Chapter 37 - Antioxidant diets and functional foods attenuate dementia and cognition in elderly subjects

Abstract

Global incidences of chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are increasing in the aging population. Compared to men, women have increased risk of AD, depression, and stress-related illnesses. The pathophysiological mechanisms that are involved in causing neurotransmitter deficiency, neuronal and glial abnormalities, apoptosis, necrosis, and cell death remain largely unknown. The progressive decline in mental health not only causes memory loss and motor impairment, but also adversely affects the quality of life of elderly people and may cause them to be unable to make important decisions in their daily life activities. At present, no effective drugs are available to prevent or treat chronic neurodegenerative diseases. However, to slow the onset and prevention of chronic central nervous system (CNS) disorders, it is generally recommended that people make lifestyle changes, including eating wholesome foods that are rich in antioxidant and antiinflammatory flavonoids, polyphenols, and retinoids; perform physical exercise; reduce excessive use of alcohol; and avoid tobacco smoking, including e-cigarettes. Consumption of diets such as the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, and Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet has proven useful for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and to delay the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. Genetic factors, environmental toxicants, socioeconomic conditions, oxidative stress, and neuronal inflammation are considered to be the triggers for initiating chronic old age–related brain diseases. The consumption of antiinflammation and antioxidant wholesome diets and lifestyle modifications appear to be the most cost-effective strategies for delaying the onset and prevention of chronic brain diseases in the aging population. Natural health products, functional foods, antioxidants that are present in fresh vegetables and fruits, and medicinal herbs prevent oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the brain and prevent neuronal and glial injury by scavenging free radicals in the CNS and consequently protect against neuronal impairment. Recently, numerous medicinal herbs and plants with profound antioxidant and antiinflammation abilities, such as Gingko biloba, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, phytophenols, and pomegranate juice, have received much attention from the scientific community and the public. The functional foods, dairy products, and dietary supplements have proven beneficial to improve memory deficits and cognitive decline in elderly patients. Also, intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, cod liver oil, micronutrients (vitamins, trace elements), and amino acids such as tryptophan has been reported to attenuate age-related decline and cognitive function as well as sleep disorders by improving neuronal function and neurotransmitters in the brain. However, further research is required to enhance our understanding of the precise underlying mechanisms involved in the neurotrophic effects of functional foods and dietary supplements as memory-enhancing remedies. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the potential benefits of functional foods, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, physical activity, smoking cessation, and neuroprotective role of sex hormones to mitigate dementia and cognition decline in elderly subjects. We have also addressed the role of nonmodifiable genetic factors and modifiable risk factors that have been implicated in causing age-related neurodegenerative disorders.