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In the last ten decades, human life span has increased by nearly 100%. In the pre-antibiotic era of the 1900's, humans only lived about 50 years. Before that, in the 1800's they only lived about 30 years! No one lived long enough to become senile. Senility, or age-related loss of brain power, is the biggest challenge in anti-aging medicine. We have so many modern miracles to keep the body alive, but what can we do to keep the mind functioning optimally in spite of age? First, lets take a look at what happens to the normal brain with progressive aging. Our society's biggest problem is coronary arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries." Our affluent western diet that is rich in cholesterol and our couch potato lifestyles cause our bodies to accumulate fatty streaks in the arteries, which gradually (and sometimes quite rapidly) increase to cholesterol plaques. The body views this abnormal accumulation of fats as "foreign" and walls it off (like it does any other foreign particle) with the "calcification process," causing the accumulation of fat and calcium in the arteries. When this process occurs in the brain it is called arteriosclerotic dementia and is probably the cause of more than 90% of cerebral dementia. It is the slow starvation and death of neurons due to loss of circulation and accumulation of toxins called lipofuscin. There are other causes of brain degeneration such as multiple sclerosis, ALS, serious or repeated head trauma (as in boxing), and bacterial infections like meningitis. But, the main disease that results in age-related mental decline is arteriosclerosis of the brain. The human central nervous system is basically a complex collection of both insulated and non-insulated wires suspended in a matrix of cells and fluids. It is an electrical organ, with information stored just like in the hard disc of a computer, activated by electrical signals when needed. Once cerebral arteriosclerosis sets in, the hard disc space is made smaller and smaller and the processor slows down. So, what can we do to brain degenerations? Actually, there many things you can do! First, know your family history and your lipid profile. Does your family history indicate that you are susceptible to premature cerebral aging or presenile dementia (Alzheimer's disease)? If so, you will have to work twice as hard to ward it off. Alzheimer's is a complex process, not completely understood. It is not just pure or premature arteriosclerotic dementia (brain aging due to circulatory obstruction, although this plays some role, I'm sure), there is something else involved as well. Possibly early susceptibility to cerebral toxins in our environment, possibly the abnormal accumulation of toxins in the brain (aluminum and "neurofibrillary tangles, or disorganized groups of neurons damaged beyond repair with aluminum depositions in them), we just don't know. Alzheimer's is generally a disease with onset in the 60's. Here's what you can do to preserve brain function: 1. Maintain a perfect lipid profile (cholesterol levels) throughout your life. These drugs are very effective for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. They can carry away cholesterol plaques from the circulation of the central nervous system. These drugs, in my opinion, should be taken by even "normal" patients to further improve their chances of warding off dementia. I keep my cholesterol at 150, my HDL at 50 and my LDL at 70 through the use of Zocor(r). 2. Exercise is extremely important in warding off dementia through periodic increase in circulation and " cleansing the pipes." You will always feel a sense of heightened awareness for a few days after vigorous exercise. 3. You can't change your heredity toward Alzheimer's disease or presenile dementia, but you can strive to preserve neurons through a complex group of medications, which have been shown to result in prevention, stabilization and improvement in dementia. Medications that Help Preserve Brain Function: Hormonal Agents: 2. Pregnenalone: The precursor adrenal steroid of all steroids. Blocks the negative oxidative, aging effects of cortisol, stimulates cerebral receptors involved in learning and memory. 10 mg recommended daily. 3. Melatonin: a natural hormone secreted by the human pineal gland. Regulates the sleep wake cycle, is a powerful antioxidant. Diminishes with age. Improves phase 3 and 4 sleep and increases growth hormone release at night. 3 mg recommended nightly. 4. Growth Hormone: a complex three-dimensional molecule composed of 191 amino acids (like insulin) must be injected under the skin for effect. Increases life span, muscle mass, decreases body fat, improves sleep, improves immune system, and is the mother hormone working in synergy with thyroid, estrogen, and testosterone. Improves cerebral function by optimizing overall bodily functions. 1-2 units subcutaneously injected daily. 5. Estrogen: Improves memory, decreases senile dementia and improves cognitive function in menopausal women. Transdermal therapy recommended. I simply will not use oral estrogens. 