Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) are a group of conditions that cause mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. These conditions affect one’s ability to function socially, personally, and professionally. It’s important to recognize that Alzheimer’s disease begins long before symptoms start just like many other conditions. There is evidence that simple prevention strategies can reduce the risk of ADRD by as much as 50%.
According to a new review published two weeks ago in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, researchers investigated the current evidence on nutritional interventions for the prevention of dementia.
This review included 18 randomized controlled trials. Nutritional interventions of cognitive impairment were identified including micronutrients supplementation, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, and fish supplementation. The sample size ranged from 20 to 640 participants with a duration of two weeks to 6 months. As a result, fifteen studies demonstrated significant beneficial effects on cognition. These results were with essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA) and micronutrient supplementation on specific cognitive domains including attention and orientation, perception, verbal functions, and language skills. Greater effects were seen in older subjects with cognitive impairment. In addition, supplementation with B-vitamins specifically folate and vitamin B12 and essential fatty acids demonstrated promising effects to minimize age-related cognitive decline.
Most of the studies using supplementation with micronutrients were based on the hypothesis that lowering homocysteine plasma levels with B-vitamin supplementation could prevent cognitive impairment. Homocysteine levels are an indicator of a potential vitamin B6, folate or B12 deficiency and are a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline.
Other brain supportive nutrients to consider are GPC, CDP-choline, gingko biloba, and phosphatidylserine, and curcumin. GPC and CDP-choline are water soluble forms of choline that can cross the blood brain barrier and support brain health. These help make more acetylcholine, neurotransmitters, as well as phosphatidylcholine in the cell membranes.
Each person’s biochemical individuality exerts a major influence on his or her health. Lifestyle choices and environmental exposures filtered through genetic predisposition are fundamental factors in the expression of disease, and a successful treatment approach must include investigation into these factors.
By Michael Jurgelewicz, DC, DACBN, DCBCN, CNS
Study links inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome to Type I diabetes
There has been a significant increase in the incidence of autoimmune disorders over the past several decades. For every…
Glutathione is a great antioxidant for autoimmune diseases. Are you taking an absorbable form?
Glutathione is the most abundant anti-oxidant found within the human body. Glutathione is synthesized within the body…
New study identifies dramatic shifting of the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune condition where in most cases there are multiple triggers chronically…
New study demonstrates the correlations between vitamin D levels and peripheral arterial stiffness in chronic kidney disease
Over 10% of the adult population suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). The two leading underlying causes of…
Study recommends statin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
According to a new study published 3 days ago in JAMA, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended the…
The exposure of common chemicals on a daily basis may trigger cancer
A global taskforce of consisting of 174 scientists from leading research centers among 28 countries studied the link…
New study investigates the effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in patients with diabetic neuropathy
Type II diabetes affects more than 30 million individuals and the youth account for 20% to 50% of new onset…
Probiotics: The Key to Good Health?
The Russian Pathologist, E.E. Metchnikoff said in 1900, "Death Begins in The Colon". The truth is there are over 400…
Glutamine and whey protein improve intestinal permeability in patients with Crohn’s Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic illness where part of the digestive tract becomes inflamed and ulcerated marked with…