Climbing the Bredesen ReCode supplement ladder.

 Alpha GPC link

"Alpha-GPC for Cognition + Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) | Reviewed by Ana Aleksic, MSc (Pharmacy) | Last updated: July 30, 2020"

"Alpha-GPC is a crucial component for the brain and a popular nootropic supplement.

 It may boost mental and physical performance and supply choline to protect the nerves. Still, clinical research supports only a fraction of promoted supplementation benefits."

"Choline from alpha-GPC also builds acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that maintains your cognitive and muscle functions "

In some European countries, alpha-GPC is a prescription drug for Alzheimer’s disease (Gliatilin, Delecit). 

In the US, it’s sold as a dietary supplement for memory enhancement.

 Supplement and drug manufacturers usually derive alpha-GPC from egg or soy lecithin."

"Skeptics:

• May cause headaches and digestive issues
• May increase irritability
• Not safe for children and pregnant women"

"

CDP-Choline vs. Alpha-GPC

Let’s start with the basics. CDP-choline or citicoline is made of choline (with two phosphate groups) and cytidine, 

while alpha-GPC is made of choline (with one phosphate group) and glycerol.

 This may sound pretty similar, but it gives rise to some interesting, distinct effects in the body [8].

For one, alpha-GPC raises choline blood levels to a greater extent than CDP-choline. 

As a result, it has a more powerful impact on age-related cognitive decline and physical performance. 

Secondly, alpha-GPC may stimulate fat burning and growth hormone production, giving it an edge over CDP-choline among bodybuilders [9, 10, 11,12, 13].

On the other hand, 

CDP-choline is essential for the production of phosphatidylcholine. 

It has a broader range of active metabolites and potential benefits on mental health" 

"In Alzheimer’s disease, bundles of mutated proteins kill neurons and deplete acetylcholine, causing an array of cognitive issues [28].

In a clinical trial of 260 patients, alpha-GPC improved all symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. In another trial of 113 patients, 

it boosted the effects of standard treatment (donepezil) [29, 30]."

In Alzheimer’s disease, bundles of mutated proteins kill neurons and deplete acetylcholine, causing an array of cognitive issues [28].

"In a clinical trial of 260 patients, alpha-GPC improved all symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. In another trial of 113 patients, it boosted the effects of standard treatment (donepezil) [29, 30]."

Second article on alpha GPC link 

ONE

TWO

THREE

A bogus list of drugs that help cognition? 

Nootropic drug list link

FOUR

Take aways from Dr Dale Bredesen's podcast on fasting yesterday

 1- Cinnamon to lower glucose link

I may have reversed my insulin resistance when I lost 80 lbs over a year with a low calorie diet and exercise.  However I gained back 50 lbs over the following year after my marriage in June 2007 despite 2.5 hours exercise a day.  I ate more fruit because I thought it was a healthy form of glucose. Problem is I ate too many cherries. 

Started Atkins diet   link.

Despite losing the 50 lbs I had gained back and exercising I was still insulin resistant. 

Listening to Dr Bredesen's podcast on fasting with his co-author and AZ survivor I was surprised that they thought I could still reverse my insulin resistance. 

I hoped that might be true is if got down to my prior low weight after the wedding of 200 lbs. I hoped to lose enough central belly fat that I could improve my adiponectin level.  That has not happened. There is a final role of fat that I just can't seem to lose. 

Role of central fat that seems permanent link

I suspect if I get cancer I might lose that role of fat but I will also suffer from severe sarcopenia (loss of muscle)

I have been in nutritional ketosis since I started Atkins around 2015.  My levels are almost always over 0.5 and lately they are usually over 2.0 AM. 

In the End of Alzheimer's Program on page 32:

"Restoring insulin sensitivity can be achieved by 

1-KetoFLEX 12/3 diet 

2- Key nutrient ZINC

3- Exercise

4- Reduce stress

5- Treat sleep apnea (I'm on CPAP)

And if needed:

6- Berberine

7- Cinnamon

8- Alpha lipoic acid: started a couple of months ago

9- Chromium picolinate

"Virtually all of us can become insulin sensitive using this approach"

I find this to be a very bold claim.

I have done most of the above.  

Now I am willing to add cinnamon. 

I enjoy my mornings

 I try to count my blessings after 3 years 8 months since my diagnosis of Alzheimers.

My first year was filled with Anxiety as I had no idea what my prognosis was. 

