Alzheimer's Disease: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive deterioration of brain functions, leading to memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and a gradual loss of autonomy. It primarily affects the connections between neurons and disrupts essential functions such as memory, language, reasoning, and attention. In the absence of treatment, the disease progresses to severely decline all cognitive and behavioral capacities.

Causes

The origins of Alzheimer's disease are both genetic and environmental. Biologically, it is characterized by two major types of brain lesions: the accumulation of amyloid plaques outside neurons and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, composed of abnormally phosphorylated tau proteins, inside nerve cells. These toxic deposits disrupt communication between neurons, causing their death and leading to progressive brain atrophy. Environmental factors, particularly diet and nutrient deficiencies, also play a role in the development of the disease. An excessive sugar intake, for example, promotes Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, deficiencies in vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12, essential for neuronal metabolism, can exacerbate cognitive decline by increasing levels of homocysteine, a potentially neurotoxic amino acid.

Symptoms

Alzheimer's disease progresses in several stages, usually beginning with short-term memory impairments before affecting other cognitive aspects. Symptoms include: • Frequent forgetfulness (especially recent events). • Difficulty finding words or performing daily tasks. • Loss of spatial and temporal orientation. • Mood changes, such as irritability, aggression, or depression. • Decline in motor functions and loss of ability to recognize familiar faces in advanced stages. In later stages, Alzheimer's disease leads to a total inability to perform simple tasks, such as eating or moving. Patients often become incontinent and may develop severe complications such as infections, frequent falls, and prolonged immobility increasing the risk of pneumonia or pressure sores.

Treatment

The treatment aims to address cognitive symptoms and compensate for the significant cholinergic deficit in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, but cannot cure the disease. Currently, four medications are on the market: Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Reminyl), and Memantine (Ebixa). These medications work by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at synapses.

Prevention

Prevention of Alzheimer's disease is based on a healthy lifestyle, with particular attention to cardiovascular risk factors. Some measures can help slow the onset or progression of the disease: • Balanced diet: A Mediterranean-type diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, and olive oils, and low in refined sugars and saturated fats, is associated with better cognitive health. • Regular physical exercise: Moderate but regular physical activity helps maintain healthy blood flow to the brain. • Cognitive and social stimulation: Keeping intellectual activities (reading, games) and social engagements encourages neuronal plasticity. • Control of vascular risk factors: Managing hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol reduces the risks of developing the disease. • Vitamins B6, B9, and B12: These vitamins play a crucial role in proper brain function and should be monitored to avoid deficiencies.