Food could alleviate Alzheimer's symptoms
Alzheimer's disease is a worldwide feared condition. Currently, there is no cure for the disease. However, researchers have found hints that certain foods may help remove damaged cells in the brain.
Grapes, strawberries or walnuts contain a substance that can alleviate Alzheimer symptoms. A research team led by Vilhelm Bohr from the University of Copenhagen discovered this in tests with mice. However, the researchers caution, according to a statement from the Uni, it is still unclear which dose of the so-called Urolithin A is required to improve memory and alleviate Alzheimer symptoms.
"We can't say anything concrete about the dosage yet. I imagine it's more than one grape a day. However, the substance is already available in tablet form and we are currently trying to find the right dosage," Bohr is quoted as saying. The extraordinary professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine hopes that the substance can be used preventively without significant side effects.
Disruptions in cell transport in the brain
The research team believes that Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, arise from disrupted transport of damaged cells or cell parts in the brain. "Many patients with neurodegenerative diseases suffer from mitochondrial dysfunction, also known as mitophagy. This means that the brain has difficulties removing weak mitochondria (also known as the powerhouses of the cells - Anm. from the author), which accumulate and brain function is impaired," explains Bohr, who previously discovered a substance called nicotinamide riboside, a form of Vitamin B3, which helps remove damaged mitochondria from the brain.
The now investigated Urolithin A is a natural substance that is produced in the body when consuming fruits by intestinal bacteria. "The advantage of working with a natural substance is the lower risk of side effects," says Bohr. Positive effects of this substance have already been shown in previous studies on muscle diseases.
The research team, whose results were published in the scientific journal "Alzheimer's & Dementia," is aware that the effects on mice cannot be directly transferred to humans. They see the substance as a potential candidate to help Alzheimer's patients. For this purpose, they plan further research. Clinical trials on humans are in planning.
Education about nutrition, particularly focusing on fruits and their beneficial compounds, could play a crucial role in the prevention of dementia-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The research conducted by Vilhelm Bohr and his team at the University of Copenhagen reveals that certain foods contain substances like Urolithin A, which may help alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's. Despite the promising findings in their study on mice, the team recognizes the need for further research to determine the optimal dosage that could improve memory and mitigate Alzheimer's symptoms in humans.
