By the way, this new study supports the theory that taking estrogen after menopause may help some women avoid Alzheimer's disease. Though its cause is not yet well understood, it appears that again oxidative stress from free radicals is strongly associated with its development. Therefore, there is much well grounded hope that antioxidants may be useful in both treatment and prevention. Such a strategy of maximal and multiple antioxidant supplementation seems especially warranted in those of us who have a genetic history or marker in both parents. Some hopeful antioxidants include Vitamin C, E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Co Q- 10.
Antioxidants are probably useful because the brain is so rich in fatty acids.
Fatty acids are particularly prone to oxidative destruction. Prasad from the University of Kentucky demonstrated significantly decreased brain levels of membrane DHA, and other fatty acids in Alzheimer patients compared to controls. Therefore a rationale preventive approach is a diet rich in DHA, which is mostly found in cold water fish, and abundant in antioxidants. These can be further optimized by supplementation. As Alzheimer's is characterized by deficiency of the brain messenger chemical most involved in memory, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, those supplements which optimize acetylcholine levels and metabolism are often suggested to at least slow the progression of this most frightening disorder.