Alzheimer Disease and Antioxidants
At the present time, one out of ten adults have some form of Alzheimer disease. According to Dr. Greengard, Director of the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research at the Rockefeller University, that number is expected to strike up to three times as many in the coming decades. Alzheimer's is considered a disease of the elderly and with the average lifespan of the US population rising to 74, a solution to the medical problem is being sought.
For Scientists the largest concern is what causes Alzheimer's and how can it be eradicated. For possible victims and their families it is how do we prevent the dreaded affliction or stop it in its tracks once it is diagnosed.
Scientists are in agreement and have narrowed down the contributing factor causing Alzheimer's disease. Most researchers agree that Beta-amyloid is one of the agents thought to cause damage to the brain in Alzheimer's disease. The research is attempting to find a deterrent and is recognizing antioxidants to be significant in protecting at risk patients.
According to the Harvard Medical Center, continuing research and studies are being conducted with some positive results. Even though some studies by the French point to wine as a protectant, the results are considerably controversial. The component in the wine that was indicated to be responsible for the protectant agent is still somewhat ambiguous.
Recent studies, including the study on wine, point to antioxidants for Alzheimer and Dementia risk reduction.
In an Italian study conducted by A. Russo, et.al., it was found that black grape skin extract protected cells in a test tube from oxidative damage and DNA fragmentation when exposed to beta-amyloid. An even more recent study by E. Savaskan, et.al, examined the red wine ingredient resveratrol, and found it to be neuroprotective against beta-amyloid oxidative stress, again supporting an antioxidant mechanism.
What these studies point to is, red wine may have an effect that could provide some protection against Alzheimer's disease, but indication says it is the antioxidant factor that is the hero. This is consistent with the fact that other antioxidants, most notably vitamin E, are being studied with great interest as potential protective agents against Alzheimer's disease. According to Dr. Steve Seiner, of Harvard Medical School, "While the results of these studies do not necessarily suggest that people should drink wine in order to lower their risk of Alzheimer's disease, they do support the potential role of antioxidant treatment in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease.
In another study by Robert P. Friedland, MD chief of the neurogeriatrics laboratory at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, "If antioxidants prove to protect against Alzheimer's disease, it is probably because they reduce what is called 'oxidative stress' in cells." He went on to say that his team believes free radicals are the culprit of oxidative stress in cells caused by the inappropriate consumption of some foods such as those in high fat content. In this study Friedland is recommending a "to-do" list for those who want to improve their chances of maintaining a healthy brain. He suggests:
- Eat a diet high in antioxidants
- Eat fish
- Take vitamin E
- Take B vitamins
- Take folic acid
- Be mentally and physically active throughout life
- Avoid head injuries
When addressing the reduction of free radicals it is essential to recognize the importance of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC's) as the most powerful antioxidant known in scientific studies. OPC's are products commonly derived from a combination of grape seed extract, red wine extract and/or pine bark extract. They are very powerful bioflavanoids used as a natural food supplement ready to be absorbed into the body and begin to attack the free radicals.
OPC's are safe and have been used for over 20 years throughout Europe. Extensive studies and laboratory testing reveal no evidence for human toxicity, allergic reactions, birth defects, or carcinogenicity. OPC's work synergistically with other antioxidant vitamins, regenerating the antioxidant properties of vitamin C and vitamin E.
However, Bill Thies, PhD, vice president of medical and scientific affairs for the Alzheimer's Association says although Friedmand's recommendations are probably useful and that he agrees with all of them, he wants to "be very clear that the association is not making any recommendations about ways to prevent Alzheimer's. Thies is, however, involved in reading and learning about all studies concerning Alzheimer's Disease.
A study conducted in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Dr. Monique Breteler with the Eras UM Medical Center, found the antioxidants beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E appear to be equally protective as a reducing factor in the fight against Alzheimer's. Her results of the 5,000 volunteers over the past 14 years, confirmed some earlier studies that point to antioxidants as a way to lower risk of dementia. She also said the protective effect of antioxidants was "more pronounced among smokers and among those who are carriers of the Alzheimer's gene."
