Caffeine protect against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's, Foods for the Brain, Prevention — Tags: , , , , , — 1:48 pm
Caffeine, the most widely consumed behaviourally active substance in the western world (Pharmacol Rev 51 1999: 83–133), has neuroprotective effects in cases of hypoxia and ischaemia (Brain Res Rev 33 2000: 258–274). Does caffeine protect against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease as it does in Parkinson’s? Researchers from Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, Portugal, tested the hypothesis that average daily caffeine intake in the period of 20 years before the diagnosis could be lower than caffeine intake in age- and sex-matched healthy people and showed that indeed, people who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s consumed an average 74 mg (less than one cup) while the controls had about 200 mg.
“These results, if confirmed with future prospective studies, may have a major impact on the prevention of AD,” concluded the researchers (Eur J Neurology, Volume 9, Issue 4, 2002: 377–382).
In a Canadian study, daily coffee intake decreased the risk of Alzheimer’s by 31% during a 5-year followup in 65-year old people [Am J Epidemiol 2002, 156, 445-453.]. The Finland, Italy and the
Netherlands Elderly (FINE) Study showed that elderly men drinking three cups of coffee daily had the least cognitive decline [Eur J Clin Nutr 2007, 61, 226-232]. Tea drinking  (Am J Epidemiol, 2004, 159, 959-967.], or flavonoid intake from tea  has not been associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
The low coffee consumers in mid-life had the highest occurrence of dementia and Alzheimer’s at late-life, and the highest scores on the depression scale (J Alzheimer’s Disease 16: 2009, 85–91).

Caffeine, the most widely consumed behaviourally active substance in the western world (Pharmacol Rev 51 1999: 83–133), has neuroprotective effects in cases of hypoxia and ischaemia (Brain Res Rev 33 2000: 258–274). Does caffeine protect against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease as it does in Parkinson’s? Researchers from Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, Portugal, tested the hypothesis that average daily caffeine intake in the period of 20 years before the diagnosis could be lower than caffeine intake in age- and sex-matched healthy people and showed that indeed, people who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s consumed an average 74 mg (less than one cup) while the controls had about 200 mg. ”These results, if confirmed with future prospective studies, may have a major impact on the prevention of Alzheimer’s,” concluded the researchers (Eur J Neurology, V 9, Issue 4, 2002: 377–382).

In a Canadian study, daily coffee intake decreased the risk of Alzheimer’s by 31% during a 5-year followup in 65-year old people (Am J Epidemiol 2002, 156, 445-453.). The Finland, Italy and the Netherlands Elderly (FINE) Study showed that elderly men drinking three cups of coffee daily had the least cognitive decline (Eur J Clin Nutr 2007, 61, 226-232). Tea drinking  (Am J Epidemiol, 2004, 159, 959-967.), or flavonoid intake from tea  has not been associated with a reduced risk of dementia. The low coffee consumers in mid-life had the highest occurrence of dementia and Alzheimer’s at late-life, and the highest scores on the depression scale (J Alzheimer’s Disease 16: 2009, 85–91).

One possible mechanism could involve insulin and degrading enzyme that degrades both insulin and amyloid-beta, the most suspected cause of Alzheimer’s (CNS Drugs 17, 2009, 27-45). Another mechanism is via adenosine receptors (caffein mimics effects of adenosine). It has been shown in mice that both caffeine and adenosine prevent amyloid-beta induced cognitive decline (Exp Neurol 203, 2007, 241-245).

Walking away from dementia

Age-protection, Alzheimer's, Exercise, Prevention — Tags: , , , — 9:31 am
If we could delay the onset of dementia by 2 years, we could reduce its risks by as much as 25% — all other things being equal — and one of the most effective and simple ways is physical activity (Am J Public Health 1998;88:1337– 42). Drs Rockwood and Middleton from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, analyzed 7 studies of exercise effects on risks of dementia and concluded that, without exception, 65 to 93 years old men and women who exercise the most have a lower risk of dementia relative to those who exercise the least. (Alzheimer’s & Dementia 3 2007; S38–S44)
Another, large-scale study found a significant dose-response relationship between physical activity and cognitive function was conducted as part of the Nurses’ Health Study  in 18,766 women (JAMA 2004;292:1454–61). After about 10 or more years, when the women were 70 to 81 years old, those reporting the most physical activity scored higher on several baseline tests of cognitive function. During the 2 years of additional follow up, there were again significant trends for a dose-response relationship in which those reporting the most physical activity exhibited the least decline in cognitive function (JAMA 2004;292:1454–61).
Even walking was associated with a “dose-dependent” risk reduction: those walked at an easy pace for at least 1.5 hours per week had significantly higher cognitive scores than those walking less than 40 minutes per week.
Higher activity levels might not be necessary for the benefit (Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2004; 18:57– 64) – an increase of 30-minutes aerobic exercise frequency from 3 to 5 times per week did not result in a proportional decrease of cognitive decline in a group of 1146 women 65 years old or older.
However, for those in the higher-intensity exercise group, that worked out at least moderate intensity (more vigorously than walking), or for longer durations each day (Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001;33:772–7.) chances of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, or all-cause dementia were lower (Arch Neurol 2001;58:498 –504).

