Revisiting dietary antioxidants, neurodegeneration  and dementia.
Epidemiological studies suggest there is marginal benefit that dietary antioxidants reduce risk of Alzheimer type of dementias. Yet cumulative biological evidence indicates oxidative and nitrosative stresses are precursors of neurodegenerative and neurovascular processes. Different dietary flavonoids and polyphenols found in fruits, vegetables, and spices such as curcumin offer neuroprotection through different mechanisms. A study in this volume shows that tetrahydrocurcumin confers protection against amyloid [beta]-induced toxicity by reducing reactive oxygen species and retaining mitochondrial membrane potential. Alzheimer's disease is a complex disorder. A single target through use of antioxidants may be effective in some but multiple approaches for its control seem to be necessary.
Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
Lucinda
L
Craggs
Raj N
RN
Kalaria
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003704:Dementia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000975:Antioxidants