That is why I title my first year book, I am Waiting for when I forget I have Alzheimers.

I was counseled to just have fun.  

Thus in my second year book, Traveling with Alzheimers.

I continued in my third year book, The Pursuit of Happiness with Alzheimers.

In the third year due to Covid19 we had to cancel 5 cruises.  

Again trying to find a silver lining I concentrated on new courses in approaching my disease:

1- Intermittent fasting

2- Started Dr Dale Bredensen's Recode program at Atma Holistic Clinic

3- I slowly began adding supplements that they advised. I take about 10 new ones. 

4- I am writing my fourth year book now to be titled:

Alzheimers is Inexorable 

True grit and Fortitude Reguired

It requires a great deal of disciple to follow the rigourous routine of diet, exercise and mediciations. 

It is expensive. 

So why do  I continue to do it. 

I clearly feel better. 

Maybe not cogitively  but emotionally.  

My anxiety is much less.  I don't pace as much as I did.

I still have some mounting anxiety as the day progress, worse if  I get into an argument with my wife. 

The most beautiful part is the tranquility of my mornings. 

I try not to schedule any appointments before noon.  

I go to bed around 9 to 10 PM and have rediscovered Bernard Cornwall's historic novels. 

I take melatonin, Mg L-threonate, Ashwagandha and Pregnenolone. 

After about 40 minutes of reading I easily go to sleep.

It is a good deep sleep with many dreams. 

I usually go through a sleep cycle of 75 to 120 minutes before my bladder asks me to take care of it. 

I have no trouble going back to sleep. 

I wake up around 8 to 9 AM but I find I can still sleep another hour or two and I do. 

I take time to get myself out of bed because my body and mind feel excellent. 

Serenity, no pain.  I lay there and enjoy the moment. 

Then I get up and start my routine with joy and anticipation. 

I think Atma's supplements has something to do with it. 

One problem may be that I spend 12 hours in bed?

Can cause saracopenia?

I average more than 8 hours sleep each nigh on my fitbit and apple watch. 

I walk at least 5,000 steps a day.

I am riding my stationary bike 20 minutes a day.

I do curls with weights.

I passed an executive function challenge today

 I was babysitting the three Newfies while my wife was at a rehab appointment.

While flossing my teeth I pulled out a temporary cap on my tooth.

I called the dentist and the receptionist said my permanent cap came in early and if I came in right now she could fit me in.  I said let me call you back after I clear it with my wife. 

My wife had 30 minutes left in her therapy.

She told me the dogs should be okay on there own and she would get back as soon as she could.

I jumped in the car and drove to the dentist. 

I paced the hall for 15 minutes will waiting for my turn. Right now I have 4,500 steps on fitbit. 

I was a simple procedure.  It very smooth and efficient. 

They gave me the mold for the gold tooth. 

The space to the right is where the tooth replacement arrived in. 

This may all seem mundane but I was dx'd with AZ in Dec 2017. 

My short term memory continues to get worse but

  I was able to make the executive functions described above.  

Minor staircase disaster.

 I missed the last step on my basement staircase and

 dropped the tray with plates and glasses.  

 Another result of my Alzheimers. Poor balance.

Since I purchased a nice cane  I haven't fallen on my daily one mile walk since

 Festination link

I have fallen on the steps before. 

This time because I was carrying a heavy tray, I went one step at a time.  At the end I hit my elbow as I tried to navigate a bend in the staircase and down it all went despite my best efforts on mindfulness. 

I usually divide the load and make more trips. 

That way I can hold two glasses in my right hand while using one or two fingers to hold on the the right banister. 

This time after a party my wife had loaded the tray and I just went for it. 

Mistake I will try not to make again. 

"Haste makes waste."

Turmeric for the Brain

 page 108 from Dr Dale Bredensen's

 The End of Alzheimer's

ATMA FEE FOR ONE YEAR $7,000

At the bottom of this blog I go through the drugs Recode advises but I don't take yet. 

Prices of the supplements I take for the 

Bredesen ReCode Protocol.

Total $316

If I buy this every 4 months?

$1264 a year.

