Can a bodybuilding supplement prevent dementia?
Can a bodybuilding supplement prevent dementia?
The Potential of a Bodybuilding Supplement to Improve Memory
Research into finding effective treatments and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease, the most common neurodegenerative condition and form of dementia, is ongoing. Currently, there is no cure for this devastating disease, but recent studies suggest a potential benefit of a bodybuilding protein supplement called β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) in protecting against age-related cognitive decline.
In a study published in Cell Reports, researchers investigated the effects of HMB on mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The results were promising, showing improvements in cognitive ability and a reduction in the buildup of amyloid plaques, which are characteristic of Alzheimer’s, in the mice. These findings highlight the potential of HMB as a treatment and prevention strategy for Alzheimer’s, but further studies are needed to determine its efficacy in humans.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing concern as the global population ages. By 2050, it is estimated that around 13 million people in the U.S. alone will be living with Alzheimer’s, doubling the current number. Therefore, finding effective interventions to combat this disease is of utmost importance.
The researchers began their investigation by studying the effects of HMB on cultured mouse hippocampal neurons. The hippocampus is an area of the brain associated with memory formation and retrieval. It is one of the first regions affected by Alzheimer’s. The results showed that HMB significantly increased the density of dendritic spines, which are small protrusions from neurons that facilitate communication between them. These larger and denser dendritic spines indicate improved functioning neuronal circuits. HMB also increased levels of neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and CREB (cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein), known to support neuronal function and growth.
Encouraged by these findings, the researchers moved on to studying live mice. They orally administered HMB to mouse models of Alzheimer’s for a month and observed similar improvements in hippocampal plasticity, as evidenced by increased neurotrophic factors and dendritic spines. Additionally, the mice showed improved performance in memory and learning tasks, indicating enhanced learning and memory with HMB supplementation.
- Pecans may protect against obesity and diabetes.
- Avoiding added sugars may prevent kidney stones, study finds.
- Helping Kids Find Reliable Health Content on TikTok
The researchers also investigated how HMB affected the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques in the hippocampus and cortex, two regions critical for learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. They found that oral administration of HMB significantly reduced amyloid-beta levels in these brain areas.
Further experiments revealed that HMB’s cognitive effects were mediated through its interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), a signal receiver in the brain involved in metabolizing fatty acids. Mice models of Alzheimer’s lacking PPARα did not show the same cognitive benefits as those with the receptor.
While these findings are promising, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study. Dr. Howard Pratt, a psychiatrist and medical director, notes that the assessment of memory in the study was based on maze navigation, which could be influenced by HMB’s known effect of increasing muscle strength. He also highlights the need for further research in humans since this study was conducted on mice.
Dr. Thomas Gut, associate chair of medicine, believes HMB has potential as a treatment for Alzheimer’s but also emphasizes the variability of Alzheimer’s presentation in humans. He suggests that not all patients may benefit from HMB, even if similar findings are reproduced in clinical trials.
Dr. Russell Swerdlow, a neurologist, highlights the importance of energy-related metabolism in brain function and its impact on Alzheimer’s features like amyloid plaques. He suggests that treatments targeting brain energy metabolism may have a greater impact than those directly targeting the plaques.
HMB has the potential to be a game-changer for the management of Alzheimer’s disease. If future research confirms its efficacy in humans, it could significantly improve outcomes for dementia patients and enhance their quality of life. However, it is essential to remember that lifestyle factors also play a role in reducing the risk of dementia. Dr. Pratt advises stopping smoking, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking early diagnosis and treatment for dementia symptoms.
In conclusion, the discovery of HMB’s ability to improve memory and reduce the buildup of amyloid plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease opens the door to novel treatment options. While further research is needed to assess its efficacy and safety in humans, the potential benefits of HMB supplementation for Alzheimer’s patients are promising. By exploring innovative approaches like HMB, we may uncover strategies that can make a significant difference in combating the devastating effects of this neurodegenerative condition.