If we could delay the onset of dementia by 2 years, we could reduce its risks by as much as 25% — all other things being equal — and one of the most effective and simple ways is physical activity (Am J Public Health 1998;88:1337– 42). Drs Rockwood and Middleton from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, analyzed 7 studies of exercise effects on risks of dementia and concluded that, without exception, 65 to 93 years old men and women who exercise the most have a lower risk of dementia relative to those who exercise the least. (Alzheimer’s & Dementia 3 2007; S38–S44).

Another, large-scale study found a significant dose-response relationship between physical activity and cognitive function was conducted as part of the Nurses’ Health Study  in 18,766 women (JAMA 2004;292:1454–61). After about 10 or more years, when the women were 70 to 81 years old, those reporting the most physical activity scored higher on several baseline tests of cognitive function. During the 2 years of additional follow up, there were again significant trends for a dose-response relationship in which those reporting the most physical activity exhibited the least decline in cognitive function (JAMA 2004;292:1454–61).

Even walking was associated with a “dose-dependent” risk reduction: those walked at an easy pace for at least 1.5 hours per week had significantly higher cognitive scores than those walking less than 40 minutes per week. Higher activity levels might not be necessary for the benefit (Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2004; 18:57– 64) – an increase of 30-minutes aerobic exercise frequency from 3 to 5 times per week did not result in a proportional decrease of cognitive decline in a group of 1146 women 65 years old or older.

However, for those in the higher-intensity exercise group, that worked out at least moderate intensity (more vigorously than walking), or for longer durations each day (Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001;33:772–7.) chances of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, or all-cause dementia were lower (Arch Neurol 2001;58:498 –504).

Related:

Metabolic syndrome and mental health

Alzheimer's, Brain Basics, Brain Metabolism, Schizophrenia — Tags: , , — 7:54 am

The metabolic syndrome’s area of influence seems to be growing startlingly fast. Latest research revealed its link to mental health problems. Researchers discovered that insulin resistance can be “in your head” and created a new medical term, the “type 3 diabetes” referring to the newly discovered insulin receptors in the brain.

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital showed that insulin resistance is tied to neurodegeneration. A drop in insulin production in the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for memory — can contribute to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In the frontal cortex of the brain, a major area affected by Alzheimer’s, the levels of insulin receptors and the brain’s ability to respond to insulin decreased.

Whether or not an insulin shortage causes a breakdown in brain cell communication, which would explain another brain disease, schizophrenia, remains unknown, but people with schizophrenia are at least twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. ”There’s a whole series of steps that may prevent the schizophrenic brain from responding to insulin,” said Dr Altar of the Psychiatric Genomics Center in Boston, which is now focusing on potential treatments for schizophrenia.

Sources:

Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 2007;23:29-34
JAMA. 2004; 292:2237-2242
J Alzheimer’s Disease; March 2005
J Alzheimer’s Disease; November 2005

Related:

