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Diet and Alzheimer's disease
José A Luchsinger1, James M Noble, Nikolaos Scarmeas
1Taub Institute for Research of Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, PH9E-105, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. jal94@columbia.edu
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|September 4, 2007
Summary
Current Alzheimer's disease (AD) research shows inconsistent evidence for diet and supplements preventing AD. Existing data does not support recommending specific foods or nutrients for AD prevention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevalence is rising globally.
- No definitive preventive or curative strategies currently exist for AD.
- Oxidative stress, homocysteine, dietary fats, and alcohol are implicated in AD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiologic and clinical trial evidence on dietary factors and supplements for AD prevention.
- To assess the relationship between antioxidants, specific vitamins, fatty acids, alcohol, and AD risk.
- To evaluate the potential of the Mediterranean diet in mitigating AD risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic studies examining dietary intake and AD risk.
- Analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on vitamin and nutrient supplementation for cognitive health.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding alcohol consumption and AD.
- Evaluation of studies on the Mediterranean diet and AD.
Main Results:
- Epidemiologic studies suggest potential links between antioxidants, B vitamins (B6, B12, folate), unsaturated fats, fish, moderate alcohol (wine), and the Mediterranean diet, and a lower AD risk, but findings are inconsistent.
- RCTs of vitamin E, B12, B6, and folate supplements have not demonstrated cognitive benefits.
- Limited RCT data exists for other nutrients or dietary patterns in AD prevention.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to recommend specific supplements, foods, or diets for Alzheimer's disease prevention.
- Further rigorous research, including well-designed clinical trials, is needed to clarify the role of diet in AD.
- While some dietary patterns show promise, definitive recommendations for AD prevention cannot be made based on existing data.
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