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Health Tips

How to Prepare for Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

How to Prepare for Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

Tseniorcomputerhe average doctor’s visit takes about 7 minutes. In some cities, that is less than the time you spend waiting on line at the supermarket. Between the exchange of greetings and the exam, often there is little time to ask all of your questions or have a detailed conversation about your health. How to Prepare for Your Next Doctor’s Appointment
Yet, ensuring you have a complete understanding of your diagnosis and/or any medications you’ve been prescribed before you leave your doctor’s office is important for everyone, especially older Americans who may visit several doctors and have multiple conditions.
Lynne Nowak, M.D., a medical director at Express Scripts, offers the following advice to help you make the most of your time with your doctor, and ensure you leave the office with a solid understanding about your health.
Prepare for your visit: First, compile a complete list of the medications you currently take and share it with your doctor. If you’ve started a new medication that was prescribed by a different doctor, be sure to communicate that to all of the healthcare professionals in your circle of care. Second, make a list of questions for your doctor in advance, and be sure to ask the harder, more important questions first. If you run out of time, you can ask the general questions of the nursing or office staff. Lastly, if you are expecting your doctor to discuss lab or blood test results, call the office before your visit to confirm they have received the results.
Be an engaged patient: Take notes. If you are concerned about being upset or forgetting what your doctor tells you, bring a loved one or a friend to be an extra set of ears. Also, ask your doctor to clarify or re-explain the information if you have trouble understanding their instructions.
Be comfortable with your treatment: Medications are supposed to help you, so ask your doctor if there are any aspects of a treatment that might hinder you from taking it, such as the cost or the size of the pill. Also, be sure to let your doctor know about any side effects you may be having, even if they are minor. Don’t wait until your next appointment to inform your doctor of side effects, and always call them to alert them of new side effects to be sure they are ‘normal.’
Tell the truth: Be honest with your doctor about your symptoms or concerns you might have about your health. It’s sometimes easier to downplay your situation or dismiss some information as irrelevant. Having all the details of your condition(s) will help your doctor determine the best treatment and provide the best care.
Get a second opinion: If your doctor says something that seems wrong, you should ask about it. Doctors are human too, and they sometimes make mistakes. If you are still questioning your diagnosis or course of treatment, get a second opinion. You’ll find that most doctors encourage and support second opinions.
Doctors are extremely busy; however, your health is very important to them. Although limitless time with doctors would be ideal, there’s not much that can be done to extend the length of your appointment. Take the time to follow some of these suggestions to ensure you get the most out of your doctor’s visit.
To stay up-to-date with the latest health news, including Medicare, please visit http://www.roadmapformedicare.com/. Also, you can sign up for free newsletter from Express Scripts Medicare providing health, Medicare and retirement tips by visiting http://www.roadmapformedicare.com/sign-up/.

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Diet & Nutrition

Wholesome Snacking for Everyone

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

2200Wholesome Snacking for Everyone
It’s easy to grab a bag of chips or a handful of cookies to give yourself a boost of energy to make it through the day. But those choices aren’t always the most nutritious. It is possible, however, to make better snack choices that actually taste good, and are good for you.Wholesome Snacking for Everyone
Registered dietitian and author Kate Geagan, MS, RD, says, “Snacks can play an important role within a healthy diet. Selecting a tasty, nutritious snack or two can help you stay energized and keep you from overeating at your next meal. If you plan ahead, you can ensure that you have satisfying choices you can feel good about.” Geagan suggests planning a mid-afternoon snack and water break.
“Whole foods and those that are made with minimally processed, whole food ingredients are great snack choices,” she says. “Try to include a serving of fruits or vegetables for added vitamins, antioxidants and fiber, as well as a source of protein or calcium, like cheese or yogurt.” There are plenty of delicious options to keep you going from morning to night.
Geagan recommends snacking on SOYJOY bars instead of granola bars made with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and additives. SOYJOY bars, made with real fruit and USA grown non-genetically modified ground whole soy, are a tasty snack option perfect for any time of day. They are just the right size to keep in your desk drawer, gym bag, or pack in your child’s lunch box.
Geagan is also a fan of making flavorsome snack pairings. For example, she likes to enjoy a creamy Mini Babybel cheese with multi-grain crackers or apple slices. These individually wrapped cheeses are the perfect portion size, and they combine the irresistible taste of an indulgent treat with the nutrition of a wholesome, everyday snack. For a fun snack for kids, Geagan also suggests making mini skewers with a rolled up turkey slice, Mini Babybel White Cheddar, and a cherry tomato.
Pre-pack nutritious on-the-go snacks. If you plan ahead and divide up single servings into snack-sized resealable bags or storage containers, you’ll always have a good-for-you snack ready to grab and go.

