Do you know anyone afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease? Sadly, this is the case for many Americans. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s current Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease (AD) every 69 seconds! AD is reaching epidemic proportions, with over 5 million Americans living with the disease.
AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys memory, cognition, and the ability to communicate socially. Sufferers may even have problems managing simple daily activities. Sadly, there is no cure for AD at this time, just an inevitable progression.
This gives us two options. One is to prevent AD altogether─which is obviously ideal─and the other is to slow the progression once the disease is established. Fortunately, there’s a natural solution that can help on both counts: alpha lipoic acid.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant, which is unique as it operates in both water and fat environments, unlike other antioxidants. ALA also helps recycle vitamin C and glutathione─another important antioxidant that helps the body eliminate potentially harmful substances.
So, how does ALA help with AD? One study found that ALA can interfere with the progression of AD by reducing both oxidative stress and dangerous inflammation. The researchers also noted that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil works synergistically with ALA, providing a powerful combined benefit.(1)
Another research team speculating that antioxidants like ALA might delay the onset of AD─or at least slow down the progression─gave 600mg of ALA daily to their AD patients. After 12 months, they observed a stabilization of cognitive functions in the study group. They were so encouraged that they extended the study, concluding that treatment with ALA appeared to be a successful neuroprotective therapy.(2)
These benefits were confirmed by yet another study looking at nutritional approaches to combat AD. ALA was singled out as a “brain-accessible antioxidant” with powerful free radical scavenging properties, helpful in treating this challenging condition.(3)
Whether you know someone with AD─or simply want to be sure you never fall prey to it─ALA offers powerful protection. So, take action, you’ll be glad you did!
References
1 Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2008 Oct-Nov;60(13-14):1463-70. Epub 2008 Jul 4.
2 J Neural Transm Suppl. 2007;(72):189-93.
3 Curr Alzheimer Res. 2011 Aug;8(5):452-69.