Selenium concentrations in elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease: a cross-sectional study with control group

Abstract

Objective: To investigate possible differences in plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of selenium among elderly with and without a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Cross-sectional study, performed with an elderly group with Alzheimer’s disease, diagnosed by a geriatric doctor, and compared to an elderly group without the disease, equaling gender, education, and age. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry determined plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of total selenium (Set). Results: The mean age was 74.41±7.1 years in the Alzheimer’s disease group and 71.46±5.1 years among the control group. The Alzheimer’s disease group presented lower plasma concentrations (mean of 45.29±14.51 µg/dL vs. 55.14±14.01 µg/dL; p=0.004), and erythrocyte Set (median of 56.36 µg/L vs. 76.96 µg/L; p<0.001). The logistic regression model indicated an association between erythrocyte Set concentrations and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (p=0.028). Conclusion: Elderly with Alzheimer’s disease present lower selenium concentrations in the evaluated organic compartments.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association with Metals and Metalloids Concentration in Blood and Urine

“…Among the studies that determined selenium concentrations in AD patients/controls, some reported lower plasma/serum/blood selenium in AD patients compared to controls [ 55 , 57 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ], some did not find a difference [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 ], and one study found higher selenium in AD patients [ 76 ]. However, meta-analysis of serum/blood selenium in AD patients defined a decrease in the selenium level correlated with glutathione peroxidase in AD patients [ 77 ].…”

Current understanding and future directions of cruciferous vegetables and their phytochemicals to combat neurological diseases

“…For example, selenium deficiency leads to increased Aβ plaque formation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, and oxidative stress resulting in neurodegeneration (Haratake et al, 2013). In addition to this, AD patients, elders, and mild cognitive impairment patients have lesser amounts of selenium in their brains which is associated with memory and cognitive impairments (Nascimento et al, 2021; Pereira et al, 2022). Further, clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that selenium supplementation enhances cognitive and memory function in elders, AD patients, and experimental animals indicating that the dietary intake of selenium is essential to improve memory and brain health (Pereira et al, 2022; Tamtaji et al, 2019).…”

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

“…It is a vital component of many enzymes (i.e., selenoproteins) that help synthesize and protect DNA, and regulate thyroid function and reproduction [248]. Clinical studies have investigated the link between circulating levels of selenium and cognitive function, amyloid status, or AD risk [229][230][231][232][233][234]. Serum concentrations of selenium and its related total antioxidant status (TAS) [235] or the selenium content in erythrocytes among the AD patients [233] were significantly lower compared to those in healthy elderly group.…”

“…Clinical studies have investigated the link between circulating levels of selenium and cognitive function, amyloid status, or AD risk [229][230][231][232][233][234]. Serum concentrations of selenium and its related total antioxidant status (TAS) [235] or the selenium content in erythrocytes among the AD patients [233] were significantly lower compared to those in healthy elderly group. Similarly, a cross-sectional study on 469 elderly individuals from rural counties in China reported that higher serum levels of selenium are strongly associated with lower serum Aβ42 and Aβ40 [198], indicating a possible neuroprotective role of selenium.…”