  • 1 cup edamame (or 1/2 cup shelled edamame)
  • 1 ounce in-shell pistachios
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter on apple slices
  • Whole wheat pita chips with guacamole or hummus
  • Create your own trail mix with kid-friendly ingredients like popcorn, fruits and nuts

Great tasting snacks can also be good for you – offer a variety of nutritious choices and the whole family will find a snack they love. For more snacking tips and recipes visit www.soyjoy.com andwww.thelaughingcow.com.

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Health Tips

The Dose You Need: What Seniors Should Know About Vaccines

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

asian_coupleThe Dose You Need: What Seniors Should Know About Vaccines
Much of the discussion around vaccines usually involves children’s vaccinations and annual flu shots. But did you know there are many vaccines older Americans need as they age? And did you know several of them are covered by Medicare? The Dose You Need: What Seniors Should Know About Vaccines
As we age, our immune systems have a harder time fighting certain viruses they once could, making older Americans more susceptible to illnesses that can become more complicated to treat in older persons and those with other chronic conditions.
Below are several vaccines that are important for seniors to discuss with their physicians, when you should get them, and which “part” of Medicare will cover the cost.
Influenza
Older Americans are one of the highest-risk populations for contracting the flu and suffering serious, sometimes fatal, flu-related complications. In fact, 50 to 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States occur in people aged 65 and older. Seniors should get their flu shot every year by October. For seniors enrolled in Medicare, your Part B coverage automatically covers the seasonal flu shot, including the swine flu vaccination (H1N1).
Shingles
Shingles is a condition that impacts your nerves, causing a painful rash and blistering. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles, and while you can develop shingles at any age, people over the age of 60 account for more than half of all shingles cases. The shingles vaccine is a one-time vaccination, covered by Medicare Part D.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
The incidence of whooping cough tripled among adults 65 and older from 2006-2012. With symptoms similar to the common cold, whooping cough is known to quickly escalate to uncontrollable cough, which may cause vomiting and extreme fatigue. Infants are also extremely vulnerable to whooping cough prior to their vaccinations; four out of five babies who contract whooping cough get it from a parent, sibling or grandparent. Infants are not fully vaccinated against whooping cough until they are approximately six months old. This one time vaccine may be available to people over the age of 65 and is covered by Medicare Part D.
Pneumonia (Pneumococcal)
Conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections kill thousands of people each year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two vaccines to seniors given in sequence. The vaccines work together to help protect against these bacterial infections. The vaccine dosing and sequence may vary based upon your medical history. Medicare Part B covers this vaccine.
Talk to your primary care physician about what vaccines you need; he or she can often administer them right in their office. Also, several retail pharmacy chains offer immunizations from certified health professionals with no appointment necessary. To stay up-to-date on other news impacting the Medicare Part D population, visit: http://www.roadmapformedicare.com. You can also sign up for the free Roadmap for Medicare newsletter here: http://www.roadmapformedicare.com/sign-up

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Health Tips

Stifle the Sneezes and Tame the Cold

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Stifle the Sneezes and Tame the Cold
allergy-18656_640Every year, the cold and flu season arrives along with plenty of advice for staying healthy. How do you sort out the truth from fiction to stifle the sneezes and tame the cold? RevolutionHealth.com’s Senior Medical Director and expert Integrative Medicine and Internist, Dr. Brad Jacobs offers these practical tips based on his medical and alternative therapy knowledge. Stifle the Sneezes and Tame the Cold

An Ounce of Prevention:

