The effects of bioactive compounds on Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Prevalence rates of Alzheimer’s disease are increasing in countries around world, and identifying effective treatments to manage cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration has become a global health priority. Decades of scientific research have developed a more comprehensive understanding of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a transitional stage of accelerated cognitive decline. This understanding has allowed researchers to envision novel Alzheimer’s Disease therapies, including the use of bioactive compounds found in plants and animals. Within the past 15 years, a significant amount of clinical research has been published documenting the effects specific bioactive compounds have on patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI. This article reviews the results of this research, and discusses whether sufficient evidence exists to support the use of specific bioactive compounds by individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI. Information on relevant epidemiological studies, outcome measures, and disease pathologies is provided to enrich this discussion.

Keywords: Bioactive compounds, Alzheimer’s Disease, Mild cognitive impairment, Dementia, B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, EPA, Fortasyn Connect, Souvenaid.