The Subtypes of Alzheimer’s Disease

Bredeson has grouped root causes of Alzheimer’s into specific categories or subtypes. Most patients are not a “pure” type but are a combination of multiple types with one or two types being primary contributors. Most patients have 10 to 25 contributing factors within these categories.

Subtype 1. Inflammatory

These patients have elevated markers of inflammation and/or a history of infections. Pathogens may be found in the mouth, gut, sinuses, or maybe subclinical, chronic infections. Laboratory tests are performed to identify and treat these triggers. This subtype usually responds well to treatment.

Subtype 2. Glucotoxic

These patients are inflamed from a high sugar intake and accumulation of advanced glycation products. They have developed insulin resistance, and this leads to altered patterns of expression of neural exosomes which inhibit insulin signaling in the brain. The goal is to increase insulin sensitivity and return fasting insulin to normal levels.

Subtype 3. Atrophic

These patients tend to be older and non-inflamed but may lack nutrients, hormones, and neurotransmitters that drive cognitive function. The key to treatment is to provide the nutritional and hormonal support that is lacking.

Subtype 4. Toxic

About 15 to 20% of patients are in the toxic category. Toxins include heavy metals, especially mercury and biotoxins such as mold and Lyme. This is the most difficult type to treat, and these patients are extremely sensitive to stress. If this component is present,it is always treated first. Specific detoxification protocols can be implemented depending on the patient’s condition(s). This can be a multi-year protocol.

Subtype 5. Vascular

The vascular subtype is inflammatory but, in this case, the inflammation is in the lining of the blood vessels.

The treatment goal is to optimize lipids through diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, and sleep and oxygen optimization, support vascular repair and resolve inflammation.

Subtype 6. Traumatic

Repetitive brain injuries lead to misfolded tau proteins and reduced binding of trophic factors. The goal is to improve neural tissue interactions through nutritional, hormonal, and oxygen therapy support.