Antioxidants do not improve AD biomarkers and adversely affect cognition.
Under the hypothesis that oxidative damage leads to Alzheimer disease (AD), some investigators have studied whether antioxidants (e.g., vitamins E and C, α-lipoic acid [ALA], and coenzyme Q [CoQ]) influence amyloid production. Results have generally been positive in animal models, but inconsistent in humans. Now, researchers have examined the effect of these antioxidants on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and on changes in cognition (on the Mini-Mental State Exam [MMSE]) and function.
The 78 participants had mild-to-moderate AD (mean age, 73; 46% women; mean MMSE score, 23) and were taking memantine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, or both. They were randomized to one of three treatments: a combination of vitamin E (800 IU/day), vita…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)