Revisiting the Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by memory loss, impaired learning and thinking, and difficulty in performing regular daily activities. Despite nearly two decades of collective efforts to develop novel medications that can prevent or halt the disease progression, we remain faced with only a few options with limited effectiveness. There has been a recent growth of interest in the role of nutrition in brain health as we begin to gain a better understanding of what and how nutrients affect hormonal and neural actions that not only can lead to typical cardiovascular or metabolic diseases but also an array of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, are elements that are indispensable for functions including nutrient metabolism, immune surveillance, cell development, neurotransmission, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we provide an overview on some of the most common vitamins and minerals and discuss what current studies have revealed on the link between these essential micronutrients and cognitive performance or AD.

Adipose tissue coregulates cognitive function

“…Recent studies have shown that NR4A2 activation enhances long-term memory in young mice and ameliorates age-related memory impairments in old mice ( 36 ). Several studies have also suggested that water-soluble vitamins (C, E, and Bs) may affect cognitive performance by reducing reactive oxygen species generation and proinflammatory mediators such as NLRP3 inflammasome ( 37 ). Retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, is essential for regulating synaptic plasticity in regions of the brain involved in memory and learning ( 38 ).…”

Diet, Pace of Biological Aging, and Risk of Dementia in the Framingham Heart Study

“…The pathways from diet to dementia are diverse and likely include both direct effects of microand macro-nutrients on brain health and indirect effects mediated through metabolic, immune, and vascular health. 42 The systemic aging processes captured by DunedinPACE may relate primarily to the indirect pathways. The large unexplained fraction of the dietdementia association may therefore reflect, in part, direct effects of nutrients on brain aging.…”

“…43 Nutrients play critical roles in neurotransmission, synaptic functioning, brain vasculature, and adult neurogenesis; eg, omega-3 fatty acids are major components if neuronal membranes. 42,44,45 Some nutrients, such as polyphenols or vitamin A, also have anti-amyloid and anti-tau properties. 34,42,46,47 While there are associations of nutrients with brain structure and white matter integrity phenotypes, 36,46,48 these features of brain aging may also have connections with indirect pathways.…”

The role and impact of abnormal vitamin levels in autism spectrum disorders

“…172 Many studies have demonstrated that VE can prevent neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) can both be prevented by VE. 173,174 Mounting evidence suggests that patients with autism have low methylation ability and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In a postmortem study of brain tissues, patients with autism reported higher levels of oxidative stress biomarkers than healthy controls.…”