Combination Nutraceutical for the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease
DHA, polyphenols and plant extracts to provide a synergistic protective effect for the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease
In addition to genetics and other environmental factors, diet is considered to play an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Many western diets have been reported to be deficient in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and are also low in polyphenolic content. Therefore, supplementation with DHA and polyphenols may offer potential preventative treatments for AD.
Over the past decade, polyphenols, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables, have gained recognition for their antioxidant properties and their roles in protecting against chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Evidence also suggests that a low dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids may be a risk factor for AD. DHA is one of the major omega-3s in the brain, being particularly enriched in neurons and at synapses. DHA is associated with learning and memory and is also required for the structure and function of brain cell membranes. In the AD brain, DHA is known to be decreased, while people who ingest higher levels of DHA are less likely to develop AD.
Professor Martins and his group have preliminary data showing reductions in toxic A levels following dietary feeding with green tea polyphenols and DHA-enriched fish oil in an animal model for late-onset AD. The efficacy of purified supplements of DHA, green tea polyphenols, and other nutraceuticals are currently being assessed in a transgenic mouse model for AD. Favourable outcomes in these in vivo studies will allow for the commencement of clinical trials assessing the efficacy of these purified supplements in the prevention of AD.