It was also pointed out that diets rich in antioxidants are helpful, but in order to consume the necessary requirements, a person would have to triple, or more, their current consumption, which Breteler says, is most unlikely. Recommendations for proper amounts of ingestion are through antioxidant supplements including OPC's, vitamin E and vitamin C.
About The Author
Editor of the OPC Antioxidant Reference Guide.
http://www.opc.cc; editor@opc.cc
Latest News
Research and Markets: This Essential 2010 Edition of Nutritional Supplements ... Trading Markets (press release) Report covers global industry size, segmentation by products such as: vitamins and dietary supplements, Pediatric nutrition, sports nutrition, ... Nutritional Supplements Market to Exceed $13 Billion in 2014 |
 PhysOrg.com | Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Reduce Risk Of Insulin Resistance, Inflammation Bernama LOS ANGELES, Sept 4 (Bernama ) -- Taking fish oil supplements, which are a high source of omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce the risk of developing diabetes ... Mouse Study May Help Explain Fish Oil's Benefits Omega-3 fatty acids helps in fight against diabetes The secret to fish oil's anti-inflammatory properties |
NIH funds research on supplements Chicago Tribune (blog) Women are increasingly turning to supplements such as dong quai, black cohosh and licorice root to help relieve menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes ... UIC to study whether botanicals can ease menopause Mizzou gets NIH funding for one of 5 Botanical Research Centers |
Vita-Tech Donates Supplements to Africa Natural Products Industry Insider Vita-Tech, a contract manufacturer and private label producer of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, made a similar donation last year. Vita-Tech International Donates Nutritional Products in Africa |
 KOMO News | Officials can't pinpoint ailment's cause ESPN The enzyme creatine kinase is released by muscles when they are injured and is not to be confused with the creatine supplement. ... Heat, Dehydration Factors In McMinnville Injuries Probe Reveals Factors Behind McMinnville Football Illnesses Ore. team can't find cause of H.S. player ailments |
In Weight-Loss Struggle, Americans Are Leery Of Pills NPR (blog) We asked the folks at Thomson Reuters to help us gauge public opinion on diet drugs and supplements. In early August, they talked with more than 3000 people ... |
Nutrition Quiz: Supplements to avoid Bellingham Herald Nutritional supplements are a $26 billion-a-year industry, but there is no Food and Drug Administration oversight. ... |
Breastfeeding HIV-positive women should not receive vitamin A supplements ... Los Angeles Times HIV-positive women who are breastfeeding should not be given vitamin A supplements because it increases the risk of transmitting the AIDS virus to their ... Vitamin supplements may increase risks for pregnant women with HIV Vitamin A supplements linked to high HIV levels in breast milk12 hours ago |
FTC Cracks Down on Acai Supplements, Cites Rachael Ray and Oprah Wall Street Journal (blog) We hate to break it to you, but acai berry supplements are not going to make you drop 10 to 25 pounds in a month. ... FTC halts sales of weight-loss, colon-cleansing Internet sales company FTC: Supplement marketer scammed consumers out of $30 million last year FTC Cracks Down On Acai Berry Supplements |
Oral supplements enhance effects of botox Times of India A new study has revealed that consuming oral dietary supplements four days before receiving Botox injections made the toxin more effective in 93 per cent of ... |
Resources
-
One word, WOW! Lose weight guaranteed!
Free information on weight loss, diet, fitness, Supplements, and support for successful weight loss!
-
Reduce Cellulite Reduction Cellulite Cream Solution
Free information on weight loss, diet, fitness, Supplements, and support for successful weight loss!
-
Quick and Easy Weight Loss Secrets!
weight loss program, best weight loss program, weight loss guide, how to lose weight, weight loss success, successful weight loss, weight loss plans, weight loss facts, weight loss diets, weight loss
-
VitalityHouse, find out how your immune system can beat flus, colds, and fevers before they start.
Stop low backpain hip pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica and other joint pains; fight stress, headaches, and fatigue; overcome arthritis, and other chronic pain conditions; energy and strength with no expensive Supplements, no pharmaceutica
-
Gain 6lbs of muscle in 15 days
Bodybuilding with or without steroids, Training & Nutrition, Supplements for bodybuilding, Reviews, Steroid Information