The month of June marks Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Originally, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was a specific condition, also known as pre-senile dementia, referring to excessive memory loss at an early age. Nowadays, it has become synonymous with all forms of dementia. However, not all dementias are the same. By understanding the different subtypes, we gain important clues about their causes and can take more meaningful steps toward prevention and treatment.
The Genetic Myth
Medical literature often emphasises the genetic causes of Alzheimer’s. This fits the conventional narrative that if something is genetic, little can be done about it. In reality, genetic links account for only about 1% of diagnosed cases. Roughly 95% of Alzheimer’s cases are linked to preventable factors. Even with a genetic predisposition, lifestyle and nutrition can significantly influence outcomes.
The Five Subtypes of Alzheimer’s
According to Dr Dale Bredesen’s book The End of Alzheimer’s, five main subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease can be identified:
Type 1 – Inflammatory (“Hot”)
- Driven by chronic inflammation
- Often associated with infections, gut dysbiosis, or autoimmune triggers
- Typically later onset
Type 1.5 – Glycotoxic (“Sweet”）
- Between Types 1 and 2
- Driven by insulin resistance and high blood sugar
- Elevated HbA1c and fasting insulin
- Combines inflammatory and atrophic features
Type 2 – Atrophic (“Cold”)
- Driven by loss of nutrient/hormonal support
- Low levels of estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormones, and/or insulin
- Often earlier onset than Type 1
Type 3 – Toxic (“Vile”)
- Driven by toxic exposures (mercury, lead, aluminium, mycotoxins, organic chemicals)
- Often presents differently, with younger patients and less typical memory symptoms
- Frequently misdiagnosed
Type 4 – Vascular (“Pale”)
- Driven by reduced blood flow to the brain
- Associated with arterial plaque and mini-strokes
- Overlaps with vascular dementia
Type 5 – Traumatic (“Dazed”)
- Driven by prior head trauma
Note: Mainstream medicine has not yet widely adopted this classification system.
Preventing Dementia
Prevention is far more effective than trying to reverse advanced disease. Here are evidence-based strategies that can protect brain health:
Diet
- Minimise ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and seed oils
- Prioritise healthy fats (macadamia nut oil, olive oil, avocado, oily fish)
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Low-carbohydrate diets (paleo, ketogenic, or carnivore) provide the brain with cleaner-burning fuel (ketones)
Exercise
- Regular aerobic exercise (strongest evidence of any intervention)
- Resistance/strength training
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
Sleep
- Prioritise 7–8 hours of quality sleep nightly
- Treat sleep apnea if present
- Sleep allows the brain’s glymphatic system to clear waste
Use It or Lose It
- Lifelong learning and mental stimulation
- Musical training
- Reading, puzzles, crosswords, and strategy games
Social Connection
- Maintain strong social relationships
- Social isolation is a significant independent risk factor
Stress Management
- Chronic stress damages the hippocampus
- Practices such as prayer, mindfulness, and breathwork can help lower cortisol
Toxic Exposure Reduction
- Minimise exposure to toxic metals (mercury, lead, aluminium)
- Address mould/mycotoxin exposure
- Reduce pesticide and chemical exposure
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) for Brain Health
While many nutrients support brain health, Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deserves special attention. Thiamine deficiency produces Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, and high-dose supplementation has been shown to reverse some of these symptoms.
A 1993 study using high-dose thiamine (7–8 g daily) demonstrated remarkable improvements in dementia measures over 11 months. Lower doses (300–500 mg daily) are likely beneficial in mild to moderate cases.
Thirty-three years later, nobody has taken that study further into larger trials, while a multi-billion dollar industry has been built around so-called anti-Alzheimer’s drugs that barely show any benefit while producing many unpleasant side effects.
Key Benefits of Thiamine
Brain and Nerve Health
- Supports cognitive performance
- Slows cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease
- Relieves symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
- Reduces brain fog
Mood and Mental Health
- Supports healthy mood
- Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improves memory and mental clarity
Energy Metabolism
- Essential for converting glucose into usable energy (ATP)
- Reduces fatigue
Additional Benefits
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Improves digestion and appetite
- Supports immune function and insulin sensitivity
- Critical during pregnancy for fetal brain development
- Reduces symptoms of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Who May Benefit Most?
- Students and high-achievers
- People who consume alcohol regularly
- Those on psychiatric medication
- The elderly and chronically ill
- People with high-carbohydrate diets
Dosage and Safety
Start with 500–1,000 mg daily for the first month, then reduce to a maintenance dose of 100–300 mg daily. Thiamine is water-soluble and very safe at supplemental doses.
1993 study on high-dose thiamine in dementia
To your energised health
The Team at Integrow Health
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