  • Step-up hygiene. Keep virus-free by staying clean. For example, wash your hands with plain soap or waterless alcohol gel for 1-2 minutes.
  • Sleep. Deprive yourself of sleep and you’ll be more susceptible to viruses.
  • Chill out. Manage stress can improve immune function. Try meditating, exercising, doing your favorite hobby, or acupuncture (it’ll relax you).
  • Eat right. Good nutrition will help fight viruses.
  • Vitamin C. Although many swear by it, recent research suggests it not a cold preventive.
  • Zinc. Lozenges taken every few hours at the onset of cold symptoms actually decrease the likelihood that a virus can adhere to your body.
  • Echinacea: Worried that you have been exposed to a cold virus? Consider taking Echinacea, it has been shown to reduce the chances of getting a cold by 58%. Take 2 to 3 ccs (liquid) or 300 milligrams (pill) every 2 to 3 hours for up to a week. Don’t take it indefinitely as a preventive but limit your intake to one week.
    • But Echinacea isn’t for everyone. Allergic to ragweed? Beware, as the two are in the same botanical family. If you’re immune-compromised or on immunosuppressant drugs, don’t take it, as Echinacea stimulates the immune system.
  • Flu shot. Elderly and adults who have frequent contact with children can avoid the flu by getting a flu shot.

Aaaah-choo! Phooey.
Despite your best efforts, you’ve got a cold. What can help you get better faster?

  • Andrographic paniculata. This herbal treatment may help alleviate cold symptoms.
  • Chicken Soup. Although yet to be proven by human studies, laboratory studies and Grandma’s wisdom suggest this comfort food, and potentially any vegetable soup, may alleviate cold symptoms like head and sinus congestion. Why? Eating chicken soup apparently has anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Echinacea. Here are the basics about this potential cold-buster:
    • Got a cold? Taken within 24-48 hours of cold symptoms can to decrease the duration of a cold by up to 1.4 days. 2 to 3 ccs (liquid) or 300 milligrams (pill) every 2 to 3 hours for 2 to 3 days or until your cold is gone.
    • But make sure to read the warning above on who shouldn’t take Echinacea.
  • Feed a cold? Do what feels right; if you’re hungry, eat; if not, don’t. Be sure to get plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Sleep it off. Yes, lots of rest will help you recover; use a humidifier in your bedroom to decrease symptoms and help you feel better.

In addition to many more cold and flu prevention and treatment tips, RevolutionHealth.com offers free content from internationally-recognized medical sources including Mayo and Cleveland Clinic; 120+ free health assessment tools; community features (where you can talk with others on health issues and their treatment suggestions); find and rate local hospitals, doctors and dentists; and compare health insurance plans.

