July-August 2026: Aging without Dementia

Of the more than 100 human mental disorders that respond to therapeutic,

medical, or behavioral interventions, Alzheimer's, with roughly 2/3rds of all dementia cases, affects an estimated 7.6 million Americans, placing it as the 6t leading cause of mortality.

Other leading brain diseases, in rank order, are:

• Vascular dementia

• Lewy Body dementia

• Frontotemporal dementia

Your bulletin team has had, up close and personal, first-hand knowledge of dementia, as a result of caring for elderly love one's with this disease. We are very thankful we were able to successfully navigate through our 8"h and 9th decades, retaining enough cognitive power, to enjoy life normally.

Your bulletin team has had, up close and personal, first-hand knowledge of dementia, as a result of caring for elderly love one's with this disease. We are very thankful we were able to successfully navigate through our 8th and gth decades, retaining enough cognitive power, to enjoy life normally.

WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S ?

While officially classified as a disease, Alzheimer's is actually a brain disorder encompassing a wide array of contributing factors, over many decades. The Alzheimer's Association press release, of July 2026, suggests that people concerned about a declining memory, have their health practitioners order the "p-Tau 217" blood test. This test may predict the possibility of a future cognitive decline.

WHERE IS THE DRUG CURE?

Drugs specifically approved for Alzheimer's, have yet to offer any improvement other than a delay in Alzheimer's progression:

Kisunla and Lequembi are the only approved drugs that offer cognitive improvement. These two

"amyloid plaque" drugs require strict protocols for their use. They are only for early onset Alzheimer's patients in good metabolic health. They do not offer a cure, but only temporary help for memory loss, confusion and thinking deficits.

Symptomatic cognitive drugs-Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne and Zunvey, are available to help prevent a breakdown of neurotransmitter acetylcholine, necessary for memory.

Neurotransmitter glutamate regulators - Namenda and Namzaris, help prevent the over stimulation of glutamate which could cause hyper-excitability.

The drug, Rexulti helps to reduce agitation. Belsomra is for sleep problems.

FUTURE RESEARCH

For over two decades, and

numerous trials, researchers have only partially solved the Alzheimer's problem. It turns out that there are still other brain areas to be addressed before we have a 100% solution. We will explore these on the next page.

THE ALZHEIMER DILEMMA

Like many afflictions without a cure, Alzheimer's is a disease we hope to turn into a more manageable condition.

Research for solutions to this disease attracts huge amounts of time and money. It's also-attracting some opportunists who prey on the anxiety of the diseases care-givers.

All valid Alzheimer medical interventions must be approved by the National Institutes of Health.

The public should avoid taking any non-approved supplement until fully authorized by a government sponsored agency.

RE-DIRECTING YOUR BRAIN'S DESTINY

Brain scientists are actively shifting their focus away from amyloid plaque, the primary driver of Alzheimer's disease. Outcomes of the two authorized anti-amyloid drugs has been less than stellar. A shift into other areas of the brain should yield better results.

What interests scientists are the microgial cells of the brain (grey matter). These tiny cells fill up the empty spaces of the brain between neuron cells (which convey information). Healthy microgial cells have many brain nurturing duties, such as supporting and growing new neuron cells and protecting the brain-blood barrier. Keeping microgial cells healthy is a key element to a healthy brain.

Microgial cells that malfunction could lead to Alzheimer's. The above thanks to neurologist David Perlmutter, MD.

LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS FOR ALZHEIMER'S

Can non-pharmacological lifestyle modifications protect our cognitive function? A trial of 2,700 persons, ages 60 to 79, at high risk for cognitive decline, were provided with structured programs over two years. This program was built on the Alzheimer Associations U.S. Pointer study.

Core lifestyle pillars were as follows:

1. Physical activity. Thirty to fifty minutes of moderate to aerobic exercise, four times a week.

Flexibility training two times a week.

2.  Nutrition. The Mediterranean diet was featured, emphasizing leafy greens, berries, nuts, fresh fruit, avocado, quinoa, olive oil and fish.

3. Cognitive challenge. Three times a week, featuring special cognitive training exercises and social activities.

4. Health monitoring, featuring goal setting for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.

Participants in the study were formed into ethnic and nationality groups. Some participants showed a 55% greater improvement in overall memory, thinking and reasoning.

A new global clinical trial was recently announced combining the

U.S. Pointer lifestyle intervention, with a GLP-1 type obesity drug.

The New Health Order team takes pride in announcing 15 years of publishing healthy aging bulletins. Roger and Arlene.