The best exercise type to fight metabolic syndrome

Exercise, Prevention — Tags: , , , , , — 8:15 am
The best exercise type to fight metabolic syndrome
Until recently, in order to improve cholesterol profiles of people with metabolic syndrome, doctors usually advised a moderate-intensity exercise such as walking. Now, we have new information indicating that though it’s good enough for weight loss and blood pressure, it may be not enough to improve your cholesterol profile.
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim studied how exercise type influenced people with metabolic syndrome and showed that those who was on a high-intensity interval training program had significantly improved HDL -cholesterol levels. Their exercise consisted of four sets of 4-minute high intensity bouts at 90 percent of maximal heart rate (220 minus age) each followed by a 3-min active rest. These people exercised three times a week for 16 weeks.
The control group exercised continuously for 40 minutes at 70 percent of their maximal heart rate three times per week for 16 weeks. In both groups, participants improved their blood pressure and lost weight but only the interval training group showed improved HDL levels. “When we retested the patients at the end of the 16-week study, of those who underwent the interval-training program, nearly half had trained themselves out of the metabolic syndrome, whereas just 37 percent of patients in the moderately trained group did so,” the principal researcher Dr Tjonna said. “While metabolic-syndrome patients could perform more intense exercise, clinicians are reluctant to prescribe it.”
“There is a understandable reluctance to encourage sedentary, overweight middle and older aged patients to exercise at that high a level of exercise because of a perceived greater risk of cardiac events and the likelihood of greater musculo-skeletal injuries.We almost always tell patients to begin with a walking program and go from there,” agreed Dr James Gaulte in his “Retired Doc’s Thoughts” blog.
So where does it leave you if you are not sure whether or not you can start an interval training program? Try this safe and simple fitness test. It can be done at home. On the other hand, strength training may be as important: there are preliminary results of a long term clinical study conducted on 3,233 men, aged 20 to 80 years, which show that people with highest muscle strength had lowest risks of Metabolic Syndrome.
“Muscular strength was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome incidence, independent of age and body size,” the authors write in the article published by the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. “Potential benefits of greater muscular strength presumably through resistance exercise training should be considered in primary prevention of metabolic syndrome.”
Sources:
International Symposium on Atherosclerosis; June 21, 2006.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Nov. 30, 2005.

Related: Metabolic syndrome and mental health

Until recently, in order to improve cholesterol profiles of people with metabolic syndrome, doctors usually advised a moderate-intensity exercise such as walking. Now, we have new information indicating that though it’s good enough for weight loss and blood pressure, it may be not enough to improve your cholesterol profile.

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim studied how exercise type influenced people with metabolic syndrome and showed that those who was on a high-intensity interval training program had significantly improved HDL -cholesterol levels. Their exercise consisted of four sets of 4-minute high intensity bouts at 90 percent of maximal heart rate (220 minus age) each followed by a 3-min active rest. These people exercised three times a week for 16 weeks.

The control group exercised continuously for 40 minutes at 70 percent of their maximal heart rate three times per week for 16 weeks. In both groups, participants improved their blood pressure and lost weight but only the interval training group showed improved HDL levels. “When we retested the patients at the end of the 16-week study, of those who underwent the interval-training program, nearly half had trained themselves out of the metabolic syndrome, whereas just 37 percent of patients in the moderately trained group did so,” the principal researcher Dr Tjonna said. “While metabolic-syndrome patients could perform more intense exercise, clinicians are reluctant to prescribe it.”

“There is a understandable reluctance to encourage sedentary, overweight middle and older aged patients to exercise at that high a level of exercise because of a perceived greater risk of cardiac events and the likelihood of greater musculo-skeletal injuries.We almost always tell patients to begin with a walking program and go from there,” agreed Dr James Gaulte in his “Retired Doc’s Thoughts” blog.

So where does it leave you if you are not sure whether or not you can start an interval training program? Try this safe and simple fitness test. It can be done at home. On the other hand, strength training may be as important: there are preliminary results of a long term clinical study conducted on 3,233 men, aged 20 to 80 years, which show that people with highest muscle strength had lowest risks of Metabolic Syndrome.

“Muscular strength was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome incidence, independent of age and body size,” the authors write in the article published by the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. “Potential benefits of greater muscular strength presumably through resistance exercise training should be considered in primary prevention of metabolic syndrome.”

Sources:

International Symposium on Atherosclerosis; June 21, 2006.
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Nov. 30, 2005.

Related:

The gut-brain-skin axis and probiotics

Diet, Emotions/Mood, Foods for the Brain, Stress — Tags: , , — 3:10 pm
There are quite a few axes where the brain is involved. The most studied is hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dealing mostly with stress and the sleep/wake cycle and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis reproduction, life cycle, and sexual dimorphism & behavior. Recently, emerging evidence supports the existence of communication axes between other organs as well, with the central role of the brain remaining. The gut-brain-skin axis is thought to be responsible also for the stress challenge that, if not managed, can cause skin inflammation and the hair growth inhibition. The good news is, there are ways to deal with the challenge by improving of the microflora of the guts by probiotics (Exp Dermatol. 2010 Jan 25).
For example, myocardial infarction (heart attack) causes the release of pro-inflammatory substances that may affect the function of other organs including various structures brain where they result in an increase in cell death (J Psychopharmacol 2009, 23, 451–459; Biol Psychiatry 2006, 59, 430–433) while the friendly probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum taken in combination reduced these adverse effects (British Journal of Nutrition (2009), 102:1420-1425).
A spectacular result proving the gut-brain axis influence on the quality of life has been presented in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007, 61, 355–361). Those participants of the double blind controlled trial who reported themselves to be constipated infrequently were more clearheaded, confident and elated. When the participants prone to be depressed at the onset of the trial where treated with probiotics, they responded by reporting themselves as happy rather than depressed while these changes were not observed in the control group taking milk drinks containing no probiotics.

