Effects of nutrition on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Dietary intervention affects relevant parameters in Alzheimer models

PhD ceremony: Mr. M.C. de Wilde, 14.30 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Effects of nutrition on cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Dietary intervention affects relevant parameters in Alzheimer models

Promotor(s): prof. P.G.M. Luiten, prof. P. Scheltens

Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences

The link between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and nutrition has been recognized for around 25 years. In the past few years, it has become clear that nutrient combinations exhibit potential treatment properties. The research presented in the thesis of Martijn de Wilde has contributed to the research field by showing the importance of combining different nutrients.

The results of De Wilde show that specific nutrient combinations can reduce risk factors associated with the development of AD in various preclinical AD-risk models. In preclinical models of early AD, the specific nutrient combination Fortasyn ® Connect also reduced the production and aggregation of the AD-related amyloid protein. Furthermore, Fortasyn Connect protected against the toxic properties of the amyloid protein which was reflected in reduced neurodegeneration. The potential of nutritional intervention early in the disease was further substantiated with clinical data in patients diagnosed with AD. Patients with very mild AD using the medical food Souvenaid ® (containing Fortasyn Connect) showed improvement in immediate and delayed verbal recall memory. It is suggested that Fortasyn Connect may act by improving synapse formation and function, processes known to be adversely affected early in the disease, well before clinical symptoms become apparent. The end of the the thesis of De Wilde provides suggestions on how to measure the mechanistic effects underlying memory benefits in patients, with a focus on how to measure the effects on synaptic function. In conclusion, it is stated that the risk reduction, protective and regenerative effects of Fortasyn Connect may offer a means to delay disease progression in the prodromal stages of AD.