ONE

                                    TWO 

                                                                       

DHA important for brain  link                                   

                                   THREE

My folate levels were low?  link

                                     FOUR

ASWAGANDHA LINK

FIVE 

PREGNENOLONE 10 MG LINK

SIX

SEVEN

ALA link

EIGHT

Dr Bredesen said my Vit D was too low link

NINE

TEN

Magnesium  link

ELEVEN

 

ZINC LINK

TWELVE

Turmeric link

THIRTEEN

FLAVINOIDS

FLAVINOIDS LINK

FOURTEEN 

PROBIOTICS THRYVE

PERSONALIZED BIODOME THYRVE LINK

FIFTEEN 

I signed up for Bredensen treatment.

$7,000 fee link

Supplements as per Cornell link

REVIEW OF DR GUPTA'S BOOK LINK

Endura-cin 500 mg (nicotinic acid)

I have taken 1,000 mg of enduracin for decades to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. 

The End of Alzhermers on p 234 advises nicotinamide riboside 100 mg a day.

Reservatrol 100 mg a day

p 234 in The End of Alzheimers

I get my reservatrol from red wine each day.

I am still very skeptical in taking 

GOTU KOLA

BACOPA MONNIERI

Also 

Ubinquinol

PQQ

Lipsomal glutathione 

Acetylcysteine

Cinnamon

Berberine

Huperzine

Life goes on even with Alzheimers

  "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" has been ridiculed by some commentators for its lightheartedness.

From 2009, McCartney has regularly performed the song in concert.

Today this song has more significance for me. 

In December 2017, I was diagnosed with AZ and started o n Namzaric. 

There was no cure.

Even with the new drug Aduhelm today there is no cure.

I was hopeful I would have two more years with Namzic.

Now, I don't think I my mentation is worse

 after 3 years and 8 months have passed.

This is why I have written 3 books on my Alzheimers showing my progress. 

Year One I am waiting for when I forget I have Alzheimers

Year Two Traveling with Alzheimers

Year Three Pursuit of Happiness with Alzheimers

I am in the middle of my fourth book titled:

Alzheimers is inexorable.

Perhaps this doesn't sound so hopeful. 

My message tries to be realistic in presenting 

the facts in my AZ journey

With the onset of the Covid19 pandemic this past year I have fallen into a routine 

which I believed helped me.

"Obaldi Oblada life goes on, bra

Oh how the life goes on"

How very true. 

I had a Concussion  link and subdural hematoma from head trauma. 

My walking became worse with falls from FESTINATION link.

My depression became worse after the concussion.  I increase my Citalapram.

I treated my anxiety with pacing. 

However my anger was a major problem for me and my marriage. 

Anger May 2020 link

Losing friends due to anger July 2020 link. 

We worked out a process with a safe word, PROMISE.

On my visit to my KUMC memory neurologist last month I complained to him about my wife always getting after me about picking up and not spilling food on myself.  The neurologist simpy said that is what wive's do.  I said, Doc, she is not in the room right now you don't have to say this.  It did not change his opinion. 

We have done better.  I think maybe she is not so overloaded.  She had the house renovated and has chronic pain due to too much house work. 

We had made a promise to each other if the conversation turned angry we could shut it down with the safe word.  

These were all major advancements for me. 

It all begs the question, 

 did Dr Dale Bredesen's Recode protocol make a difference?

Supplement changes I have made link

Atma clinic nutritional advice link

I will subtitle my next book, True Grit and Fortitude required.

I usually go to bed around 10 -11 PM.  

Usually wake up around 9:30 AM

I get up to urinate 3x a night but have no trouble going back to.  

My fit bit says I average 8 hours sleep a night?

I made a major change when I started four medications at night. 

1-Magnesium L-threonate 4,000 mg.

2-Ashwaganda 

3-Melatonin 5 mg

4- Pregnenolone 10 mg

The only side effect I have is a mild transient esophageal reflux.

My real Obladi routine starts when I wake up. 

I weigh myself on my BIA scale. I recently broke my plateau and weighed 199.5 lbs with the help of increasing my weekly injection of Ozempic from 0.5 mg to 1.0.

I check my fasting glucose and ketone level daily and record it. 

I also take  100 mg testosterone shot each week. 

This along with weekly Cialis allows me to continue a sex life  link

AM prescription medications:

1- Thyrve probiotic 2 tabs

2- Citalopram 2 tabs 

3- Meformin 4 tabs (500 mg each)

4- DHEA 10 mg (2 tabs)

5- Atorvastatin 10 mg

6- Enduracin 500 mg (2 tabs) (nicotinic acid)

7- Xarelto (one tab)

8- Namzaric (one tab)

9- Ramapril 10 mg

10- Cardiazem 360 mg

11- I take a morning pill of Ashwaganda (I do think this may have helped me to be calmer?)

