Alzheimers Recovery®

For years Alzheimer’s has remained a formidable challenge in neuroscience, characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. Recent research evidence offers new hope. What is the Alzheimer’s breakthrough?

The answer: a light therapy that has attracted intense interest among researchers over the past five years. Previously known as low level laser therapy, the term used now for this breakthrough therapy is photobiomodulation.

In the video below I provide an overview of the evidence for photobiomodulation as of late 2024. I continue to be excited about using light therapy to improve cognition after reviewing the 2025 research studies that report improvements in memory with photobiomodulation.

This is an option worth taking seriously to improve memory and cognition.

The pioneer in this field is Vielight, a company in Toronto Canada that has engineered photobiomodulation devices which deliver the light therapy with head helmets and nasal applicators illustrated in the image to the right. Visit   (https://www.vielight.com) for more information. When ordering any of their devices be sure to claim a 10% discount with coupon code healing4me.

They also extend an invitation to return a device after six month of use to claim an 80% refund if you do not celebrate an improvement in symptoms.

Vielight alone has sponsored 30 independent studies using their devices to evaluate the value of photobiomodulation as a therapy for Alzheimers, Parkinsons and other brain challenges.

I invite you to take a peak at a selection of study abstracts listed published in 2024 and 2025. As you can readily ascertain, researchers across the globe now view photobiomodulation as an Alzheimer’s breakthrough.

Phtobiomodulation Studies Published in 2024

Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2024 Apr:46:103991. Photobiomodulation’s potential as a non-invasive therapy for alzheimer’s disease and minimal cognitive impairment: A 12-week investigation. 

An Alzhiemer Therapy you have likely never heard about: https://trudose.com

TruDOSE™ IV platelet therapy is a groundbreaking regenerative treatment that harnesses the healing power of blood platelets. This technology calibrates the optimal dosage of platelets to restart your immune and repair systems, effectively combating systemic inflammation.

Since 2018, TruDOSE™ has successfully treated thousands of patients worldwide, addressing chronic conditions and systemic inflammation with excellent outcomes.

The entire experience, from start to finish, takes about an hour and is designed to be straightforward, minimally invasive and effective. With TruDOSE™, your blood is the key to unlocking powerful healing potential.

How to Get Started with a Platelet Alzheimer Therapy

One way to kick start this therapy is to obtain a treatment from a clinic that offers the Trudose platelet therapy. They recommend you get up to 4 transfusions for best results. The cost can be $1,000 to $1,500 per treatment.

I suggest an alternative first step before beginning Platelet treatments from a clinic. Donate blood at least once or twice a week for several weeks. Do you feel better after donating blood?

If you do, I would speculate Trudose platelet therapy would prove beneficial. If you do not have the resources to pay for this therapy, continue donating blood every week.

Why is donating blood beneficial? The body is immediately signaled to make new platelets when blood is siphoned off. One reason Trudose therapy is beneficial is because they extract several pints of blood. This automatically instructs the body to make new platelets. The critical body of new platelets  begin circulating throughout the body to remove harmful toxins, bacteria and viruses.

The Trudose therapy returns a much smaller quantity of blood initially drawn that has a high concentration of platelets. They perform an initial test to determine the precise concentration of platelets needed for your body.

The important discovery here is that platelets can help remove the nasty critters that are responsible for dementia. This discovery reveals the function of platelets is much more comprehensive than simply performing the function of clotting.

Summary

There is a listing of clinics that offer Trudose therapy on their website (https://www.trudose.com). As a relatively new therapy, clinics that offer it are not found in every state or country, though many are climbing on board as word gets out about its effectiveness as a treatment for a variety of health challenges.

At at minimum, I recommend you donate blood. If you feel better, you might even consider traveling to get the treatment.  At a minimum, continue donating blood every week if you find this gives you extra energy and helps improve memory and overall cognition.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com

There is conclusive research evidence for Vitamin B12 deficiencies with dementia. Maintaining good levels of B12 has been shown to  reduce the chances of dementia. Will taking a B12 supplement improve memory and cognition?

The jury is still out. My view is that we know levels of B12 are deficient, it should be supplemented.

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in brain health and cognitive function. Studies find it is critical for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline. Why? B12 deficiency causes cognitive impairment.

Why Do Vitamin B12 Deficiencies with Dementia Exist?

1. B12 Deficiency and Cognitive Impairment:
   • Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to cognitive problems, memory loss, and even neurological damage. Deficiency is common in older adults and it may contribute to symptoms that mimic or exacerbate cognitive decline, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
   • People with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia have lower B12 levels compared to healthy individuals. Addressing a B12 deficiency in such cases can improve cognitive function.
2. Homocysteine Levels:
   • One of the key roles of B12 is to help regulate homocysteine, an amino acid that, when elevated, is thought to increase the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. High levels of homocysteine are linked to an increased risk of AD, and B12 helps convert homocysteine into other substances, reducing its harmful effects.
   • Some studies have found that supplementing with B12, along with folate (which also help lower homocysteine levels), slows cognitive decline in those with mild cognitive impairment. An abstract of one such study follows:

Great news. Researchers have discovered that  benfotiamine improves memory and cognition. Benfotiamine is a lab-made (or synthetic derivative) of thiamine (vitamin B1). It is available over the counter and does not require a prescription. (Note: As always consult with your doctor about changing the supplements you take even though they are not prescription medications)

What is Benfotiamine?

Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine that has better bioavailability than its water-soluble counterpart

This means it can penetrate cell membranes more efficiently which increases levels of thiamine in the bloodstream and tissues. Benfotiamine is used to treat thiamine deficiency but has recently caught the attention of Alzheimer’s researchers due to its unique properties.

Why Benfotiamine Improves Memory and Cognition

Recent studies have shown that benfotiamine may have significant benefits for those experiencing Alzheimer’s symptoms.

1. Cognitive Improvement: In a study involving mild to moderate AD patients, long-term administration of benfotiamine (300 mg daily) led to an average increase of 3.2 points in Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores over 18 months
2. Amyloid Plaque Reduction: Preclinical studies using mouse models of AD demonstrated that benfotiamine effectively reduced amyloid plaque numbers in cortical areas of the brain
3. Neuroprotection: Benfotiamine appears to protect brain cells from damage, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
4. Metabolic Enhancement: The compound addresses tissue deficiency of thiamine-regulated metabolic pathways linked to Alzheimers, potentially improving glucose metabolism in the brain.

Research that supports the finding that  Benfotiamine Improves Memory and Cognition

The promising results from initial studies have paved the way for larger clinical trials:

The Benfotiamine Alzheimer’s Clinical Exploration (BACE) – ADC-061 Trial is currently underway, exploring the potential of benfotiamine in treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

• A nationwide clinical trial, funded by a $45 million grant from the NIH and NIA, is set to launch. This trial will enroll approximately 400 patients across 50 U.S. clinical sites to further investigate benfotiamine’s therapeutic potential.

Why Benfotiamine Stands Out

Several factors make benfotiamine an exciting option for treating dementia.

1. Safety Profile: As a vitamin derivative, benfotiamine offers a natural option to reverse dementia with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs
2. Affordability: If proven effective, benfotiamine could be a cost-effective treatment option, making it widely accessible
3. Multi-faceted Action: Benfotiamine improves cognitive function and addresses underlying pathological changes in the brain including amyloid plaque formation and metabolic deficiencies

Cost

Convinced that taking Benfotiamine improves memory and cognition? If you have decided to investigate further you have likely encountered a shocking range of prices charged for Benfotiamine.

If you decide to begin taking Benfotiamine, please do not order based on price. The inexpensive brands have questionable quality and you will almost always be throwing your money down the toilet. Always purchase from a reliable source such as Life Extension.

Conclusion

The potential of taking benfotiamine to reverse dementias is undeniably exciting. The use of a vitamin-derived compound like benfotiamine represents a shift towards more natural, holistic approaches reversing dementia.

In the video below I discuss  the hazards of electro-magnetic fields for Alzheimers systems. The hazards of EMF exposure are predicted to increase the prevalence of Alzheimers and increase the severity of persons currently afflicted.

As suggested in my presentation, register for the Electro-Magnetic Fields Summit to be held October 3rd through 6th. I just registered myself.  It is free to watch and promises to offer options to reduce our exposure to the variety of EMF hazards we confront (cell phones, WIFI, smart meters, etc.). Presenters will discuss the hazards of EMFs and also their impact on neurological conditions such as Alzheimers.

Click the link below to register for the virtual Summit, then attend for free.

EMF Registration Link  

Alzheimers Research on Electro-Magnetic fields 

Posted below are two recent studies that report on the hazards of EMF exposure with regard to Alzheimers. The prediction is a rapid increase in early onset Alzheimers because of EMF exposures.

The origin of EMFs originates from natural and human made sources. Here is a preview of both.

