Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. Nerve cells die and the brain shrinks. This leads to forgetfulness, memory problems and disorientation. The disease usually begins after the age of 65.
The cause of Alzheimer's is not clearly understood. Oxidative stress, high levels of heavy metals and high homocysteine levels appear to promote the disease. Lifestyle also plays a role in the development of Alzheimer's. People who eat an unhealthy diet and do not exercise enough have an increased risk of Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's disease causes protein deposits in the brain, known as beta-amyloid plaques. These were long considered to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease and many treatment approaches aim to reduce these plaques in the brain. However, recent data cast doubt on this theory. [1]
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are often used to treat Alzheimer's. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is important for memory formation. The esterase enzyme breaks down acetylcholine. If this enzyme is inhibited, the acetylcholine concentration in the brain increases, which can improve memory performance.
Behavioral therapy and nutrition also play a role in Alzheimer's treatment.
Micronutrients can also support the treatment of Alzheimer's.
B vitamins
B vitamins are very important for the functioning of nerve cells. They are also needed to break down the toxic metabolic product homocysteine . Vitamin B6, folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 are particularly important here. If you are not getting enough of these B vitamins, your homocysteine level will rise.
High homocysteine levels cause inflammation and oxidative stress and promote atherosclerosis. It also increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. [2]
A dietary supplement with B vitamins is particularly promising in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, especially when there is a poor supply of B vitamins.
Curcumin
Curcumin is known for its antioxidant effect. Studies have shown that curcumin can improve memory and attention in healthy people. [3] However, its effectiveness in Alzheimer's disease has not yet been clearly proven.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E
The brains of Alzheimer's patients usually show major oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. Vitamin C and vitamin E are two important antioxidants in the body. [4] There is evidence that a diet rich in antioxidants could protect against Alzheimer's.
selenium
Selenium is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Low selenium levels are suspected of promoting Alzheimer's. However, it has not yet been clearly shown that Alzheimer's patients benefit from taking selenium. [5]
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is also an important antioxidant. It also has important functions in energy metabolism and is needed to generate energy in the mitochondria (the power plants of the cell). Alzheimer's patients often have too low a coenzyme Q10 level. [6]
Vitamin D
Vitamin D performs many important functions in the body that are relevant to Alzheimer's. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, is important for vascular health and protects nerve cells. A vitamin D deficiency is associated with a decline in mental abilities. In Alzheimer's, patients with low vitamin D levels have greater memory problems than patients with good vitamin D levels. [7]
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Germany and older people are even more affected than younger people.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and are very important for the function of nerve cells. A poor supply of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is associated with a decline in mental abilities. People who regularly eat fish and are well supplied with omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer's than people who are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. [8]
Conclusion: Nutrients can protect nerve cells
Nerve cells require many nutrients to function optimally. A lack of certain nutrients appears to increase susceptibility to Alzheimer's. A good supply of essential, critical nutrients may help prevent Alzheimer's. In any case, it makes sense to avoid a deficiency in essential nutrients.
[1] https://www.alzheimer-forschung.de/aktuelles/melde/aufregung-in-der-alzheimer-forschung-was-ist-dran-an-den-beta-amyloid-faelschungen/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836397/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30084334/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11461772/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5506489/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19907182/