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Diet & Nutrition

10 Easy Weight Loss Tips to Help You Slim Down

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

00003923When it comes to losing weight and getting in shape, Jamie Walker, co-founder and president of the online health community Fit Approach (www.FitApproach.com), knows a thing or two. A Yoga Alliance certified instructor and boot camp leader, Walker is also the winner of multiple marathons.
“Losing weight and getting in shape is more than just counting calories and squat repetitions,” says Walker. “It’s about implementing healthy habits and actions into your daily life.” With this in mind, Walker shares her tips for shedding pounds and living healthier.
1. Trim Your Plate.
When preparing meals, consider proper portion sizes for vegetables, lean proteins, grains and dairy. Using a smaller salad plate will help you keep portions in control, while also providing the visual cue that you have eaten enough food to feel satisfied. To learn more about portions, visitwww.ChooseMyPlate.gov.
2. Grab Your Toes, Not a Fork.
“When you’re feeling tired or stressed out your first instinct may be to grab a snack. But before snacking, consider stretching,” suggests Walker. Stretching can help you feel rejuvenated, provide you with longer lasting energy, as well as help clear your mind.
3. When Dining Out, Go Dutch.
When you’re out on the town try splitting a meal with a friend. Most restaurants serve portions that far exceed our dietary requirements for a single meal. Sharing food minimizes the chance you’ll overeat.
4. Wake and Weigh.
“Set a goal to step on the scale at the same time each week,” says Walker. “Sticking to a routine will help keep you accountable, making it easier to track your progress.” Walker recommends the iHealth Wireless Scale which allows you to track your weight over time and compare results to daily activities such as diet and exercise regimens. Results can be shared with your doctor, personal trainer, family members or fitness partners via the free companion iHealth Scale app. Learn more at www.ihealth99.com.
5. Drink More Water.
Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink roughly 3 liters of water each day (13 cups) and women should drink 2.2 liters (9 cups). Create the habit of drinking a glass of water before each meal to avoid over-eating. Learn more at www.MayoClinic.com.
6. Go Green.
Make a sincere effort to add something green to all of your meals. Dark, leafy greens are full of fiber, which is proven to help you feel fuller longer. Greens such as spinach and kale are also packed with important vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytochemicals.
7. Don’t Call it a Workout, Call it Fun.
Instead of associating your workout with “work,” channel your positive energy and make your exercise time pleasurable. Walker recommends working out to your favorite tunes and trying fun, non-conventional ways to burn calories like dancing, jumping rope or doing squats while brushing your teeth in the morning. For more tips on creative ways to workout, visit www.LiveStrong.com.
8. Slip into Something Less Comfortable.
Ditch the sweatpants and opt for something that makes you feel amazing. Studies show that you’re less likely to overeat if you feel confident.
9. Don’t Subtract, Just Add.
Instead of focusing on foods you have to subtract from your diet, focus on the foods that can always be added, like fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Try new combinations of wholesome foods. You may be surprised by how much you enjoy flavorful, seasonal produce in some of your favorite dishes, such as vegetarian lasagna.
10. Early to Bed, Early to Rise.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, short sleep duration is linked with an increase in body mass index due to an increased appetite caused by sleep deprivation. Learn more about getting a good night’s sleep at www.SleepFoundation.org.

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Health Tips

Health Care Tips For Healthy Lifestyle In Just 10 Steps

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

00001118Health is Wealth. With the advent of busy schedule and life style many people do not take care of their health. Their unhealthy lifestyle increases the incidence of occurrence of many diseases. Adding some daily work can give a healthy life in the result. Following are the 10 ways to be healthy-

Exercise Regularly – Exercise burns an extra fat which is metabolized. Doctors prescribe a walk for 40 minutes everyday.

Maintain Weight– The focus should be on managing the weight, not looking slim. Increase physical activities and reduce caloric intake in a systematic manner will make a body healthy day by day. A body should have an ideal weight; ideal weight can be calculated by body mass index and height.

Avoid Saturated Fat– Avoiding oily food is must for a healthy body. Do not consume more than 1tbsp oil every day. Vegetable oils do not have cholesterol; cholesterol comes from food like animal fats, meat, eggs and shell fish. Foods high in saturated fat include whole milk, milk products, bakery products, ghee, butter etc.

Eat Vegetables and Fruits– Eating fresh vegetables and fruits are very important to be healthy. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables cleanse the body from toxic substance.

Quit Smoking and Drinking– Smoking leads to fat deposit in the inner walls of the blood vessels, which gradually narrow and reduce the blood supply to the organ. Excessive drinking can damage the liver, where fat metabolism takes place.

Adapt Low Cholesterol Diet– The body makes the cholesterol it needs. So choose foods like grain products that have less cholesterol. Prefer complex carbohydrates like brown rice to simple carbs. Eating nuts, almonds and walnuts are the best for health.

Prefer Less Salt– avoid extra salt in the diet. This means avoid pickles, papd, baked beans, canned soups and processed foods.

Eat frequently, smaller meals– Eating large meals tends to cause fat to deposit. The body is able to digest small meals faster.

Consume Isabgol – Isabgol provides a combination for soluble and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fibers increase the bulk of food within the intestine, aiding the contraction of the intestine.

Blood tests– People more the 30 and having blood pressure should get a blood test do determine cholesterol levels every three months. If healthy, go for a test every two years.

