Have you heard about a clinical trial funded by the Alzheimer’s Association in which cognition and neuromuscular function was improved among participants with early to moderate or moderate/severe Alzheimer’s while using a plasmalogen precursor supplement? If not, you can access it via this link.
I received several questions about the plasmalogen supplement that was used in the trial and want to share those questions, along with my answers. I’m also sharing the link for the supplement along with my practitioner discount code in at the end of this blog.
I’ve been focused on Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal since my Bredesen training in 2016. Until I learned about plasmalogens, I hadn’t heard of anything beyond the Bredesen Protocol that has what I call “the trifecta”:
- Strong foundational research, from multiple sources
- Proven results in humans
- Practical application
When I see a trifecta, I pay close attention.
The ReCODE protocol is based on decades of science and has proven results that have been replicated. Since 2016, many people have reversed their symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and many are practicing prevention. In 2020, 84% of participants in the Proof of Concept Clinical Trial had significant improvement. The original participants in Dr. Bredesen’s first case study are still doing well, and there’s a book about them everyone should read: The First Survivors of Alzheimer’s Disease. The trifecta continues to strengthen.
The plasmalogen research also is decades old. We know that plasmalogens are required for the function of cholinergic neurons, which are responsible for cognition. The practical application of this information is now available to us.
The first study is small but significant, and the information meets my “trifecta” standard for paying close attention. That’s why I shared the results of the study and now want to share answers to the questions I’ve been asked:
Q. I’ve been on Dr. Goodenowe’s website, and he says plasmalogen deficiency is the cause of Alzheimer’s and the cure is to replenish plasmalogens. Do you believe that?
My opinion: Since I first heard about Dr. Goodenowe’s research and his various types of clinical trials, I have been studying his educational materials, the related research by others and his practitioner resources. I am absolutely convinced that plasmalogens are critical for cognition. Decades of research support this. I’m so convinced that I’m adding the ProdromeScan test to the rest of the tests I order for my clients.
Q. Do you think plasmalogens are all that’s necessary?
My opinion: Most people have more than one underlying contributor to their cognitive decline and it’s important to optimize all of them. That said, it’s hard to argue with the fact that several people have improved without doing anything else, but I continue to believe that Alzheimer’s is a complicated metabolic disease and that multiple underlying contributors need to be addressed for each person. Plasmalogens are critical for cognition for everyone, but the metabolic mayhem that most Alzheimer’s patients experience has to be addressed. Dr. Goodenowe does not disagree with this. In fact, his ProdromeScan test was designed to assess multiple biochemical markers that precede disease.
Q. Would the supplement help someone who has the toxic type of Alzheimer’s?
My opinion: Since plasmalogens are degraded by oxidative stress and toxins, I believe it is worth trying. The toxic type of Alzheimer’s is arguably the most difficult to improve, and if plasmalogens are playing a role in this, then optimizing them is a must. I believe it’s worth trying for all of my clients, including those on a prevention plan.
Q. Everyone in the clinical trial didn’t improve — why do you think that is?
My opinion: Everyone in a clinical trial rarely improves. There are many reasons for this. It’s possible some participants didn’t take the supplement as directed or had life events that caused them not to fully participate. Other factors are also possible.
Q. Aren’t amyloid plaques the cause of Alzheimer’s?
My opinion: Every drug that has been developed to clear amyloid plaques has failed to improve cognition. Amyloid plaques play a role, but it’s not a causal role. Amyloid collects in the brain because of inflammation and toxic exposures. I believe amyloid plaque is just another symptom of the actual causes, and we must address actual causes to relieve symptoms.
Q. I don’t have any cognitive symptoms, so why should I test for plasmalogens?
My opinion: The point of prevention is to never have symptoms, so it’s wise to test so you can see if yours are declining. If they are, supplementation can bring them back up and prevent cognitive decline due to a deficiency. We do know that APOE/4 carriers need higher levels than APOE/3, and APOE/3 carriers need higher levels than APOE/2.
Q. Can I get plasmalogens from my diet?
A. Your body makes its own plasmalogens throughout your life. Plasmalogens decline as we age and also as a result of toxic exposures. There aren’t any good dietary sources that will raise plasmalogens because they are degraded in the acidic environment of digestion. In fact, the plasmalogen supplement has to be precursor supplement to be effective.
Q. Can I order the supplement without testing?
A. You can. It’s on the Prodrome website. For cognitive decline related to Alzheimer’s, choose the ProdromeNeuro supplement. You can use the code ACHAPMAN25 at checkout for a 25% discount. That said, the test is worth the investment if you have a practitioner who can help you understand it and take action.
Q. How much do I take?
A. In the clinical trial, 1ml or 900mg was the starting dosage. Dr. Goodenowe believes 2ml up to 4ml is best for those who already have symptoms, but it depends on the individual. There’s a Q & A section on the website that addresses this question and many others related to the test and the supplement. What we know for sure is that people who already have a diagnosis will need more than 900mg and should use at least 3600mg.
Q. Would you have used the supplement with your mother even though she was in full-time dementia care?
A. Absolutely. I was never willing to give up, I just didn’t have anything to use at that point that was practical. I would have liked to have had the opportunity.
Q. Dr. Goodenow said the improvements in neuromuscular function were even better than the cognitive improvements. Why does that matter?
A. As Alzheimer’s progresses, there is usually a loss in neuromuscular function. Many people develop what has been referred to as an Alzheimer’s “shuffle” when walking. Some have balance issues, and others need a wheelchair. Deficits in neuromuscular function can make it hard to stand from a seated position. This has serious implications for toileting. Improving neuromuscular function can improve quality of life. Neuromuscular function as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease is important and can begin before the onset of cognitive symptoms. Here’s some info if you want to learn more.
The biochemistry related to plasmalogens is complicated, but it’s also very important when it comes to solutions for Alzheimer’s. The basic bottom line is this:
- The brain cells responsible for cognition require plasmalogens to work properly.
- Your body makes its own plasmalogens — a lot of them.
- Plasmalogens are diminished when you need more than you make, which can be because of toxins, oxidative stress or issues (often modifiable) related to aging.
- Plasmalogens cannot be properly optimized through diet because they don’t make it through the acidic environment of digestion.
- Dr. Goodenowe’s plasmalogen precursor, ProdromeNeuro, has been clinically proven to elevate plasmalogens.
I hope this Q & A has been helpful for you. I’m so grateful that Alzheimer’s has taken center stage in the research and that we now have practical, proven ways to help us prevent or improve Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Angela Chapman, M.Ed, FDN-P is a certified ReCODE practitioner and health educator. If you’re looking for ways to prevent or fight Alzheimer’s, her Sunday email is a great resource for you.