5. Testosterone: Improves mood, memory, positively effects lipid profile, increases muscle strength and mass. Enhances age related decline in memory, attitude and aggressiveness (decisiveness) in andropausal males. Medical Agents: 2. Piracetam: A derivative of the amino acid GABA, used to prevent memory loss, treat senile dementia by restoring the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This is the world's most popular nootropic (cerebral stimulating) drug. 4. Pramiracetam: A cogener of piracetam, but more potent. 5. Vinpocitine: Improves cerebral blood flow, enhances oxygen and glucose metabolism, stimulates cerebral activity and is used to prevent strokes. 6. Lucidril: A powerful anti-aging drug shown to raise life expectancy over 50% in mice. It is a powerful scavenger of the central nervous system. 7. Hydergine: The most powerful central nervous system free radical scavenger. Prevents cerebral oxidation (damage from free radicals), also stimulates growth of dendrites, and markedly reduces cerebral damage during circulatory insults (strokes) 8. Adrafinil/ Modafinil: Improves alertness, mental clarity, short-term memory, increased reaction speed and hand eye coordination, increases learning of new tasks. Amino Acids: 2. Phenylalanine: a precursor to the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By raising cerebral norepinephrine levels, one can combat depression, improve memory and alertness. Nutraceutical Agents: 2. Crystal Energy: (liquid microhydrin for drinking water). Turn your water supply into a free radical scavenger. 3. Phosphatidyl Serine: The most widely studied substance used to raise acetylcholine neurotransmitter levels. Marked improvement in short term memory and mental acuity in senile dementia patients. A nutritional choline-like substance absorbed through the blood brain barrier. This does seem like a complex list of substances to prevent cerebral degeneration. Selection of the correct combination for you can be achieved through a consultation with a Board Certified Anti-Aging physician. I have personally taken all of these medications and find very few side effects with any of them. For further information on Brain Preservation, address questions to Mark E Van Wormer MD, ABAAM at info@greatskin.com We hope you have learned the basics of Anti-Aging Medicine in this five-part series. You might want to print out all the articles and use them as the basis for your anti-aging program. Use the Newsletter Index Non-prescription products mentioned in this article that are available at GreatSkin.com include Microhydrin and Crystal Energy and Phosphatidyl Serine
LORI'S
TIPS Did you know that Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States? Affecting 17 million people from infants to the elderly, close to 80% of our population experiences Acne at one time or another. The basic problem is the blockage of the follicle in conjunction with an increased amount of oil production from the sebaceous gland. This leads to an accumulation of oil and dead cells beneath the surface. Since the oil is sticky and the pore has become smaller because of the increased thickness of the cells lining, the oil is unable to flow freely out of the pore and a plugged oil gland results. If the blockage occurs close to the skin's surface, a pimple or whitehead can result. Deeper blockages create cysts. When blockages reach the skin's surface and open up, they are called blackheads. The black coloring is not caused by dirt, but by oxidation that happens when the open plug is exposed to oxygen. There are many reasons why these conditions occur including:
How to Keep Acne Under Control With Proper Treatments 1. To minimize Acne breakouts, avoid harsh soaps and over-scrubbing with harsh mechanical scrubs. Over-handling irritates the skin and can precipitate increased Acne by rupturing whiteheads. It can also dry out skin and make it more sensitive to spot treatments that can help treat Acne. Salicylic acid has been found to be one of the most effective properties in treating Acne. Because Salicylic Acid is oil soluble, it is better able to penetrate the sebum filled follicles and clean the pores. Besides being an excellent cleanser and antiseptic, it is also a mild exfoliant that loosens dead cells and prevents thickening of the skin. Regular use of salicylic acid results in smoother skin with a reduction in pore size. 2. Do not ever attempt to squeeze any eruptions because you can make the condition worse and scarring can result. 3. Three times a week, use a mask which aides in removing dirt, oil, and the accumulation of dead skin cells. Make sure it has the ability to dry and absorb excess oils while maintaining pH balance. 4. Spot treat with an antiseptic drying lotion. 5. Use a light, oil-free gel moisturizer that will form a protective barrier; moisturize; and stimulate new cell growth. 6. Do not over-expose your skin to sun. It may temporarily improve Acne, but the penetrating UVA rays may exacerbate any pore-plugging problems under the skin, leading to a flare up within a few months.
Are you planning on having facial surgery? We have put together two excellent kits for our Pre and Postop clients. Read about both of these programs -- plus the protocols that Dr. Van Wormer uses to prevent scarring, bleeding and swelling when he does laser resurfacing.
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