There are quite a few so called “axes” where the brain is involved. The most studied is hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dealing mostly with stress and the sleep/wake cycle and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis reproduction, life cycle, and sexual dimorphism & behavior. Recently, emerging evidence supports the existence of communication axes between other organs as well, with the central role of the brain remaining. The gut-brain-skin axis is thought to be responsible also for the stress challenge that, if not managed, can cause skin inflammation and the hair growth inhibition. The good news is, there are ways to deal with the challenge by improving of the microflora of the guts by probiotics (Exp Dermatol. 2010 Jan 25).

For example, myocardial infarction (heart attack) causes the release of pro-inflammatory substances that may affect the function of other organs including various structures brain where they result in an increase in cell death (J Psychopharmacol 2009, 23, 451–459; Biol Psychiatry 2006, 59, 430–433) while the friendly probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum taken in combination reduced these adverse effects (British Journal of Nutrition (2009), 102:1420-1425).

A spectacular result proving the gut-brain axis influence on the quality of life has been presented in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007, 61, 355–361). Those participants of the double blind controlled trial who reported themselves to be constipated infrequently were more clearheaded, confident and elated. When the participants prone to be depressed at the onset of the trial where treated with probiotics, they responded by reporting themselves as happy rather than depressed while these changes were not observed in the control group taking milk drinks containing no probiotics.

Brain Rewards: Endorphins

Brain Basics, Emotions/Mood, Endorphins — Tags: , , — 1:21 pm

Eating for reward: it can be not about food

“Something is wanted — either a constitution or a piece of sturgeon under horseradish sauce.” M.E. Saltykov-Schedrin (19th Century)

In the late 50s, the classic experiments by Dr. Olds shook the world. He implanted electrodes into certain regions of rat brains and taught the rats how to press lever to stimulate these regions with weak electric currents. Rats stopped doing anything but pressing the lever till their death from complete starvation. The Positive Reward theory was born. It turned out that anything pleasurable in life did related to these “Centers of Pleasure” — sex, alcohol, drugs of abuse — all that mankind has invented in its hedonic journey, were but attempts to stimulate these brain regions.

We know that eating will produce a pleasant sensation so often we eat even though all we need is comfort. The truth is, exercise, sauna, cold shower, massage, pleasant odors, and mental efforts (workoholism is real!) — all increase Endorphin level while only eating, especially when your body does not need it, will cause extra pounds of fat to collect in your body’s store.

“A mechanism for opiate [e.g. endorphin] mediation of food intake was postulated. It starts with a feeding initiating signal, which produces activation of the receptors, thereby inducing eating. Eating produces a circular reaction starting with hedonic input from the eating [process]. This, in turn, produces reward, which causes further eating, completing the circle” [Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 18:369; 1992].
Fasting can be as rewarding

The tricky thing with endorphins is that there are pairs of releasers resembling a thesaurus’ antonyms: exercise does the same os its antonym sleep, pleasure goes together with pain, local blood flow increase does the same to endorphin release as the local lack of oxygen. The eating-fasting pair also exists. Many people reported elation when they skipped breakfasts. Religeous fasters experience euforia.

“Severe food restriction produces opiate activity, which is reinforcing. Feeding interrupts the opiate activity and, thus, produces withdrawal. Not eating, therefore, is rewarding.” [Appetite 19:1-13; 1992].

Tips About Rewards

Next time you crave anything, ask yourself “What is it I really need? A glass of water? A walk? A hug?”
Before eating whatever you think you crave, try other rewards. Buying fresh flowers can be a better answer than a bowl of Rocky Road. Exercise, go to sauna, take a cold shower, invest in a massage device, buy a vail of perfume, enjoy a book…

Try periodic fasts. After resuming eating, your taste buds will be satisfied with lesser taste intensity thus reducing the taste influence on the body weight set point.

