Eating Fresh Apples May Protect from Alzheimer’s

Fresh apples -- the peel in particular -- have some of the highest levels of quercetin (also found in onions, broccoli, kale, blueberries, cranberries and red grapes). Some of the most lab exciting studies on this flavonol suggest it may help fight Alzheimer's disease by protecting brain cells against oxidative stress. In an animal study at Cornell University, quercetin proved more powerful than the antioxidant vitamin C in neutralizing the kind of neural damage done by free radicals. "Fresh apples have some of the highest levels of quercetin ... and may be among the best food choices for fighting Alzheimer's," said study author C.Y. Lee.

What is Quercetin?

Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids that give many fruits, flowers, and vegetables their color.

Flavonoids such as quercetin are antioxidants -- they scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. They also help keep LDL ("bad") cholesterol from being damaged, which scientists think may contribute to heart disease. In test tubes, quercetin has strong antioxidant properties, but researchers aren't sure whether taking quercetin (and many other antioxidants) has the same effects inside the body.

Quercetin acts like an antihistamine and an anti-inflammatory, and may help protect against Alzhemier’s disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Cornell University Study

In this latest research, Lee and his colleagues exposed rat brain cells to varying amounts of quercetin or vitamin C, a well-established antioxidant and disease fighter. The brain cells were then exposed to hydrogen peroxide, a substance that can mimic some of the kinds of cell damage that occurs in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. The cells that had been treated with quercetin showed significantly less damage than the vitamin-C treated cells or brain cells that did not get any antioxidant protection. Quercetin also protected nerve cell membranes more than did vitamin C.  This is significant because the researchers believe that loss of cell membrane integrity contributes to neurotoxicity.  Larger doses of quercetin or vitamin C conferred greater protection from oxidative stress.

Scientists are not sure exactly how the quercetin in apples protects brain cells in the lab, although its antioxidant effects are thought to neutralize cell-damaging compounds called free radicals. Other foods that are rich in quercetin, such as onions, blueberries, cranberries, and tea, may also afford protection against Alzheimer’s. Quercetin is also sold in nutritional supplements. The apple, however, remains at the top of the list when it comes to natural sources for disease-fighting quercetin.

“People should eat more apples, especially fresh ones,” says study leader C.Y. Lee, Ph.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Food Science & Technology at Cornell University in Geneva, N.Y. He cautions that protection against Alzheimer’s using any food product is currently theoretical and adds that genetics and environment are also believed to play a role in the disease. Despite these caveats, the researcher predicts that “eating at least one fresh apple a day might help.” But Lee also points out that results so far are limited to cell studies and that more advanced research, particularly in animals, is still needed to confirm the findings.

Querecetin Natural Sources

Even though quercetin is relatively stable during cooking, fresh apples are better sources of quercetin than cooked or processed apple products because the compound is mainly concentrated in the skin of apples rather than the flesh, Lee says. Products such as apple juice and apple sauce do not contain significant amounts of skin. In general, red apples tend to have more of the antioxidant than green or yellow ones, although any apple variety is a good source of quercetin.

For those who don’t like apples or may have difficulty eating the whole fruit, there are some promising alternatives, Lee suggests. Other foods containing high levels of quercetin include onions, which have some of the highest levels of quercetin among vegetables, as well as berries, particularly blueberries and cranberries. Like other antioxidants, quercetin has been associated with an increasing number of potential health benefits, including protection against cancer.

How to Take Quercetin?

Recommended adult dosages of quercetin vary depending on the condition being treated. The recommendations for the general supplementation are 100 - 250 mg 3 times per day.

Precautions

Quercetin is generally considered safe. Side effects may include headache and upset stomach. Preliminary evidence suggests that a byproduct of quercetin can lead to a loss of protein function.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with kidney disease should avoid quercetin.

At high doses (greater than 1 g per day), there are some reports of damage to the kidneys.

Possible Drug Interactions

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use quercetin supplements without first talking to your health care provider.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners) -- Quercetin may enhance the effect of these drugs, increasing your risk for bleeding:

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Aspirin

Chemotherapy -- Test tube and animal studies suggest that quercetin may enhance the effects of doxorubicin and cisplatin, two chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer. In addition, some doctors believe taking antioxidants at the same time as chemotherapy can be harmful, while others believe it can be helpful. Talk to your oncologist before taking any supplements if you are undergoing chemotherapy.

Corticosteroids -- Quercetin may cause these drugs to stay in the body longer.

Cyclosporine -- Quercetin may interfere with the body's absorption of this drug, which is used to suppress the immune system.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.dole.com/NutritionInstituteLanding/NI_Articles/NI_NutritionNewsDesk/NI_NutritionNewsDesk_Details/tabid/990/Default.aspx?contentid=8938

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/quercetin-000322.htm

http://www.alzinfo.org/01/articles/prevention-and-wellness-109

http://www.nootropics.com/quercetin/index.html

http://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Alzheimers/4-11-16Apples.htm

May Coenzyme Q10 be used as alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease?

Overview:

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in making an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes, including muscle contraction and the production of protein. CoQ10 also works as an antioxidant.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

CoQ10 and Alzheimer’s

CoQ10 has been used, recommended, or studied for numerous conditions, but remains controversial as a treatment in many areas. There is promising preliminary evidence suggests that CoQ10 supplements may slow down, but not cure, dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease.

One of the theories of impaired memory involves lack of oxygen utilization by the brain, a function that is supported by Coenzyme Q10. The research which has been conducted on Coenzyme Q10 suggests that sufficient Coenzyme Q10 must be administered for a long enough period (usually 4-12 weeks), to achieve results, which is consistent with a buildup of enzyme activity. For instance, 60 mg of Coenzyme Q10 was administered for 6 months, along with vitamin B-6 and iron, to a 49 year old woman with Alzheimer's disease, who had a one year history of progressive memory impairment. It's believed that electron activity is reduced in Alzheimer's patients, and the lack of energy fuel may be implicated in furthuring development of the tangles seen on the nerves in Alzheimer’s. Co-enzyme Q10, of course, supports the production of electron activity and delivery of energy fuel to the nerves. Post-treatment, there was increased blood flow in the brain, faster alpha wave activity, and, "her mental state improved to almost normal after 6 months of therapy...symptoms progressed with cessation of the therapy and improved with its resumption".

 However, additional well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results before a firm recommendation can be made.

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use CoQ10 without first talking to your health care provider.

Daunorubicin and doxorubicin -- CoQ10 may help reduce the toxic effects on the heart caused by daunorubicin (Cerubidin) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin), two chemotherapy medications that are commonly used to treat several kinds of cancer. Always speak to your oncologist before taking antioxidants along with chemotherapy.

Blood pressure medications -- In a clinical study of individuals taking blood pressure medications, including diltiazem (Cardizem), metoprolol (Lopressor or Toprol), enalapril (Vasotec), and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat or Nitrobid), CoQ10 supplementation allowed the individuals to take lower dosages of these drugs. This suggests that CoQ10 may enhance the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications, but more research is needed to verify these results.

Blood-thinning medications -- There have been reports that CoQ10 may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidigrel (Plavix), leading to the need for increased doses. Therefore, given that this medication must be monitored very closely for maintenance of appropriate levels and steady blood thinning, CoQ10 should be used with warfarin only under careful supervision by your health care provider.

Timolol -- CoQ10 supplementation may reduce the heart-related side effects of timolol drops (Betoptic), a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma, without decreasing the effectiveness of the medication.

Other -- Medications that can lower the levels of CoQ10 in the body include statins for cholesterol , including atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol, and simvastatin (Zocor), fibric acid derivatives for cholesterol, including gemfibrozil (Lopid), beta-blockers for high blood pressure, such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetolol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor or Toprol), and propranolol (Inderal), and tricyclic antidepressant medications, including amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and imipramine (Tofranil).

Side Effects and Warnings

There are few serious reported side effects of CoQ10. Side effects are typically mild and brief, stopping without any treatment needed. Reactions may include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin itching, rash, insomnia, headache, dizziness, itching, irritability, increased light sensitivity of the eyes, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms.

CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Low blood platelet number was reported in one person taking CoQ10. However, other factors (viral infection, other medications) may have been responsible. Lowering of platelets may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, although there is a lack of known reports of bleeding from CoQ10. Caution is advised in people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

CoQ10 may decrease blood pressure, and caution is advised in patients with low blood pressure or taking blood pressure medications. Elevations of liver enzymes have been reported rarely, and caution is advised in people with liver disease or taking medications that may harm the liver. CoQ10 may lower blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides. Thyroid hormone levels may be altered based on one study.

Organ damage due to lack of oxygen/blood flow during intense exercise has been reported in a study of patients with heart disease, although the specific role of CoQ10 is not clear. Vigorous exercise is often discouraged in people using CoQ10 supplements.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp#Coenzyme_Q10

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/coenzyme-q10/NS_patient-coenzymeq10/DSECTION=safety

http://www.pspinformation.com/nutrition/antioxidants/CoQ10-Alz.shtml

Curry as potential Alzheimer's weapon

A dietary staple of India, where Alzheimer's disease rates are reportedly among the World's lowest, holds potential as a weapon in the fight against the disease.

The UCLA-Veterans Affairs study in 2004, involving genetically altered mice suggested that curcumin, the yellow pigment in curry spice, inhibits the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's patients and also breaks up existing plaques. The research team also determined curcumin is more effective in inhibiting formation of the protein fragments than many other drugs being tested as Alzheimer's treatments. The researchers found the low molecular weight and polar structure of curcumin allow it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively and bind to beta amyloid.

Indian Spice Curry Could Treat Alzheimers

In earlier studies, the same research team found curcumin has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which scientists believe help ease Alzheimer's symptoms caused by oxidation and inflammation. ``Curcumin reduced the accumulation of beta-amyloid and the associated loss of proteins'' in the synapses, or gaps, between individual brain cells. Synapses connect nerve cells and are crucial for memory. Keeping synapses free of plaque is important because ``their loss correlates well with memory decline in Alzheimer's”, according to researcher Dr. Sally Frautschy of the University of California, Los Angeles.

