What is it about?
As we age, some cells stop working properly and contribute to age-related diseases. These "senescent" cells play a big role in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Removing these cells or reducing harmful activities from them, might be a promising way to improve brain function or slow down the progress of Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we looked at lessons we have learnt so far, on how certain foods and nutrients, like polyphenols (natural compounds found in plants) and diets rich in polyphenols, could help. Animal studies on those compounds like quercetin, resveratrol, green tea extract, curcumin, and fisetin have shown they might protect the brain, but research on humans is still limited and the results are unclear. More studies are needed to understand how these nutrients work in the body, how much to take, and their long-term effects.
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Why is it important?
This review looked at studies on how certain polyphenols (natural compounds found in plants) and diets might help slow down or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Lab studies showed that some of those natural compounds in food have the potential to reduce old harmful cells and protect the brain, but there isn’t enough solid evidence from human trials yet. From existing studies, we still don’t know the right doses, long-term effects, or if these nutrients have any harmful side effects. Since preventing or slowing down Alzheimer’s with nutritional approach such as healthy diets is very important, more research is needed to see if these foods really work and are safe. We have pointed out in this article recommendations for future studies, for example we advised that new brain imaging techniques and tests should be used to observe changes in the brain, these natural compounds should be studied both on their own and as part of a healthy diet, with a focus on markers that show aging and Alzheimer's in blood, brain, and spinal fluid.
Perspectives
Writing this article was a great pleasure, although with limited studies we are just starting to learn how aging cells and certain markers link to Alzheimer’s disease, and the role of polyphenols and diets in this domain. Apart from the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis, multiple avenues should be considered in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease which has a highly complicated aetiology. We are committed to advancing future research in this promising field of nutrition senotherapy and I hope you find this article thought-provoking.
Sophie Chen
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Polyphenols and Diets as Current and Potential Nutrition Senotherapeutics in Alzheimer’s Disease: Findings from Clinical Trials, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, June 2024, IOS Press,
DOI: 10.3233/jad-231222.
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