Vitamins and Their Role in Alzheimer’s Disease
摘要
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological condition characterized by degeneration of brain cells that leads to decline in memory and cognitive functioning. There is a progressive decline of memory and cognitive function in people with AD. The histopathological characteristics include amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and depletion of neuronal synapses in the brain. Multiple factors, including nutritional aspects, have been associated with AD. There is increasing evidence that diet and nutrition, as key modifiable lifestyle factors, are linked to the risk of AD. A deficiency or an excess of dietary factors such as vitamins has been reported to contribute to AD development. Vitamins are involved in DNA methylation, homocysteine metabolism, reduction in β-amyloid-induced lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress in key brain areas involved in memory and cognition. Therefore, dietary interventions, which can alter gene expression and influence the human genome, might contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Current treatment options are predominantly limited to delay disease progression and hence have a limited beneficial effect. Preventive measures against dementia are therefore in focus and being explored. Vitamin supplementation may positively impact delaying and preventing cognitive decline and the clinical condition of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This chapter will examine the existing evidence regarding the use of vitamins as a treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease.