Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by loss of memory and deficits in cognitive and intellectual functions. Steadily developing damage to the neural networks critical for memory and learning possibly underlies the devastating symptoms of AD. In Alzheimer’s, the hippocampus is the area that shows the most atrophy. Recent evidence suggested a hormone the body produces called “ghrelin” may promoted better nerve function in the hippocampus, and therefore enhanced spatial learning and memory.
Results from this study with rats suggests the administration of ghrelin centrally to the hippocampus or therapeutic restoration of circulating ghrelin levels (such as caloric restriction) may contribute to the prevention of age-related cognitive decline and dementia in those with Alzheimer’s disease, or type II diabetes.
[Dlarsen note: This may be one reason why other research has shown that fasting or calorie restriction can improve thinking ability and extend lifespan, particularly if the calories restricted are from animal fats – See next study. But senior especially also need to be carefut to get enough calories, especially from fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables.]
In another animal study out of Thailand they found functional insulin resistance can develop in the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral tissues in rats fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. These findings indicate that a high-fat diet not only causes endocrine abnormalities, but also induces the neuron insulin resistance. Since impairment of neuron insulin is linked to neurodegenerative disease, neuron insulin resistance caused by long-term high-fat consumption may lead to cognitive deficits.
Finally in one of the first of several studies reporting on the benefits of DHA (an omega-3 fat found in fish and algae) dietary DHA was shown to lead to significantly increased levels of this vital brain nutrient in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. This DHA-enrichment was associated with the protection of synaptic proteins, and was strongly correlated with learning and memory capacities, which has implications for the prevention of Alzheimer’s related impairments. More on the benefits of DHA are due to be reported in the days ahead, as conference reports continue. Stay tuned for more information. Conference News with commentary can also be seen at www.4abettermemory.com
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