Alpha-lipoic acid may slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease
Added 05.01.2009
New research indicates that alpha-lipoic acid can protect the brain, especially in the case of mental decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
What is Alzheimer's disease
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 37 million people around the world live with dementia, the leading cause of which is Alzheimer's disease. The WHO defines Alzheimer's as a degenerative brain disorder that is characterised by a progressive decline in memory, thinking, comprehension, calculation, language, learning capacity and judgment. Presently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's but new scientific studies may have found a way to inhibit the progression of the disease.Alpha-lipoic acid protects our brains
A study published this year reveals that alpha-lipoic acid can interfere with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It does this by increasing the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is vital for the correct functioning of our brain and central nervous system. Alpha-lipoic acid is also able to decrease the activity of inflammatory proteins associated with Alzheimer's.The study also reinforces the idea that nutrients work best together; when alpha-lipoic acid is combined with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 essential fatty acid, oxidative stress, inflammation and plaque in the brain can be significantly reduced.
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Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
Many of us fear that we one day may suffer from this terrible disease. Some of the most recent research show that it is possible to reduce that risk by eating lots of fruits and vegetables combined with natural supplements containing alpha-lipoic acid and other antioxidants.
