In yet another example of the remofications from overprescribing pharmaceuticals (*cough* antibiotics) the regular use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been shown in a large, quality study published in the journal Jama Neurology to increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 44%.¹ PPIs are basically antacids. The commonly prescribed brands include: omeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, or rabeprazole. PPIs are some of the most frequently used class of drugs and their use is increasing tremendously. Sadly, It’s estimated that 40-60% of all PPIs subscriptions are inappropriate (lack any diagnosis to support the use).²

Now, there’s A LOT more to be said about the epidemics we’re facing today of cognitive decline diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s but this is an area that’s often overlooked (especially by your doctor). So, I wanted to make sure it gets your attention. Alzheimer’s is preventable and even reversible if caught early enough. One of my favorite doctors to listen to on this subject is Dr. David Perlmutter.

There’s been very little progress in creating a drug to treat cognitive decline despite billions of dollars being thrown into research. In fact, it’s been so unproductive that many pharmaceutical companies are pulling the plug and defunding the search. In January of this year, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals ended their research to discover new medications for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. They laid off over 300 scientists in their labs and closed down the entire division.³

To learn more, these are some of the top experts in the field: Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Dr. Shari Caplan, Dr. Norman Doidge, Dr. Joseph Maroon, Dr. Mary Newport, Dr. Pamela Wartian Smith, Dr. Mary Kay Ross, Dr. Michael J. Breus, Dr. Daniel Amen, and Dr. Dale Bredesen.

All of these experts have these beliefs in common:

1. Alzheimer’s is preventable.
2. The brain is able to heal itself.

Their proven therapies and scientific basis is all rooted in altering lifestyle factors such as:

1. Getting the right quality and quantity of sleep.
2. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones.
3. Avoiding neurotoxins.
4. Healing the gut.
5. Reducing stress.
6. Exercise, exercise, exercise!

The treatment and prevention of cognitive decline disease is your responsibility. Sorry, but there is no silver bullet. There really never is. It’s about making the right choices to promote health every single day. 

1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2487379

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/21402255/

3. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/01/08/576443442/pfizer-halts-research-efforts-into-alzheimers-and-parkinsons-treatments