"The prospect of finding a safe and effective new approach to both prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease is tremendously exciting," said principal investigator Gregory Cole. He is professor of medicine and neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, associate director of the UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and associate director of the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System at Sepulveda, Calif.

"Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory in a variety of ailments as part of Indian traditional medicine," Cole said. "Recent successful studies in animal models support a growing interest in its possible use for diseases of aging involving oxidative damage and inflammation like Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease. What we really need, however, are clinical trials to establish safe and effective doses in aging patients."

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that occurs gradually and results in memory loss, unusual behavior, personality changes, and a decline in thinking abilities. These losses relate to the death of brain cells and the breakdown of the connections between them.

The disease is the most common form of dementing illness among middle and older adults, affecting more than 4 million Americans and many millions worldwide. The prevalence of Alzheimer's among adults ages 70-79 in India, however, is 4.4 times less than the rate in the United States.

Widely used as a food dye and preservative, and in some cancer treatments, curcumin has undergone extensive toxicological testing in animals. It also is used extensively in traditional Indian medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Indian Spice Curry Could Treat Alzheimers

A different study of more than 1,000 older men in Singapore n 2006 also found that those who ate lots of curry-spiced food did better on memory tests than those who rarely ate the spice. The findings from Singapore suggest curry may help keep the aging brain in top shape. But to get the proof that curcumin fights cancer or Alzheimer's or arthritis, researchers will have to conduct large clinical trials, Cole says, and those studies will be expensive and take years to complete.

Professor Murali Doraiswamy, director of the Mental Fitness Laboratory at the Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Carolina, supported the point that curcumin, from which turmeric is made, might prevent the spread plaque found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Prof Doraiswamy said: "Studies seem to show that you need only consume what is part of the normal diet – but the research studies are testing higher doses to see if they can maximize the effect. It would be equivalent of going on a curry spree for a week. Don't expect an occasional curry to counterbalance a poor lifestyle. However, if you have a good diet and take plenty of exercise, eating curry regularly could help prevent dementia."

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-01-07-curry-cover_x.htm

http://www.tgdaily.com/general-sciences-features/42699-curry-could-cure-alzheimers

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5436618/Curry-may-prevent-Alzheimers-disease-expert-says.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1702408/

http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/6556

Medications Used to Treat Alzheimer's - Overview

The first step in treating Alzheimer's is an accurate diagnosis. It's important to rule out other causes of dementia, particularly conditions that can be treated and potentially reversed. If Alzheimer's is diagnosed early, medications and other care may improve the patient's daily functioning and quality of life, as well as potentially slow disease progression.

The second step in treating Alzheimer's is for the patient, and family, to prepare for and manage the disease as it progresses.

Medication

Numerous medications are intended to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's, by helping to slow memory loss, control behavior problems, or improve sleep. It is important to work with physicians who have considerable knowledge and experience in using these medications.

Antioxidants

In a process called oxidant stress, cells produce free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can overwhelm and damage normal cells. Vitamin E and other antioxidants have been studied in patients who have Alzheimer's disease. The use of Vitamin E is controversial. A physician will determine if Vitamin E is appropriate.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

In the brains of people with Alzheimer's, there is a dramatic drop in the level of the chemical acetylcholine, which transmits messages in the brain. This chemical is important for attention and memory. The enzyme acetylcholinesterase rapidly breaks down acetylcholine. The enzyme can be blocked with cholinesterase inhibitors, which may help improve cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms and might affect the long-term course of the disease.

Memantine

Glutamate is a chemical in the brain that acts on receptors known as NMDA receptors. There is evidence that overstimulation of these receptors may be bad for brain cells. The medication memantine, which blocks NMDA receptors, has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. A physician will determine if memantine is appropriate.

Antipsychotics or Neuroleptics

These drugs can help control behaviors caused by Alzheimer's, such as agitation, anger, hallucinations and delusions (seeing and hearing nonexistent things), and insomnia (inability to sleep). Many of these drugs have significant side effects.

Antidepressants and Anxiolytics

Some medications help treat depression and anxiety in patients with Alzheimer's. Because some drugs may increase anxiety or agitation, patients should be closely monitored. The drugs may also cause insomnia, tremors, nausea and other side effects.

Sleeping Medications

As Alzheimer's progresses, a common behavior is to become increasingly agitated, confused and restless toward the end of the day, which is often called "sundowning." Patients with Alzheimer's disease may also wake or even wander at night. If the problem can't be managed through adjusting living environments, patients may benefit from sleep medications. Anti-anxiety medications may also help reduce these symptoms.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/alzheimers-disease/treatment.html

http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/symptom-checker-000002_7-145.html

http://www.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-medication

http://www.healthyplace.com/alzheimers/treatment/treatment-options-alzheimers-disease/menu-id-1043/