Scientists are increasingly uncovering the widespread effects of toxic exposure on learning, memory and behavior in humans. Accumulation of heavy metals like lead in the body can dramatically impair cognitive function,1 and the amount of toxins necessary to produce symptoms is turning out to be far less than previously believed.

Aluminum has been shown to specifically damage learning, memory, and cognitive ability and has been suggested as a possible contributing factor in dementia and alcoholic amnesia.2,3 Research on Alzheimer's patients show they are much more likely to exhibit elevated levels of mercury, cadmium, and aluminum.4

Elemental Analysis (Hair) determines levels of toxic and nutritional elements in the body using a hair, blood, or urine sample. Each specimen type provides a unique window on element status. A hair sample, for example, will reflect chronic toxic exposure and long-term nutritional deficiencies, while blood and urine assessment will gauge the effects of more recent imbalances.

References:
1 Zheng YX, Liang YX. Meta-analysis in neurobehavioral toxicological studies. Chung Hua Yu Fang I Hsueh Tsa Chih 1994;28(5):282-283.
2 Davis WM. Is aluminum an etiologic contributor to alcoholic amnesia and dementia? Med Hypotheses 1993:41(4):341-343.
3 Kilburn KH, Warshaw RH. Neurobehavorial testing of subjects exposed residentially to groundwater contaminated from an aluminum die-casting plant and local referents. J Toxicol Environ Health 1993;39(4):483-496.
4 Basun H, Forssell LG, Wetterberg L, Winbland B. Metals and trace elements in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease. J Neural Transm Park Dis Dement Sect 1991;3(4):231-258.
Memory Loss and Amino Acids
Amino acids are crucial building blocks of protein in the body, and provide the source material for important brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.This may be an important reason why patients with Alzheimer's dementia often show disrupted patterns of amino acid metabolism, including glutamic acid deficiencies.1,2

The Amino Acids Analysis (Blood or Urine) assays over 40 amino acids, including all essential, semi-essential and protein-forming amino acids. It can be performed as a blood or urine test. An amino acid supplement schedule is included should test results uncover any important deficiencies.

References:
1 Martinez M, Frank A, Diez-Tejedor E, Hernanz A. Amino acid concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. J Neural Transm Park Dis Dement Sect 6(1):1-9.
2 Basun H, Forssell LG, Almkvist O, Cowburn RF, Ekof R, Winblad B, et al. Amino acid concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma in Alzheiemer's disease and healthy control subjects. J Neural Transm Park Dis Dement Sect 1990;2(4):295-304.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 or 818 707-3126.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L.Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.