mitochondrial nutrients are able to cross the blood brain barrier, a protective blood vessel and membrane system whose job is to keep bacteria and toxins from reaching the brain. And just as healthy food contains multiple nutrients, it seems that combining several mitochondria-targeting antioxidants is likely to be of greatest benefit: the trend of re- search shows benefit for AD less from single nutrients than from combinations of multiple antioxidants.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine, a version of the amino acid carnitine, participates in mito- chondrial energy production by transporting nutrient fats into the mitochondria, and has antioxidant effects as well. Dr. Bruce Ames’ landmark 2002 study demonstrated reduced mitochondrial aging and lower measures of cognitive decline when Acetyl-L-Carnitine and the antioxidant Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) were both fed to elderly rats, and subsequent research has supported these observations. Similarly, NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), an antioxidant amino acid which works with Alpha-Lipoic Acid to increase levels of a third very powerful antioxidant, Glutathione, has also been shown in animal studies to reduce markers of brain mitochondrial aging when given in combination with ALA and Vitamin E. Supplement formulations which provide this team of antioxidants would be excellent choices for brain protection. Population studies have indicated an association between low levels of Vitamins E and C in AD patients, and animal studies demonstrate improved mitochondrial and neurologic function with use of vitamin E. An exciting human study using high-dose vitamin E showed benefits to AD patients which a follow-up study failed to repeat; however this failure may have been due to the form of vitamin E used in the study. Mixed tocopherols (components of vitamin E) which contain a significant proportion of gamma-tocopherol are probably better sup-
port for AD treatment and prevention. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant per-
haps best known for its roles in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and for protection from side effects of the statin group of cholesterol-lowering drugs. In recent years, though, it has been investigated as a promising approach for prevention and treatment of AD. Like Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Co Q10 acts as both a mitochondrial antioxi- dant and as a cofactor for mitochondrial energy production. With CoQ10, bioavail- ability is the name of the game, and new formulations using ultra-small micelle nanotechnology have better absorption and cellular availability. Daily intake of 100 to 600 mg or more (depending on your budget, as quality CoQ10 is pricey) may be one of the best health investments you can make. Melatonin is the hormone produced
by the pineal gland in the brain, most often used to improve sleep and reduce the ef- fects of jet lag. Melatonin levels have been shown to be greatly reduced in AD, and it has been used for more than a decade for symptomatic treatment of the sleep prob- lems and evening agitation common in AD patients. Melatonin has mitochondrial antioxidant properties, and animal studies have found it to be significantly protective against amyloid beta production and brain cell damage associated with oxidative stress. This may be a clue to the observed con- nection between chronic sleep deprivation and AD. While melatonin supplements of 1 to 3 mg at bedtime might be a safe way of improving melatonin levels, without doubt the best remedy for melatonin deficiency is to address underlying causes, whether that means getting more sleep, reducing stress, or evaluating and treating stress hormone and melatonin imbalances with the aid of functional laboratory testing. Possibilities for AD prevention and treat- ment are not limited to those which target
brain cell mitochondria; many other natural agents and lifestyle strategies have been identified which probably have multiple, integrated beneficial effects on the brain. These include botanical extracts made from the herb Withania somnifera and from Chi- nese Club Moss (Huperzia serrata); coconut oil; reducing elevations of the blood marker homocysteine and improving methylation processes with folic acid and other nutri- ents; slowing cellular aging by means of the group of nutrients known as sirtuins; balancing insulin and reducing inflammation through lifestyle and supplements; reduc- ing body burden of the common neurotoxin mercury—all offer hope for managing risk and slowing progression of Alzheimer’s dementia.
Resources “The Better Brain Book,” by David Perlmut- ter, M.D. and Carol Colman. “The UltraMind Solution,” by Mark Hyman, M.D. ‘Stop Alzheimer’s Now!” by Bruce Fife, N.D. “Brain-Building Nutrition: How Dietary Fats and Oils Affect Mental, Physical, and Emotion- al Intelligence,” by Michael A. Schmidt, Ph.D. “Magnificent Mind at Any Age,” by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. “Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills,” by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
Debra Gibson, N.D. practices naturopathic family medicine in her Ridgefield, CT office. She can be reached at 203-431-4443 or at
drgibsonsoffice@sbcglobal.net. Check out her blog at
www.debragibsonnd.com. See ad on page 12.
14 Natural Nutmeg December 2012
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