Read also:

A theory of acupuncture, spinal cord, and endorphins

Endurance training to improve metabolic profile

Exercise — Tags: , , — 8:08 am
Endurance training to improve metabolic profile, which is also good for the brain
In the post Metabolic syndrome and mental health http://agelessbrain.com/2010/04/metabolic-syndrome-and-mental-health/ a problem of mental health dependency on metabolic profile is outlined. Here is one of possible solutions.
It is well known that sedentary life style is one of major risk factors of developing heart disease and diabetes. To the contrary, physical activity has been shown in clinical studies to protect against them by improving, among other factors, insulin sensitivity, which in turn lowers blood glucose and lipid levels.
Out of known training types, endurance training is now considered the most efficient training for abdominal fat control. For instance, in a study conducted by the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, patients were engaged in a regular exercise program over a period of 3 months involving endurance exercises such as biking, long-distance running, or hiking. Subjects were instructed to exercise at least 135 min per week.
During the 3-month training period, physical fitness as assessed by VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption) and resting heart rate, increased
significantly. Insulin sensitivity increased and blood glucose decreased, subsequently improving “good” cholesterol numbers and total
cholesterol readings. Weight loss was not really impressive, but importantly that it was accompanied by waist-to-hip circumference ratio increase indication
that body fat distribution became less harmful.
Sources:
-Diabetes Care. 22(4): 555-61, 1999
-Metabolism: Clinical & Experimental. 48(5):641-4, 1999
-Diabetes Care. 20(10):1603-11, 1997
-Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews. 27:1-35, 1999

In the post Metabolic syndrome and mental health, the problem of mental health dependency on metabolic profile is outlined. Here is one of possible solutions.

It is well known that sedentary life style is one of major risk factors of developing heart disease and diabetes. To the contrary, physical activity has been shown in clinical studies to protect against them by improving, among other factors, insulin sensitivity, which in turn lowers blood glucose and lipid levels.

Out of known training types, endurance training is now considered the most efficient training for abdominal fat control. For instance, in a study conducted by the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, patients were engaged in a regular exercise program over a period of 3 months involving endurance exercises such as biking, long-distance running, or hiking. Subjects were instructed to exercise at least 135 min per week.

During the 3-month training period, physical fitness as assessed by VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption) and resting heart rate, increased significantly. Insulin sensitivity increased and blood glucose decreased, subsequently improving “good” cholesterol numbers and total cholesterol readings. Weight loss was not really impressive, but importantly that it was accompanied by waist-to-hip circumference ratio increase indication that body fat distribution became less harmful.

Sources:

  • Diabetes Care. 22(4): 555-61, 1999
  • Metabolism: Clinical & Experimental. 48(5):641-4, 1999
  • Diabetes Care. 20(10):1603-11, 1997
  • Exercise & Sport Sciences Reviews. 27:1-35, 1999

Related:

Coffee, tea, and chocolate can help to avoid Parkinson’s disease

Brain & Nutrition, Diet, Parkinson's — Tags: , , , — 5:06 am

Parkinson’s disease, though having some genetic forms, is thought to be largely life style-related and since no treatments exist to prevent or slow the disease down, environmental factors are of great interest to scientists.  Earlier, in Germany (1) and Sweden, (2) consumption of coffee or caffeine have been shown to lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, there were some problems with interpretation of the results: coffee drinking was positively associated with  smoking and alcohol consumption (3).

The Harvard School of Public Health followed up 183267 healthy people (free of Parkinson’s disease, cancer or stroke) during 10 years, watching their caffein intake with coffee, tee, chocolate and adjusting the results for age since and smocking since these two were strong risk factors in themselves (3). 288 cases of Parkinson’s disease were registered during this time. Women were more active coffee drinkers: the lower quintiles of caffein intake (taken as the reference point) in their population was  7 times higher than in men’s population.

Every other quintile in men had a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, however, in women, the highest quintile was not associated with risk decrease – women consuming the largest amounts of caffein have had the same risk as those consuming the least caffein and for some of them the risk increased up to 1.8 times. The average highest caffein intake was 1.3 times higher in women than in men but the authors hesitate contributing the U-shaped of intake/risk curve to this difference and argued that “plausible biological basis for a protective effect of caffeine” should be established before making conclusions.

Read also:

Caffeine protect against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease

Sources

  1. Hellenbrand W, Seidler A, Robra B-P, et al. Smoking and Parkinson’s disease: a case control study in Germany. Int J Epidemiol 1997; 26: 328-339. Links
  2. Fall P-A, Frederikson M, Axelson O, Granérus A-K. Nutritional and occupational factors influencing the risk of Parkinson’s disease: a case-control study in southeastern Sweden. Mov Disord 1999; 14: 28-37. Links
  3. Ascherio A, Zhang SM, Hernán MA, Kawachi I, Colditz GA, Speizer FE, Willett WCProspective study of caffeine consumption and risk of Parkinson’s disease in men and women. Ann Neurol. 2001 Jul;50(1):56-63.
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