Title:Optimizing Modifiable and Lifestyle-related Factors in the Prevention of Dementia Disorders with Special Reference to Alzheimer, Parkinson and Autism Diseases
Volume: 16
Issue: 6
Author(s): Umesh C. Gupta*Subhas C. Gupta
Affiliation:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Charlottetown Research and Development Centre, 440 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE,Canada
Keywords:
Aging, curcumin, cystic fibrosis, disability, huntington, minerals, schizophrenia, sleep apnea.
Abstract: Dementia is a syndrome and an umbrella term that encompasses Alzheimer, Parkinson and
autism diseases. These diseases are by far the most common cause of dementia; therefore this investigation
will chiefly include these disorders, with a limited discussion of few other disorders related
to dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of cerebral β-amyloid
plaques, tau proteins and memory loss; Parkinson by the deterioration of brain cells which regulate
the movement of body parts and produce dopamine; and autism by abnormalities of social disorder
and difficulty in communicating and forming relationships. Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment
in dementia are age-related and manageable only with early diagnosis and prevention. Data
based on several decades of research has shown that the major factors responsible for the induction
of inflammation in dementia and many chronic diseases are infections, obesity, alcohol, radiation,
environmental pollutants, improper nutrition, lack of physical activity, depression, anxiety, genetic
factors, and sleep deprivation. There are some studied preventive measures for dementia including
continued physical activity and consuming predominantly a plant-based Mediterranean diet comprising
olive oil and foods containing flavonoids and other phytochemicals having strong antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties and along with management of chronic conditions.