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Health Tips

A Pharmacist's Guide to Staying Well this Season

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

shutterstock_125071376To help maintain health this season, it’s important to get the nutrients your body needs every day, through your diet as well as through high quality vitamins and supplements. In a recent nationwide survey, three in four people agree they feel more confident about their health when they take vitamins and supplements. However, many people are not aware of what types of vitamins they need in order to support a healthy immune system.
“Most Americans have nutrient gaps in their diet, but people can make up for the nutrients they lack by adding vitamins and supplements to a daily wellness routine,” says Suzy Cohen, registered pharmacist and author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist.” “There are a variety of ways vitamins and supplements can support a healthy immune system, but when you’re in the vitamin aisle it is important to look for quality products.”
As the number of products in the vitamin aisle can be overwhelming, Cohen recommends first looking at the brand, seeking only those committed to science-based protocols for product development, and those that are tested and verified by third-party public health organizations such as the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP). Only products that meet the stringent criteria set forth by USP are allowed to use the USP verified mark on their label.
“I recommend Nature Made because of their quality standards and scientific rigor in product development. I know I can trust Nature Made to ensure what’s on the label is in the bottle,” says Cohen. She also adds, “Nature Made is the number one pharmacist recommended brand of letter vitamins, according to a 2011 Pharmacy Times survey.”
IMMUNE SUPPORTING SUPPLEMENTS

  • Vitamin C – A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C helps maintain a healthy immune system and protects against damaging free radicals. Additionally, Vitamin C, such as the Nature Made Vitamin C 1000mg, is necessary for the body to manufacture collagen, which is essential for healthy skin.
  • Vitamin D – Supports teeth, bone and immune health, and healthy levels of Vitamin D in your body may promote your heart health as well.
  • Probiotics – Certain types of probiotics supply “good bacteria” that can help maintain immune system health.
  • Zinc – Maintaining healthy levels of zinc in your body is necessary for healthy growth, development and proper immune function. Zinc also provides antioxidant support which helps to protect the body against damaging free radicals.
  • Echinacea – Echinacea may support healthy immune function.

ADDITIONAL IMMUNE BOOSTING TECHNIQUES

    • Strive to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
    • Practice relaxation techniques to get rid of stress and the harmful hormones it can trigger.
    • Wash your hands regularly, especially before meals.
    • Eat a balanced diet. Check out the new dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture atwww.choosemyplate.gov.
    • Exercise regularly. According to Harvard Health Publications, exercise may additionally support a healthy immune system by promoting healthy circulation, moving immune system cells throughout the body.

IF YOU GET SICK
If you do get sick this cold and flu season, there are a number of things you can do to stop the spread of the virus.

  • Cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Try to avoid close contact with others to minimize the spread of the germs.

For more wellness tips and information on vitamins and supplements to boost your immune system, visitwww.NatureMade.com.
The survey was conducted by ORC International on behalf of Nature Made from Aug 26-29, 2011 among a random sample of 1,014 adults in the continental United States.

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Conditions & Treatments

Should Women Worry about Osteoporosis?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Should women worry about osteoporosis? Here’s what you need to know
The “silent thief,” more commonly known as osteoporosis, impacts 10 million Americans, with millions more suffering from low bone density. Osteoporosis is a progressive, degenerative disease that occurs when bone loss outpaces the growth of new bone, weakening the bone and increasing the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures. In fact, up to one in four men and one in two women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Should women worry about osteoporosis? Here’s what you need to know17257182_web
Marc Surak, a specially trained pharmacist at the Express Scripts Therapeutic Resource Center who concentrates on women’s health issues, explains what causes osteoporosis and why women are at greater risk.
Osteoporosis is primarily the result of the body breaking down more bone than the amount of new bones being formed, Surak says.
“Being female is the second most significant uncontrollable risk factor for the disease, with age being the first,” says Surak. “In fact, 80 percent of osteoporosis sufferers are women due to their lighter and thinner bone structure. Additionally, following menopause, a woman could lose up to 20 percent of her bone density.”
Surak focuses on helping patients with medication management. Bisphosphonates are among the most commonly used medications to treat osteoporosis. The medication works to restore the body’s balance of bone development by decreasing the action of bad cells (osteoclasts) that cause bones to break down, and increasing the production of good cells (osteoblasts), which build bones.
As with all medications, there are risks. Surak and his team work to help patients manage these risks and gain a better understanding of their medications. He offers the following tips and information to ensure the best possible outcomes for osteoporosis patients.

