Helen’s Story

Site created on July 4, 2019

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Newest Update

Journal entry by Leandra Jackson

Hi All,
I wanted to update you on mom's testing results and functional medicine recommendation's. She has inherited the ApoE4 gene from both parents. Having 2 copies of this gene increases risk of Alzheimer to 50%-90%. Zero copies of the gene the lifetime risk of developing Alz is 9%, 1 copy is 30%. However just because someone has the gene doesn't mean that the gene will become activated, lifestyle choices make a dramatic impact on gene expression. Of course in mom's case the genes have become active. The types of Alz's based on metabolic profiling that she has; the majority is *Inflammatory (which is mostly due to the gene and inflammation), *Traumatic (brain trauma,  and increased build up of amyloid in the brain), and on a smaller scale *Atrophic (has a lot to do with hormones, sleeping conditions and gut health).

We will continue to eat a mostly ketogenic diet, increase protein and amino acids. Along with the diet we will implement a rigorous supplement regiment over the next 6 months. Test results showed some candida and other bad bacteria present in the gut which is decreasing the absorption of many important nutrients for hormone production. She is deficient in omega's, DHA, EPA, several hormones, low in many B vitamins, serine, zinc. The gut health protocol and increase in vitamins are intended to increase absorption and in turn the body should be able to produce hormones more effectively. This will also decrease the amount of inflammation in the brain. We will also implement some supplements for nerve growth and brain health.


Over the next 6 months there will be retesting to see where her levels are and of course I hope to see obvious improvement in thought process and daily activities. 

The hardest thing right now is to get her to exercise more aggressively. We would like to see her break a sweat. Due to her age, getting tired more quickly, and proprioception it may not be possible. I hope to get her an infrared lamp to help with this while she rides her bike to increase her body temperature. By increasing the body temperature it will help to detox the body faster of harmful bacteria in the gut.

For mom's children Dr. Eads is offering a discounted price for genetic testing and consult of around $300. She does telehealth consultations and will have test kits sent directly to you or send you to a local blood lab with a  test order. 
Her information is:
Michelle A. Eads, M.D.
Pinnacle Functional Medicine
www.michelleeadsmd.com
drmeads@att.com
(719) 687-8752 

Because mom has 2 ApoE4 genes she has only that option to pass it on to her kids so that means we all have at least one of them, the question is which one did dad pass on to us?

Many Blessings and healthy living
Love you all,
Leandra
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