Natural Sources of Electro-Magnetic Fields

1. Cosmic Rays: High-energy particles from outer space.
2. Solar Radiation: EMFs emitted by the sun, including ultraviolet and visible light.
3. Earth’s Magnetic Field: The geomagnetic field generated by the Earth’s core.
4. Thunderstorms: Lightning generates electromagnetic fields.
5. Geological Activity: Natural phenomena like earthquakes can produce EMFs.

Man-Made Sources of Electro-Magnetic Fields

1. Power Lines: High-voltage transmission lines and substations.
2. Electrical Appliances: Devices like microwaves, toasters and hair dryers.
3. Cell Phones: Emit radio frequency radiation during use.
4. Wi-Fi Routers: Produce radio frequency fields for wireless internet.
5. Bluetooth Devices: Low-power RF signals for short-range communication.
6. Radio and TV Broadcasting: Emit EMFs in the radio frequency range.
7. Industrial Equipment: Machinery and tools in factories can produce EMFs.
8. Medical Equipment: MRI machines, X-ray machines, and other diagnostic tools.
9. Electric Vehicles: Charging stations and onboard electronics generate EMFs.
10. Electric Trains and Subways: High voltage systems create significant EMFs.

Both natural and man-made sources contribute to the electromagnetic environment we experience. The harmful effects of exposure slowly cumulate over time. Most people are unaware of the dangers involved until it is too late.

Research on EMFs and Alzheimers

Curr Alzheimer Res. 2022;19(2):119-132. Low Intensity Electromagnetic Fields Act via Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (VGCC) Activation to Cause Very Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: 18 Distinct Types of Evidence

Abstract
Electronically generated electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including those used in wireless communication such as cell phones, Wi-Fi and smart meters, are coherent, producing very high electric and magnetic forces, which act on the voltage sensor of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce increases in intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i.

The calcium hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has shown that each of the important AD-specific and nonspecific causal elements is produced by excessive [Ca2+]i. It acts in AD via excessive calcium signaling and the peroxynitrite/oxidative stress/inflammation pathway, which are each elevated by EMFs. An apparent vicious cycle in AD involves amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) and [Ca2+]i.

Three types of epidemiology suggest EMF causation of AD, including early onset Alzheimers. Extensive animal model studies show that low intensity EMFs cause neuro-degeneration, including AD, with AD animals having elevated levels of Aβ, amyloid precursor protein and BACE1. Rats exposed to pulsed EMFs every day are reported to develop universal or near universal very early onset neuro-degeneration, including AD; these findings are superficially similar to humans with digital dementia. EMFs producing modest increases in [Ca2+]i can also produce protective, therapeutic effects. The therapeutic pathway and peroxynitrite pathway inhibit each other.

A summary of 18 different findings is provided, which collectively provide powerful evidence for EMF causation of AD. The author is concerned that smarter, more highly pulsed “smart” wireless communication may cause widespread very, very early onset AD in human populations.

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Med Hypotheses. 2019 Jun:127:76-83. Are rises in Electro-Magnetic Field in the human environment, interacting with multiple environmental pollutions, the tripping point for increases in neurological deaths in the Western World?

Abstract
Whilst humans evolved in the earth’s Electro-Magnetic-Field (EMF) and sun-light, both being essential to life but too much sun and we burn. What happens if background EMF rise to critical levels, coinciding with increasing environmental pollutants? tThere have been profound changes in human morbidity across a range of disparate conditions – autoimmune diseases, asthma, earlier cancer incidence and reduced male sperm counts.

Multiple environmental pollutants are associated with neurological diseases.

The pace of increased neurological deaths far exceeds any Gompertzian explanation – that because people are living longer they are more likely to develop more age-related problems such as neurological disease. Using WHO global mortality categories of Neurological Disease Deaths (NDD) and Alzheimer’s and Dementia deaths (Alz), updated June 2018, together they constitute Total Neurological Mortality (TNM), to calculate mortality rates per million for people aged 55-74 and for the over-75’s in twenty-one Western countries. Recent increases in American people aged over-75’s rose 49% from 1989 to 2015 but US neurological deaths increased five-fold. In 1989 based on Age-Standardised-Deaths-Rates America USA was 17th at 324 pm but rising to 539 pm became second highest..

Based upon recent and new evidence we hypothesize that a major contribution for the relative sudden upsurge in neurological morbidity in the Western world (1989-2015), is because of increased background EMF that has become the tipping point-impacting upon any genetic predisposition, increasing multiple-interactive pollutants, such as rises in petro-chemicals, hormone disrupting chemicals, industrial, agricultural and domestic chemicals.

