), and Razadyne (galantamine; formerly Reminyl). A number of other medications can be used to control anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and agitation, any or all of which may accompany the disease.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://alzheimers.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Myths-and-Realities-of-Alzheimers-Disease.htm

http://www.pillwatch.com/info/alzheimers-disease-myths-and-realities.html

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_myths_about_alzheimers.asp

http://www.memorystudy.org/alzheimers_myths.htm

http://www.poststat.net/rightathome/pub.59/issue.1059/article.4339/