Identifying and Addressing Root Causes of Alzheimer's Disease using Nutraceuticals, Micronutrients, and Therapeutic Food Plans

Authors

Brittney S. Gillespie Mrs., University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Family Medicine

Advisor

Dr. Colletti

Abstract

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasing exponentially amongst the aging population globally and will continue to be a tragic burden on the elderly, their loved ones, and the healthcare industry. AD is a devastating, relentless, neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by amnesia, cognitive impairment, and behavioral and mood changes. The primary pathological features of AD are misfolded protein aggregates known as beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. AD remains a conundrum as there are no existing theories that can fully elucidate the complex pathology. Current FDA-approved drugs treat the symptoms of AD, at best, but do not halt or reverse the disease process. AD is a complex, multifactorial disease; thus, single-target treatment approaches continue to fail. There is a dire need for healthier lifestyles to reduce the incidence of AD as well as for more effective treatments with fewer adverse effects. Consequently, investigating research avenues that will aid in disease prevention and curative treatment is paramount. In this review article, important mediators of AD including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and gut dysbiosis are explored. Nutraceuticals, micronutrients, therapeutic food plans, and exercise demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects that target the aforementioned disease pathways.

Recommended Citation

Gillespie BS. Identifying and Addressing Root Causes of Alzheimer's Disease using Nutraceuticals, Micronutrients, and Therapeutic Food Plans. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(2).