  • Take with water: Bisphosphonates help slow the process that dissolves bone tissue, but they sometimes cause stomach irritation. Because of this, oral forms of the medication should be taken first thing in the morning with a full glass of water. Try to avoid taking food, drink, or other medications for 30 to 60 minutes afterward.
  • Know the side-effects: Although rare, bisphosphonates can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). People with compromised immune systems – such as those on chemotherapy or HIV patients – are at the greatest risk for ONJ. Poor oral hygiene and those undergoing invasive dental procedures can also increase the potential for ONJ. As a result, medication should be stopped three months prior to a dental procedure. Talk to your doctor of pharmacist if you have questions about ONJ.
  • Keep moving: An active lifestyle, including weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises can help counteract the risks for and slow down the progression of osteoporosis.
  • Healthy eating: Follow a healthy, balanced diet that includes eating foods high in calcium, vitamin D and lean protein. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products is also critical for promoting bone health.
  • Call your doctor: You know your body best, if something seems wrong reach out to a health care professional. If you’re experiencing new or worsening symptoms contact your doctor immediately.

For more information about osteoporosis, visit Express Scripts’ Health Insights blog at lab.express-scripts.com.

Provided by: BPT

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Conditions & Treatments

Easing Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Alzheimer-detecionEasing Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Whether a patient faces a simple health problem, such as a head cold, or one as complex as Alzheimer’s disease, easing the symptoms is often as important as resolving the issue itself. Yet for the more than 5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, treating the symptoms is even more vital. Easing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life, mood and personality changes, and difficulty solving otherwise simple daily tasks.
Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Of the top 10 causes of death, it is the only one for which there is no cure or preventive measure. However, research suggests that addressing one early facet of the disease – decreased blood sugar in brain cells, also known as diminished cerebral glucose metabolism (DCGM) – may help relieve symptoms for certain people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
In a healthy brain, glucose is the primary energy source. A brain affected by Alzheimer’s doesn’t process glucose into energy as efficiently as a healthy brain.
“Unlike other cells in the body that can metabolize fats as fuel, brain cells rely on glucose (sugar) for their primary energy source,” says Dr. Richard S. Isaacson, associate professor of clinical neurology and vice chair of education at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. “One aspect of Alzheimer’s is that it hinders the brain’s ability to use glucose, and this significantly affects brain function.”
“DCGM is an early feature of Alzheimer’s disease, represented by region-specific declines in brain glucose – or energy – metabolism,” Isaacson says. “DCGM correlates with both the cognitive decline and the pathology associated with Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that addressing DCGM may help mitigate symptoms for some patients.”
Providing brain cells with an alternative energy source may help ease the effects of DCGM, while enhancing memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. One prescription-only medical food aims at helping Alzheimer’s patients by addressing DCGM – Axona by Accera, Inc.
The easy-to-mix, once-daily drink is currently the only prescription therapy for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s that addresses the link between the brain’s inability to process and use glucose with the degenerative symptoms of Alzheimer’s by providing the brain with an alternative energy source. The liver digests and metabolizes Axona to produce the naturally occurring compounds – ketones- that the brain can use as an alternative energy source. Patients or caregivers mix the powder with other liquids or foods and take it once a day in conjunction with commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s medications.
“More research is necessary to determine the exact reasons why DCGM can have profound effects on cognition over the long term,” Isaacson says. “When blood glucose drops rapidly, significant decline in cognitive function occurs and may be accompanied by confusion, coma and even brain death.”
While Axona is not a cure for Alzheimer’s, it can help some patients mitigate the symptoms of the disease. Doctors and caregivers of patients using Axona have reported patients appear more alert and engaged in daily activities and conversations. “If you or a family member experience symptoms such as poor short-term memory, changes in behavior and difficulty with language, see your doctor for a full evaluation,” says Isaacson.

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