Vitamin A And Alzheimers

A study was conducted to elucidate the possible role of carotenoids and vitamin A as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Serum levels of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, and vitamin A of 38 AD patients and 42 controls were compared. The serum levels of α-carotene did not differ significantly between AD patients and control groups.

However, the serum levels of beta carotene and vitamin A were significantly lower in the AD-patient group. These values did not correlate to age, age at onset or score on the MiniMental State Examination. Weight and body mass index were significantly lower in AD patients than in controls. These results suggest that low serum beta-carotene concentrations in AD patients could be related to a deficiency in dietary intake of this provitamin, although its possible relationship with risk for AD could not be excluded.

However, there are several credible reasons for hypothesizing that Vitamin A might reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Vitamin A is a dietary compound that functions as an antioxidant scavenging toxic free radicals. Evidence that free radicals may contribute to the pathological processes of cognitive impairment including Alzheimer's disease (AD) has led to interest in the use of Vitamin A in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Global studies of measures to prevent or delay the onset of AD have often produced inconsistent results. At present, there is no definitive evidence to support that any particular measure is effective in preventing AD. However, epidemiological studies have proposed relationships between certain modifiable factors, such as diet, cardiovascular risk, pharmaceutical products, or intellectual activities among others, and a population's likelihood of developing AD. Only further research, including clinical trials, will reveal whether, in fact, these factors can help to prevent Alzheimer's disease.

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Vitamin A And Alzheimers