I make my morning coffee a with 93% Lindt dark chocolate to get 

flavinoids link. 

I usually drink 2 cups of coffee to get antioxidants

I will drink a diet coke each morning to help move my bowels. 

I take two sprays of Liposomal Methyl B Complex under my tongue. 

I put off breakfast till 11 am till One PM. 

Intermittent Fasting link

I take Tumeric twice a day after my meals. 

My first meal of the day is a choice of three high fat meals:

1- Two eggs, 2 slices bacon (if lucky wife adds spinach) or

2- High grain English muffin (100 calories) with cream cheese on one side and butter on the other side. I jazz it up with capers on the cream cheese and everything bagel salt. 

I recently have added some salmon slices to the cream cheese.

3- Same English muffin but with peanut butter that I roast in a toaster oven. I then put two slices of bacon on it.  

I take my omega 3 after a fatty meal to increase absorption. 

 Krill Oil 500 mg EPA 64 mg DHA 30mg (two tabs)

Omega 3 triple strength 1200 EPA + 900 DHA (3 capsules)

Krill oil link

I usually anchor my day with a

 Manhattan around 3 PM See No Evil Bar link

I have a small bag of pistachios with it. 

I try to put dinner off till after 7PM 

I take evening supplements:

Zinc picolinate 22 mg a day ZINC/COPPER ratio

Alpha Lipoic Acid 2 tabs (600 mg0

Vitamin D3 4,000 units 

I usually walk a mile each day (20 minutes) up and down a good sized hill in the afternoon. 

After dinner I ride my Keiser stationary bike for 20 minutes at an easy pace after I have done my stretching on the floor.  

I also do 10 to 15 dumbell curls with 10 lbs in each hand.  

I go up and down the stair ten times a day.

I am amazed I have a system to remember to take all this each day.  I rarely screw up. I set up the meds I buy the meds. 

As long as I can continue this executive function I don't worry that my short term memory gets worse. 

Why hasn't my MOCA score gone down link

Follow up National weight control registry survey

 Survey I took in July 2016 link

Today I took the survey with the news that I finally broke through my plateau.  

I didn't change my exercise or my ketosis with Atkins diet. 

What I did was increase Ozempic from 0.5 mg to 1.0 mg.

It decreased my appetite which allow me to decrease my calorie intake.  

I was running at 210 lbs but have finally dropped to 199 lbs.  I often cannot eat my whole meal, especially the meat.  

I still believe what Dr Rosenbaum said below.

I have proposed my Sponge theory to Dr Rosenbaum.  Weight regain occurs due to fact that fat cells don't disappear with weight loss.  They shrink and the low leptin levels cause weight regain due to hunger and low metabolic rates. He didn't seem to give it much credit.  

Now my plateau has reset due to Ozempic. 

If my brain tries to reset I will have the option of going on higher dose with Wegovy 2.6 mg

I suspect if I can't increase my dose or eventually have less response to the high dose I will go back to a higher plateau as predicted by Dr Rosenbaum.

Wegovy new? drug for Obesity

 I had a substanial breakthough with my Diabetes and Obesity care 

not so much when I started Atkins and was in ketosis 

but when my endocrinologist started me on Invokana and Victoza. 

Below from Jan 2021 article

• Victoza can be given in the following dosages: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg once per day. The dosage you use will depend on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you.
• Saxenda is used in a higher dosage than Victoza. Your dosage will gradually be increased over the first 5 weeks of treatment. The recommended dosage of Saxenda is 3 mg once a day.

 

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. 

Victoza contains the active ingredient liraglutide.

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide. 

Victoza contains the active ingredient liraglutide.

Semaglutide and liraglutide belong to the same drug class,

 called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.

 (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)

wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.

 The medication dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to 2.4 mg once weekly to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

I take Ozempic 1.0 mga week. 

As time goes by and the 1.0 not effective I can see myself slowly increasing my semaglutide up to 2.4 mg. 

Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. 

The medication dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to 2.4 mg once weekly to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

The most common side effects of Wegovy include

 nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal (stomach) pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia (indigestion), dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation (belching), 

hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes, 

flatulence (gas buildup), gastroenteritis (an intestinal infection) and

 gastroesophageal reflux disease (a type of digestive disorder).