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Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

With: Dr. Heather Sandison

About the Episode

Discover the solution to reversing Alzheimer’s. Forget the pills and embrace a holistic approach that’s transforming lives.

In this episode, Dr. Heather Sandison shares the holistic approach to reversing Alzheimer’s, shedding light on practical strategies and groundbreaking research. Dr. Sandison, a distinguished naturopathic doctor, shares her pioneering work in transforming memory care into memory recovery at Marama, where residents experience an immersive approach to unlock cognitive vitality.

Listen now to start moving toward cognitive vitality!

What We Discuss

Dr. Sandison emphasizes the critical role of addressing factors like blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and stress in the context of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She also focuses on the importance of an organic ketogenic diet, brain-engaging activities, and a non-toxic environment. The episode offers a wealth of insights, from the impact of stress on cognitive function to the limitations of pharmaceutical interventions, empowering listeners with knowledge and options for optimizing cognition.

Holistic Alzheimer’s Reversal Solutions

A multifocal approach to treating dementia can lead to improved cognitive function and overall well-being in patients. By addressing various factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management, individuals can potentially reverse Alzheimer’s and optimize cognition. This holistic approach offers hope and empowerment for those affected by cognitive decline and their carers.

Organic Ketogenic Diet Benefits

Implementing an organic ketogenic diet can have significant benefits for brain health and cognition. This type of diet, emphasizing healthy fats and low-carb intake, has been shown to support cognitive function and potentially reverse Alzheimer’s. By prioritizing organic, whole foods, individuals can improve brain health and protect against cognitive decline.

Dual Task Exercise Transformative Effects

Engaging in dual-task exercises, combining cognitive and physical activities, can have transformative effects on cognitive function. Activities like dance classes, yoga, or pickleball not only promote physical fitness but also support mental acuity and brain health. By incorporating these exercises into daily routines, you can enhance your cognition and potentially reverse Alzheimer’s.
Listen now to start moving toward cognitive vitality!

Guest Bio

Dr. Heather Sandison, a distinguished naturopathic doctor, has devoted her career to providing compassionate care and innovative solutions to those affected by dementia. Renowned for her pioneering work, Dr. Sandison has integrated groundbreaking, holistic, and multimodal interventions, seamlessly creating clinical, residential, research, and educational platforms. Her relentless dedication has not only transformed the lives of patients and caregivers, she has also set new standards in the field of dementia care.

Links

https://www.drheathersandison.com/
Reversing Alzheimer’s Book: https://reversingalzheimersbook.com/
Marama: https://www.maramaexperience.com/
Free Keto Diet Guide: https://www.drheathersandison.com/keto/

Social

https://www.instagram.com/dr.heathersandison/
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherSandisonND
https://www.tiktok.com/@drheathersandison

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Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition
Preventing Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Approach to Improving Cognition

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted