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Differences in nutritional status between very mild Alzheimer's disease patients and healthy controls

Marcel G M Olde Rikkert1, Frans R Verhey2, John W C Sijben3

  • 1Radboud Alzheimer Center, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|March 12, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients show lower levels of key nutrients like selenium and uridine, even without malnutrition. These subtle nutritional differences indicate potential early biomarkers for AD progression.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional science
  • Neuroscience
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Existing research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and nutrition often focuses on moderate stages.
  • Systemic nutrient availability and nutritional status in mild AD require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the nutritional status of outpatients with mild AD against healthy controls.
  • To identify early nutritional differences in very mild AD.

Main Methods:

  • Included Dutch drug-naïve mild AD patients (MMSE ≥20) and healthy controls.
  • Assessed nutritional status via nutrient levels, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®) questionnaire, and anthropometric measures.

Main Results:

  • Mild AD patients had significantly lower plasma selenium and uridine levels compared to controls.
  • A trend towards lower plasma vitamin D levels was observed in AD patients.
  • Differences in erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profiles and a lower MNA screening score were noted in AD patients, without indicating malnutrition.

Conclusions:

  • Very mild AD patients, even without malnutrition, exhibit lower levels of certain micronutrients and altered fatty acid profiles.
  • Subtle nutritional status differences are detectable in the early stages of AD.
  • These findings suggest potential for early nutritional biomarkers in AD.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseasefatty acidshealthy volunteersmicronutrientsnutritional statusprotein-energy malnutrition

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