Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.

Alzheimer's gets worse over time and ultimately is fatal. Common symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion, getting lost in familiar places, misplacing things, and problems with speaking and writing.

According to new research led by Mitchel A. Kling, MD, an associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, Alzheimer’s disease risk is associated with reduced levels of plasmalogens, a type of phospholipid produced in the liver. They play key roles in maintaining the health of brain cells.

Dr Kling and colleagues found that an age-related deficiency of plasmalogens could lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, because the liver cannot make enough of them.

Their research highlights a potential relationship between conditions such as obesity and diabetes and Alzheimer's - as the liver has to work harder to break down fatty acids over time. This could lead to the eventual destruction of the peroxisomes that create plasmalogens which thus, increases the risk of Alzheimer's.

Milk thistle is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects. It has been used as a traditional remedy for neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease for over two thousand years.

Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function due to ageing.