by Kelly Jad'on

Book Review: The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription: The Science-Proven Plan to Start at Any Age (Gotham Books, 2008) by Vincent Fortanasce, M.D.

A BestSeller Review

Dr. Vincent Fortanasce is a board-certified neurological rehabilitation specialist, trained in psychiatry at the Institute of Living, a Yale affiliate hospital, and is a bio-ethicist. He is also a clinical professor of neurology at the University of Southern California. Some of his patients have included Pope John Paul II and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. Profits of The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription will be donated to the charity: The Fighting Alzheimer’s Fund.

Believing that the disease is reaching epidemic proportions and is the greatest fear (more than death) of the baby boomer generation, Dr. Fortanasce provides a 4-Step plan of Alzheimer’s prevention in his new book. He writes that the disease is preventable in most people (70%), and can be delayed in those who are genetically predisposed.

The 4-Step Anti-Alzheimer’s Plan:

1. Diet-- Key Buzz Words: turmeric, soy, omega-3 fatty acids, berries, tomatoes, nuts, beans, green tea, reservatrol, fish, DHA, whole grains; avoid simple carbohydrates like refined starches and concentrated sugars; eat thirds of good fats (olives, flaxseed, nuts, avocado, cold water fish), lean protein, and complex carbs; eat on the low glycemic index—control your blood sugar; eat antioxidants which will improve your cognitive function.
2. Daily aerobics and anaerobics for the body and mind—exercise makes the brain bigger and better, increases the body’s metabolic rate and muscle mass; exercise reduces stress, anxiety and depression (boosting mood), and stimulates neurotransmitter production. Includes flexibility stretches with how-to illustrations. 
3. Daily neurobics to build the brain reserve—use your mind; learn how we make and retrieve memories; parts of the brain and usage identified. “Patients with Alzheimer’s may lose 3 to 5% of their brain volume per year.” Neurobics means giving the brain a real workout every day. Neurobics helps maintain mental capabilities. Examples: practice repetition of numbers, lists, routes, dance steps, word definitions; balance your checkbook, read subtitles of foreign films, play chess. The loss of smell begins at age 40 and could be the harbinger of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
4. Rest and recovery—“uncontrollable chronic stress destroys the brain”—signs given; meditation, relaxation, prayer, coping skills, necessicity of sleep, social circle strengthening, laughter, music, medication, elimination of stressors, forgiveness—“A study at Hope College in Michigan showed a 30% decrease in mortality in those who learn to forgive.”

Watching his own father decline, Dr. Fortanasce states, “I wish I could have helped my own father and my Italian relatives who died with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.” In a chapter on the explanation and warning signs of Alzheimer’s, the author continues that he has seen the disease erase the memories of Fortune 500 CEOs, Silicon Valley executives, trial attorneys, police officers, and even fellow physicians. Many of these fearful patients are aware that they’re alone, and perhaps abandoned by their families. Medical costs for Alzheimer’s drugs continues to rise, putting some into debt. Though more prevalent in women, Dr. Fortanasce writes that there is no cure, but longevity and independence are achievable today with prevention.

Alzheimer’s Risk Factors:

• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Abnormal Lipids
• Type-2 Diabetes
• Chronic Stress
• Sleep Disorders
• Environmental Factors

The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription includes tips to begin in childhood, 6 pages of references, appendixes with Strength Fitness Tests, a Body Mass Index Evaluation tool, a 28-day menu plan for 2,000 calories a day and 40 sample recipes. Examples to try: Blueberry Apple Muffins, Spice of Life (spice mixture), and Brain-Boosting Berry Smoothie.

Some points to consider from Dr. Fortanasce to help begin the prevention of Alzheimer’s:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Eat berries daily
• Eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
• Take a folic acid supplement or eat foods high in folate: green leafy vegetables, asparagus, oranges, eggs, legumes, fortified cereal
• Drink a glass of red wine or purple grape juice with your evening meal
• Follow a Mediterranean-style diet
• Control your blood pressure
• Have strong social support

Alzheimer’s and the erasure of memories is devastating both to the individual who develops the disease and his or her family. Prevention is key. Even with a genetic predisposition, the disease may be delayed. My grandmother is one of these individuals who saw her own mother and now her sister decline into Alzheimer’s. At 92, she herself is still a walking, living example of one who has actively followed the precepts set forth by Dr. Fortanasce. No matter your age, read The Anti-Alzheimer’s Prescription. Inside the covers, you'll find hope.

5 Stars

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Update on Oct 12, 2008 by At Basil & Spice

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Update on Oct 13, 2008 by At Basil & Spice

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