Researchers Delve Into Better Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s

Brain cells die when they do not receive enough energy and nutrients. When too many brain cells die, brain function is then lost as well. As we age and due to disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), our energy levels are compromised, which results in memory impairment and other cognitive changes.

The progression of AD, however, may take 20+ years and so there is a time window of opportunity to attempt to prevent or stop the disease and slow processes of aging. Therefore, it stands to reason that providing additional energy with specific nutritional measures or other interventions during mid-life may limit the progression of brain cell loss. Many questions remain however with regard to diets and /or drugs that might prevent AD.

In a recent paper titled “Nutritional metabolism and cerebral bioenergetics in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias – co-authored by Professor Ben Albensi, Ph.D., Chair of NSU’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences – he and several researchers attempt to achieve a better understanding of brain energy biochemical pathways during our lifespan and discuss brain-specific markers and specific diets that can inform scientists about designing better clinical trials.  Some of these clinical trials involve the MIND diet, multi-cultural health diets, and anti-inflammatory diets. Other key aspects considered focus on sex and ethnicity and how nutritional measures need to be personalized.

Read the full paper.

Published 12/20/22