The potential role of nutritional components in improving brain function among patients with Alzheimers disease: a meta-analysis of RCT studies

Albrahim et al., 2020 | Neurosciences (Riyadh) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Albrahim Tarfa. The potential role of nutritional components in improving brain function among patients with Alzheimers disease: a meta-analysis of RCT studies. Neurosciences (Riyadh). 2020-Jan;25(1):4-17. doi:10.17712/nsj.2020.1.20190037

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To find out the potential role of nutritional components in improving brain function among patients with Alzheimers disease (AD). METHODS: The correlation between nutrition and cerebral function in cases of AD has been the focus of 19 prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a combined research sample of 2297 patients. These RCTs are subject to systematic review and meta-analysis in the current paper RESULTS: Findings showed that chain-free secondary saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA) occurred in higher concentrations in AD patients brains than in controls. Furthermore, neuroinflammation was caused by remodelling of the lipid membrane and AD patients` cognitive function was impacted by alterations in tyrosine, tryptophan, purine, and tocopherol pathway metabolomics. Moreover, in cases of mild-to-moderate AD, reduction in functionality was induced by administration of alpha-tocopherol for more than 12 months. Consumption of Souvenaid helps in synaptic synthesis, which enhances functional connectivity. Furthermore, consumption of the B vitamins folate, cobalamin and pyridoxine at dosages of 0.8 mg, 0.5 mg and 20 mg per day, respectively, over a period of one year resulted in lower plasma tHcy levels and brain atrophy. CONCLUSION: Chain-free SFA and TFA occur in greater amounts in the brains of individuals with AD than in those without AD.

Key Findings

Findings showed that chain-free secondary saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA) occurred in higher concentrations in AD patientsbrains than in controls. Furthermore, neuroinflammation was caused by remodelling of the lipid membrane and AD patients cognitive function was impacted by alterations in tyrosine, tryptophan, purine, and tocopherol pathway metabolomics. Moreover, in cases of mild-to-moderate AD, reduction in functionality was induced by administration of alpha-tocop

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population alzheimer
Sample Size 2297
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Antioxidants
  • Brain
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Status
  • Prospective Studies
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Trans Fatty Acids
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-b6

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09