Selenium and Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review.
Martin Loef1, Gerhard N Schrauzer, Harald Walach
1European University Viadrina, Institute of Transcultural Health Studies, Frankfurt/Oder, Germany.
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|May 20, 2011
Summary
Selenium (Se) shows potential for Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention, but current evidence does not support its use in AD treatment. Further long-term studies are needed to clarify its role.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology remains incompletely understood, hindering prevention strategies.
- The essential trace element selenium (Se) has been implicated in AD progression, necessitating a comprehensive review.
- Complex interactions of various causative factors in AD require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on the relationship between selenium (Se) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To evaluate the potential role of Se supplementation in AD treatment and prevention.
- To synthesize findings from diverse study types, including clinical trials, observational studies, and preclinical research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review encompassing placebo-controlled trials, prospective and cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, autopsy studies, and animal/cell research.
- Analysis of studies investigating Se levels in brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood of AD patients.
- Evaluation of molecular biology findings related to Se's role in AD pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- Absence of consistent clinical evidence for Se supplementation efficacy in AD treatment.
- Inconclusive findings regarding alterations in Se levels in AD patients.
- Some longitudinal and cross-sectional studies suggest an association between Se status and cognitive function.
- Molecular studies indicate a significant role for Se in AD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support selenium (Se) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment.
- Selenium (Se) may hold potential relevance for AD prevention, warranting further investigation.
- Definitive answers regarding Se's role in AD require large, long-term clinical trials.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.