Use of vitamin C and E in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

AbstractSince it has become evident that increased oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, the therapeutical use of antioxidants has been discussed. To date there are several studies showing that lipid peroxidation in particular is increased not only in brain tissue but also in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer's disease patients. Accordingly, decreased levels of antioxidants, which are capable of inhibiting lipid peroxidation, have been found in a majority of studies performed on this subject. This article focusses on the two major lipid peroxidation inhibiting vitamins, vitamin C (ascorbate) and vitamin E (α‐tocopherol), in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease. The antioxidant action of these vitamins has been investigated in detail in artherosclerosis research, and the combination of both antioxidants has been shown to efficiently inhibit lipoprotein oxidation in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid following oral supplementation. The only double‐blind placebo‐controlled study that has been performed on the effect of vitamin E alone demonstrated a beneficial effect on the course of Alzheimer's disease. At present there is evidence supporting the combined use of vitamin C and E therapy for Alzheimer's disease, but future clinical studies investigating the effect of these antioxidants must be carried out. Drug Dev. Res. 56:452–457, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.