A variety of conditions can lead to dementia, which is a condition that causes a severe loss of cognitive function. The high impact this condition has on the social and psychological well-being of people worldwide is evident in estimates by the World Health Organization. The majority of dementia affects seniors, so effective and simple ways to prevent it have been difficult to find.
A Japanese team published a study in Science Advances that showed that low-protein diets can cause brain damage in Alzheimer's mouse models. They also found that Amino LP7, a supplement containing seven amino acids, can slow down the development of dementia and brain degeneration in these animals. This research builds on previous studies that have shown the effectiveness of AminoLP7 in improving cognitive function.
Dr. Makoto higuchi, from the National Institutes for Quantum Sciences and Technology is one of the leading scientists in the study. He explained that low protein diets can lead to brain dysfunction in older people. Amino acids make up the building blocks for proteins. We wanted to find out if supplementation with essential amino acid can help protect older adults' brains from dementia and, if so, what mechanisms could be responsible.
The researchers first studied the effects of a low-protein diet on the brain in mice with Alzheimer's disease. These models typically show neurodegeneration and abnormal protein accumulations known as "Tau" in the brain. The researchers found that mice who ate low levels of protein had a faster rate of brain damage and poor neuronal connectivity. These effects were reversed by Amino LP7 supplementation, which indicated that seven specific amino acids may have an inhibitory effect on brain damage.
The research team then examined how Amino LP7 affected different signs of Alzheimer's disease in the Alzheimer model. The untreated mice had high levels of brain degeneration. However, Amino LP7 treatment reduced neuronal death, thereby reducing brain degeneration. Dr. Akihiko kitamura, who led the study, said that Tau plaques in the brain are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and most treatments target them. We have proven that supplementation with Amino-LP7 can overcome Tau deposition and prevent brain atrophy.
The researchers then analysed the gene-level changes induced in the brain by Amino LP7 to better understand the mechanism. They were very pleased with their findings. Their findings showed that Amino 7 LP7 decreases brain inflammation. It also prevents kynurenine (an inflammation inducer) from entering the brain. This prevents inflammatory immune cells attacking neurons. Amino 7 LP7 also reduces neuronal deaths and improves neuronal connectivity. This results in improved brain function.
These results indicate that essential amino acids may be able to maintain brain balance and prevent brain damage. This is the first study to show that certain amino acids can inhibit the development of dementia," Dr. Hideaki Sato (who also contributed significantly to the study) said. They add that although the study was done in mice, it offers hope that amino acids intake can also affect the development of dementias in humans.
This research group has opened up many avenues to better understand dementia and ways to prevent it. Their findings show that Amino-LP7 can improve brain function in older adults without cognitive impairment. This suggests that it may also work in those with cognitive dysfunction.
This patent-pending supplement could help millions of people worldwide live a better, dementia-free lifestyle.
