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It is the leading cause of dementia, a
condition that involves gradual memory loss, decline in the ability to
perform routine tasks, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of
language skills, impairment of judgment, and personality changes. The rate
of progression of Alzheimer’s varies from person to person.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Alpha Lipoic Acid
Excessive free radicals within our bodies cause a condition known as
“oxidative stress”. Oxidative stress and energy depletion are
characteristic biochemical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), thus
antioxidants with positive effects on glucose metabolism such as thiotic
(alpha-lipoic) acid should exert positive effects in these patients. Due
to this, a study was conducted in which 600 mg alpha-lipoic acid was given
daily to nine patients with AD and related dementias in an open study over
an observation period of, on average, 337+/-80 days. The treatment led to
a stabilization of cognitive functions in the study group, demonstrated by
constant scores in two neuropsychological tests.
Despite the fact that this study was small and not randomized, this is the
first indication that treatment with alpha-lipoic acid might be a
successful 'neuroprotective' therapy option for AD and related dementias.
Hager K, Marahrens A, Kenklies M, Riederer P, Munch G. - Department of
Medical Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, Henriettenstiftung,
Schwemannstrasse 19, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
PMID: 11395173 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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