Oxidative stress-mediated memory impairment during aging and its therapeutic intervention by natural bioactive compounds

Abstract

Aging and associated neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by the decline of several brain functions including cognitive abilities. Progressive deleterious changes at biochemical and physiological levels lead to the generation of oxidative stress, accumulation of protein aggregates, mitochondrial dysfunctions, loss of synaptic connections, and ultimately neurodegeneration and cognitive decline during aging. Oxidative stress that arises due to an imbalance between the rates of production and elimination of free radicles is the key factor for age-associated neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Due to high energy demand, the brain is more susceptible to free radicals-mediated damages as they oxidize lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, thereby causing an imbalance in the homeostasis of the aging brain. Animal, as well as human subject studies, showed that with almost no or few side effects, dietary interventions and plant-derived bioactive compounds could be beneficial to recovering the memory or delaying the onset of memory impairment. As the plant-derived bioactive compounds have antioxidative properties, several of them were used to recover the oxidative stress-mediated changes in the aging brain. In the present article, we review different aspects of oxidative stress-mediated cognitive change during aging and its therapeutic intervention by natural bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant Intervention to Improve Cognition in the Aging Brain: The Example of Hydroxytyrosol and Resveratrol

“…It has been demonstrated that the Central Nervous System (CNS) can benefit from nutritional strategies and dietary interventions that prevent the signs of senescence, such as cognitive decline or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s Disease [ 100 ]. Both aging and associated neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by the decline of several brain functions, including cognitive abilities, which are related to progressive deleterious changes at biochemical and physiological levels, leading to the generation of oxidative stress, disturbed protein metabolism with accumulation of protein aggregates, mitochondrial dysfunctions, loss of synaptic connections, and ultimately neurodegeneration and cognitive decline [ 101 ]. Because of its high energy demand, the brain is more susceptible to ROS-mediated damages, as it oxidizes lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, thereby causing an imbalance in the homeostasis, and this especially occurs in the aging brain.…”

An Examination into the Effects of a Nutraceutical Supplement on Cognition, Stress, Eye Health, and Skin Satisfaction in Adults with Self-Reported Cognitive Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…A meta-analysis of randomized intervention trials reported that carotenoid interventions are associated with better cognitive performance [30]. Moreover, increased oxidative stress is believed to be associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline [31]. In a study of patients with recurrent depressive disorder, a higher concentration of plasma MDA was associated with worsened cognitive performance [32].…”

Curcuma Longa Methanolic Extract and Losartan Improves Memory Impairment and Oxidative Stress induced by a High Caloric Diet in Wistar Rats

“…Hence, it is plausible that the impaired memory observed in rats treated with a HFD may be attributed to elevated OS in the hippocampus, a brain region recognized for its role in cognitive regulation ( Jangra et al, 2014;Chahirou et al, 2018). In this context, several studies have identified elevated levels of OS in individuals experiencing memory dysfunction (Singh et al, 2022). Additionally, it is essential to highlight the increased susceptibility of this brain region to OS (Taniguti et al, 2018).…”