The unprecedented neurological death rates, all within just twenty-five years, demand a re-examination of long-term EMF safety related to the increasing background EMF on human health. We do not wish to ‘stop the modern world’, only make it safer.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com

I have exciting news about a groundbreaking discovery for autism. It can be reversed.

For more information about the Vielight Duo photobiomodulation device visit: https://www.vielight.com/devices/vielight-neuro-duo-brain/

Summary for the  Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Study 

Data were reported and analyzed for 21 children, 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 9.1. The age range is 5 to 15 years old. The study was conducted over six months in the home setting.

Participants used the Vielight Neuro Duo with its two protocols, the Alpha 10 hertz protocol and the Gamma 40 hertz protocol.

Both Alpha and Gamma protocols were administered each day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Each session had a duration of 20 minutes, during which children were involved in stimulating activities such drawing, coloring, reading, playing games or doing homework.

Findings

After 6 months, transcranial-intranasal photobiomodulation was associated with:

• reduction in ASD severity, as shown by a decrease in CARS scores (p < 0.001).
• reduction in noncompliant behavior
• reduction in parental stress
• reduction in behavioral and cognitive rigidity
• improvement in attentional functions and in sleep quality.

These remarkable improvements not only enhanced the lives of the patients but also greatly reduced stress among their parents, as measured by the SDAG scale, creating a more peaceful and effective environment for growth.

How Photobiomodulation Reverses Austism

How does the Vielight Neuro Duo photobiomodulation device work? It emits an optimal irradiance, amongst the highest in the industry with the 810 nanometer wavelength to penetrate the skull and reach the brain, transcranially and intranasally. The Vielight Neuro Duo’s design specifically targets the Default Mode Network to improve connectivity between its nodes.

The default mode network is crucial in understanding autism. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder have been observed to have alterations in their default mode network, contributing to difficulties in social interactions and understanding others’ perspectives.

Research has revealed that atypical connectivity within the default mode network underlies the characteristic challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors seen in autism.

The two different pulsing modes, Alpha and Gamma have complementary effects.  The alpha protocol promotes relaxation, reducing rigidity and improving sleep. The gamma protocol boosts cognitive functions which facilitates improved focus and attention.”

Safety and Future Directions

From a safety perspective the treatment has been well-tolerated with minimal side effects, making it a safe option.

As summarized in my video below, researchers have recently identified Photobiomodulation as a therapy that improves a wide variety of neurological conditions. As detailed in this post, one benefit is the application of photobiomodulation for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  Posted below are short abstracts of a selection of studies that focus on traumatic brain injury. Anyone with a TBI challenge should take this option to facilitate recovery seriously.

To put this in a little perspective, photobiomodulation (previously known as low level laser therapy) was a little known five years ago. Researchers who explore its application to a wide range of health conditions has skyrocketed over recent years.

Included  below small sampling of the dozens of studies that recommend photobiomodulation for its application for for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Photobiomodulation for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Studies

J Neurotrauma. .2023 Feb;40(3-4):210-227. Photobiomodulation in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Photobiomodulation is a therapeutic modality that has gained increasing interest in neuroscience applications, including acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Its proposed mechanisms for therapeutic effect when delivered to the injured brain include antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Eighteen published articles were identified for inclusion: seventeen pre-clinical studies of in vivo animal models and one clinical study in human patients. The available human study supports safety and feasibility of Photobiomodulation in acute moderate TBI.

This systematic review provides substantial meta-analysis evidence of the benefits of PBM on functional and histological outcomes of TBI.

Cells. 2024 Feb 23;13(5):385. Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery with Photobiomodulation: Cellular Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Future Potential. Lew Lim

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze transcranial photobiomodulation which employs specific red to near-infrared light wavelengths to modulate brain functions, as a promising therapy to address TBI’s complex pathophysiology in a single intervention. This study reviews the feasibility of this therapy, firstly by synthesizing PBM’s cellular mechanisms with each identified TBI’s pathophysiological aspect. The outcomes in human clinical studies are then reviewed.

The findings support PBM’s potential for treating TBI, notwithstanding variations in parameters such as wavelength, power density, dose, light source positioning, and pulse frequencies. In summary, transcranial PBM represents a multifaceted therapeutic intervention for TBI with vast potential which may be fulfilled by optimizing the parameters.

J Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Dec 13:13:e65. Transcranial Infrared Laser Stimulation for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Series

Abstract

Introduction: This study intended to evaluate the safety and possible therapeutic effect of photobiomodulation among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: Eleven participants who were diagnosed with TBI after full neurological examination and MRI evaluation by a board-certified neurologist completed five to eight 20-minute sessions

Results: All patients enrolled in this study protocol were able to tolerate the study procedures. Nine out of eleven participants had clinically significant improvements in GRC score (≥ +2). Neuropsychological testing and mood questionnaire outcomes also suggested a positive therapeutic effect.

Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the safety and potential efficacy of photobiomodulation as a non-invasive clinical intervention for individuals with TBI.

Ageing Res Rev. 2023 Jan:83:101786. Can transcranial photobiomodulation improve cognitive function? A systematic review of human studies

Abstract

Background: Transcranial photobiomodulation has been studied for over a decade as a possible cognitive intervention.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation for enhancing human cognitive function in healthy adults and remediating impaired cognitive function in adults with cognitive disorders.

Methods: A systematic literature search from three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was conducted from 1987 to May 2022. The cognitive function being evaluated included learning and memory, attention, executive function, language, and global cognitive function.

Results: Of the 35 studies identified, 29 (82.9 %) studies reported positive improvement in cognitive functions after tPBM. All nine studies on participants with subjective memory complaints, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, showed positive outcomes. Seven (87.5 %) studies on traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients also showed positive results.

Conclusions: tPBM seems to improve cognitive function

Photomed Laser Surg. 2018 Nov 28. Pulsed Transcranial Red/Near-Infrared Light Therapy Using Light-Emitting Diodes Improves Cerebral Blood Flow and Cognitive Function in Veterans with Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Series

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the outcome of applying red/near-infrared light therapy using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) pulsed with three different frequencies transcranially to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Veterans.

Background: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using LEDs has been shown to have positive effects on TBI in humans and animal models.

Methods: Twelve symptomatic military Veterans diagnosed with chronic TBI >18 months post-trauma received pulsed transcranial photobiomodulation using two neoprene therapy pads containing 220 infrared and 180 red LEDs over 6 weeks.

Results: Photobiomodulation significantly improved neuropsychological scores in 6 of 15 subscales (40.0%; p < 0.05; two tailed). SPECT analysis showed increase in rCBF in 8 of 12 (66.7%) study participants. Quantitative SPECT analysis revealed a significant increase in rCBF in this subgroup of study participants and a significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment.

Conclusions: Photobiomodulation using LEDs shows promise in improving cognitive function and rCBF several years after TBI.

Front Psychol
. 2024 Jun 17:15:1378570. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1378570. eCollection 2024.
Can transcranial photobiomodulation improve cognitive function in TBI patients? A systematic review
Jia Zeng 1, Chen Wang 1, Yuan Chai 2, Danyun Lei 3, Qiuli Wang 4

Abstract

Introduction: Transcranial photobiomodulation is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology which has become a promising therapy for treating many brain diseases. Although it has been confirmed in studies targeting neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that photobiomodulation can improve cognitive function, the effectiveness of interventions targeting TBI patients remains to be determined. This systematic review examines the cognitive outcomes of clinical trials concerning photobiomodulation in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review, following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched before October 31, 2023.

Results: The initial search retrieved 131 articles, and a total of 6 studies were finally included for full text-analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Conclusion: Results showed improvements in cognition for patients with chronic TBI after photobiomodulation intervention. The mechanism may be that photobiomodulation increases the volume of total cortical gray matter, subcortical gray matter, and thalamic, improves cerebral blood flow, functional connectivity, and cerebral oxygenation, improving brain function.

About Vielight Photobiomodulation Devices

The company, Vielight, has generously offered followers of Parkinsons Recovery a 10% discount off orders of any of their devices including Neuro Gamma device. Enter the coupon code healing4me on the shopping cart. The website: www.vielight.com 
Do not hesitate to call the company. They always provide four star service and are happy to answer all of your questions. 1-877-355-8012 (Main line). The company is located in Toronto Canada.

Warranty

Vielight is so confident in its new product that you get six (6) months to try out their newly invented photobiomodulation therapy. If for any reason you are not satisfied, you can return it for a 80% refund. I have never heard of a company that is so confident in their product that such a generous warranty can be extended. They obviously have high confidence in their new invention.

Experience of hundreds of members of my audience is certainly positive. Nine out of ten users retain their units. Only one out of ten return them to claim the 80% refund.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2010
Alzheimers Recovery

About Thiamine for Alzheimers

Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism. A water-soluble vitamin, Thiamine for Alzheimers is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, heart and muscles.

Thiamine deficiency is a life-threatening disease that leads to various disorders and lesions in the nerves and brain, at least in vertebrates. Several thiamine precursors with higher bioavailability have been developed to compensate for thiamine deficiency, including benfotiamine.

Benfotiamine is more bioavailable and has higher tissue penetration than thiamine. Benfotiamine represents an off-the-shelf agent used to support nerve health, promote healthy aging and support glucose metabolism.

J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;78(3):989-1010. Benfotiamine and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase IIa Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: In preclinical models, benfotiamine efficiently ameliorates the clinical and biological pathologies that define Alzheimer’s disease (AD) including impaired cognition, amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, diminished glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, increased advanced glycation end products (AGE), and inflammation.

Objective: To collect preliminary data on feasibility, safety, and efficacy in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or mild dementia due to AD in a placebo-controlled trial of benfotiamine.

Methods: A twelve-month treatment with benfotiamine tested whether clinical decline would be delayed in the benfotiamine group compared to the placebo group. The primary clinical outcome was the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog). Secondary outcomes were the clinical dementia rating (CDR) score and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, measured with brain positron emission tomography (PET). Blood AGE were examined as an exploratory outcome.

Results: Participants were treated with benfotiamine (34) or placebo (36). Benfotiamine treatment was safe. The increase in ADAS-Cog was 43% lower in the benfotiamine group than in the placebo group, indicating less cognitive decline, and this effect was nearly statistically significant (p = 0.125). Worsening in CDR was 77% lower (p = 0.034) in the benfotiamine group compared to the placebo group, and this effect was stronger in the APOEɛ4 non-carriers. Benfotiamine significantly reduced increases in AGE (p = 0.044), and this effect was stronger in the APOEɛ4 non-carriers. Exploratory analysis derivation of an FDG PET pattern score showed a treatment effect at one year (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Oral benfotiamine is safe and potentially efficacious in improving cognitive outcomes among persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment and mild Alzheimers. 

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2010
Alzheimers Recovery

Most people choose to suppress the symptoms of Alzheimer’s  disease with medications or supplements. And why not? If you can begin to feel “normal”, you can begin leading a “normal” life. Brain power games are an entertaining and effective way to boost existing neural networks and create new ones.

Michael Lavery, author of Whole Brain Power: The Fountain of Youth for the Mind and Body. has invented fascinating and innovative ways to increase and enhance the integrity and functionality of your brain. You read my last sentence correctly.

• You can get a lot smarter!
• Your memory and recall can improve significantly!
• Your handwriting can improve!
• Your can become more focused!
• You can lift depression!
• You can reclaim your life force!

All of this is possible, Michael explains, when you start a program of brain power games that exercise your brain in ways you never before even imagined. I like his approach because it puts you in the driver’s seat of your recovery and allows medicines and  supplements to take a back seat rather than front seat.

Joining Michael in my interview with him is Len Fox who discusses his own experience with taking Michael’s program of brain power exercises seriously.

More about Brain Power Games

The fine and gross motor controls of the hands help to grow the brain.  This brain growth occurs specifically on the surface of the brain as well as certain anatomical areas of the hippocampi structures, the corpus collosum and the cerebellum. The growth of myelin occurs with improved procedural memories.  When the myelin thickens on the axon sheaths, chemical changes occur with the production of a  master steroid. This process helps maintain homeostasis within the brain.

The brain has the ability to create new neurons in a process called neurogenesis. The brain has much greater plasticity than previously recognized.This is encouraging news for anyone dealing with mild cognitive impairment. People dealing with Alzheimer’s can be inspired to become more proactive with the issues of doing certain brain exercises that can help to rewire both hemispheres.

One of the tenets of whole brain exercises is to work on ambidexterity with handwriting drills and to also work on mirror writing.  This exercise is called “Da Vinci writing.”  It is one in which the practitioner writes from right to left with cursive penmanship.  The other ambidextrous drill is to bounce a golf ball off a mallet and to do so with either hand.

People with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s make tremendous strides in these areas where initially they had coordination problems.

To keep your program focused, Michael Lavery has also published a Whole Brain Power: Workbook & Progress Journal

I suspect you may be thinking – really? I thought I was born which a fixed level of brain power. Do you have a dog? If so, I suggest test out the ability of anyone to get smarter – even dogs. Click on the Canine IQ Quests image for information about mind exercises that boost the brain power of your dog! If a dog can make it happen so can you!

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2010
Alzheimers Recovery