From Alzheimer's to Parkinson's: Are our Brains on Fire? -- Dr. David Perlmutter Extols DHA for Brain Health; 95% of Leading Integrative Practitioners Agree

All Press Releases for March 20, 2008
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/03/prweb787634.htm

The dramatic increase of neurodegenerative diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to Parkinson's has lead to an emergence of new research for non-drug based solutions that can have an immediate impact on a patient's health. At the recent Integrative Healthcare Symposium in New York, David Perlmutter, MD, FACN presented compelling information on the role of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in combating these diseases of the brain. Dr. Perlmutter's presentation is available to members of Integrative Practitioner, an online community for integrative healthcare professionals and practitioners; in a recent poll, 95% of members said fish oil supplementation can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

Portland, Maine (PRWEB) March 20, 2008 -- The dramatic increase of neurodegenerative diseases ranging from Alzheimer's to Parkinson's has lead to an emergence of new research for non-drug based solutions that can have an immediate impact on a patient's health.

"What does it mean to have the brain on fire?" is a question posed by nationally recognized neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, FACN. In "The Better Brain Book," Dr. Perlmutter, who is in the forefront of the role diet plays in brain health, discusses how oxidative stress and inflammation in our bodies is a leading contributor to the ever-increasing population of patients suffering from neurodegenerative ailments.

At the recent Integrative Healthcare Symposium in New York, Dr. Perlmutter presented compelling information on the role of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in combating these diseases of the brain. According to Dr. Perlmutter, "Alzheimer's is preventable...we can change our genetic expression."

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid. It is found in cold-water fatty fish and in fish oil supplements. DHA is also commercially manufactured from microalgae. A working group from the ISSFAL (International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids) recommends 300 mg/day of DHA for pregnant and lactating women, whereas the average consumption was between 45 mg and 115 mg per day of the women in the study.

Dr. Perlmutter emphasized the need for improving the diet of breast-feeding mothers. He states, "25% of the brain is made up of DHA and the highest source of DHA is found in mother's milk." Dr. Perlmutter added, "We are not hatched from eggs, we are dependent upon the health and nutritional status of our mothers."

This month, Integrative Practitioner has launched Dr. Perlmutter's presentation on-line at http://www.integrativepractitioner.com. The online video is available to Integrative Practitioner members. Integrative Practitioner members support Dr. Perlmutter's position; in a March, 2008 poll, 95% of members said fish oil supplementation can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

IntegrativePractioner is a forum for information for leading integrative medical research. Incorporating peer-to-peer discussions, collaboration and networking features, Integrative Practitioner brings together practitioners and healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds around issues regarding integrative, complementary and alternative medicine.

Integrative Practitioner supports the growing community of integrative healthcare providers by advancing collaboration to improve patient care. IntegrativePractitioner.com contains an extensive database of articles, research and case studies on integrative medicine, from new findings to previously published articles and reports. Membership is free to healthcare professionals.
For more information please visit www.IntegrativePractitioner.com

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