[쉬운 신경질환사전]is a series of articles designed by neurologist Hanseung Lee (Herb Neurology Clinic) and Hidak on the topic of neurological diseases in everyday life. Common but vague symptoms such as ‘eyelid tremors’, ‘dizziness’, ‘numbness of hands and feet’, and ‘various headaches’ are explained in an easy-to-understand manner for the general public.
There are many factors that cause Alzheimer’s disease. Among these factors, there are factors that an individual cannot control, such as genetic factors that are inherited from birth, while others can be controlled and managed, such as environmental factors. Although we have not yet fully identified the triggers for Alzheimer’s disease, good management of the modifiable factors identified so far may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s to some extent. First, we will explain the external environmental factors among the factors that can be controlled.
Air pollution
Air pollutants can be broadly classified into three categories: ‘chemical’, ‘physical’, and ‘biological’. In particular, ‘ozone’, ‘nitrogen oxide’, ‘carbon monoxide’, ‘fine dust’ and sulfur dioxide are representative air pollutants that threaten health. Not long ago, air pollution was thought to have adverse effects primarily on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. However, recent studies have found that air pollution has a significant impact on the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and malignant tumors.
Air pollution is one of the most difficult factors to manage among external environmental factors. However, if you have an indoor air purifier that can filter up to PM 2.5 or less, and carefully check the air quality and adjust your outdoor activities, you can manage it to some extent. People at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease should be more sensitive to air quality.
diet
Vegetables and fish rich in vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols can help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, foods high in saturated fat or calories increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This is related to secondary toxins such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). When food is processed, heat-sensitive nutrients are destroyed and water content is reduced. At this time, secondary toxic substances are generated, and studies have shown that secondary toxic substances, especially AGEs, cause oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the body, which adversely affects health. Not only that, it has been proven that higher levels of AGE in the body impair cognitive function. The problem is that the processed foods we eat often contain a lot of AGE.
Undernutrition also increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, you can see that if you don’t eat a lot or if you diet too badly, your cognitive function, such as memory loss, will be greatly reduced.
heavy metal poisoning
Metals such as copper, zinc, and iron play a key role in maintaining life in the body. So, if you feel it is insufficient, you can supplement it through nutritional supplements. However, other heavy metals are poisonous to our body. Aluminum is a prime example. Aluminum is a commonly found metal. However, it tends to accumulate in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of the brain. This accumulated aluminum can cause modifications to some proteins, which can cause cellular dysfunction. Since aluminum is well accumulated in the hippocampus, which is the starting point of Alzheimer’s disease, it is necessary to be careful regarding aluminum.
The leading heavy metals lead and cadmium are also factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, in Korea, since a long time ago, regulations were well established, so there is not much contact between lead and cadmium in real life. However, since cadmium is used in low-cost solar panels, it is not recommended to go near places with dense solar panels.
chronic infection
Herpes type 1 virus, which causes blisters to form in the corners of the mouth even when a little tired, is closely related to the nervous system. Normally, it is dormant in the nervous system, but if the immune system is even slightly weakened, the symptoms will appear. The problem is that herpes virus isn’t just dormant in the nervous system. While dormant, it can also cause mild chronic inflammation of the brain. In particular, if you have the ApoE-epsilon4 genotype, one of the genetic factors for Alzheimer’s disease, herpes type 1 increases your Alzheimer’s risk factor even more. If you have herpes type 1 virus, it is better to get proper treatment, such as taking antiviral drugs, rather than controlling your aging symptoms.
Pneumonia caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as ‘syphilis’ and ‘chlamydia’ is also a factor that causes chronic inflammation in the brain. Any infection in the body needs to be treated quickly and quickly.
Help = Hidak Consulting Doctor Hanseung Lee (Neurologist at Herb Neurology Clinic)
