Promising Results for Treating Neurodegenerative Disease with Nutrition

Neurodegenerative disorders affect approximately 5.5 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The most common neurodegenerative disorders are Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. These debilitating health conditions impact neuron function, greatly impairing quality of life. Although age is a major factor for the onset of neurodegenerative disorders, environmental factors also play a role. Scientific studies have found that personalized nutrition programs can reduce the severity of symptoms and have a dramatic effect on the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction have all been noted as neurodegenerative diseases progress. An anti-inflammatory diet rich with antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, and vitamin D has been proven the most effective in treating and preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Foods such as walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, nutrients that have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory brain health benefits. Gingko biloba leaf extract has been suggested to improve cognitive function. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is found in many foods, including blueberries, dark chocolate, and grapes. It is known to have many benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.

Studies have found that nutrients acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents have been effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Phenolic compounds found in olive oil, turmeric, and berries; foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish and walnuts; as well as fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K provide essential antioxidants and greatly reduce inflammation.

Lifestyle diets have resulted in a hopeful future for those afflicted with neurodegenerative disease.

Other beneficial nutrients are found in cruciferous vegetables, which provide isothiocyanates. Orange, yellow, and red plant pigments have essential carotenoids. It has been found that daily supplementation of carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin enhances memory in healthy adults. Numerous studies have found that vitamin D affects brain health. In fact, a 2019 meta-analysis indicated that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been discovered that low serum levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.

Therapeutic food plans such as the Institute for Functional Medicine’s Mitochondrial Food Plan focus on mitochondrial biogenesis, which promotes healthy function of cells. Diets like the Mediterranean, ketogenic, and modified Paleolithic have been extremely effective as has the MIND diet, which is a Mediterranean diet combined with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). Patient-practitioner collaboration is essential to help find the right nutrition plan and sustain lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle diets have resulted in a hopeful future for those afflicted with neurodegenerative disease and as a mode of prevention for those at risk for development of the disorders.