Part II ~ Your Most Important Organ

 

Hi Readers, this is Part II of my previous blog posting from April 19, 2025, Your Most Important Organ, a webinar lecture with renowned brain expert, Dr. Andrew Budson. His vita is impressive! Educated at Haverford College and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Budson is Chief of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology at the VA Boston Healthcare System, Associate Director of the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Professor of Neurology at Boston University, and Lecturer in Neurology at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Budson was asked if the Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine reduces dementia? He commented that the Shingles virus attacks nerves, resulting in debilitating pain and discomfort. It is important to avoid viruses in the first place. While amyloid helps get rid of infections and viruses, working toward staying as healthy as possible are strategies toward avoiding dementia. He suggested getting flu and Covid vaccines in addition to the Shingles vaccine and get enough Vitamin D.

Low levels of Vitamin D can mimic dementia. People wear sunblock to avoid skin cancer and that may result in low levels. However, Vitamin D is also essential to fight diseases. Older adults should get about 2,000 units of Vitamin D daily from milk and/or a supplement. “Get vaccines and get enough Vitamin D.”

Another participant asked Dr. Budson if Alzheimer’s Disease is Type 3 Diabetes? He replied, “I don’t see the connection.” However, he added that the brain cannot optimally function with high levels of insulin. People should avoid spikes in insulin and eat a diet of whole grains, avoiding refined sugar and white flour. [Readers: I feel your pain! I need an occasional donut but I am working on this.]

Dr. Bunson commented that there is a plethora of dementia misinformation in the media. First, Prevagin claims are bogus: It is a complete waste of money. Second, there are no pills or supplements to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s Disease. Scientists do not know the cause, and therefore, there is no prevention or cure for it. First, we must find the cause.

Another question was asked. “At what age should patients receive routine cognitive testing?”  [Readers, some physicians are using the MoCA, the MMSE, or the Clock Drawing assessment in routine screenings.] While routine cognitive screening is controversial, Dr. Budson recommended that routine screenings should begin at age 65 and then administered annually. As a gerontologist, I concur with Dr. Budson’s recommendation.

Readers, there is more coming from Dr. Budson. The focus of Part III is dementia caregiving. Check back here for more on that important topic. AgeDoc