Alzheimer's disease: most effective dietary supplements

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of brain functions, leading to memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and a gradual loss of independence. It primarily affects the connections between neurons, disrupting essential functions such as memory, language, reasoning, and attention. Without treatment, the disease progresses to a severe decline in all cognitive and behavioral abilities.

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, notably diet and nutrient deficiencies, also play a role in the development of the disease. A high consumption of sugar, for example, promotes Alzheimer's disease. In addition, deficiencies in vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid) and B12, which are essential for neuronal metabolism, can worsen cognitive decline by increasing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that can be potentially neurotoxic.

Symptoms

Alzheimer's disease progresses in several stages, usually beginning with short-term memory problems before affecting other cognitive domains. 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 the 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 serious complications such as infections, frequent falls, and prolonged immobility that increases the risk of pneumonia or pressure ulcers.

Treatment

Treatment aims to address cognitive symptoms and compensate for the significant cholinergic deficit in patients with Alzheimer's disease, but it cannot cure the disease. Currently, four drugs are on the market: donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), galantamine (Reminyl), and memantine (Ebixa). These drugs work by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the synapses.

Prevention

Prevention of Alzheimer's disease relies 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-style diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, and olive oil, and low in refined sugars and saturated fats, is associated with better cognitive health. • Regular physical exercise : Moderate but regular physical activity helps maintain good blood circulation to the brain. • Cognitive and social stimulation : Engaging in intellectual (reading, games) and social activities promotes neural plasticity. • Control of vascular risk factors : Managing hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol reduces the risk 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.