Alzheimer's disease was discovered shortly after the turn of the 20th century. More than a century later, scientists have yet to identify a definitive cause behind the disease. There are suspicions that oxidative stress from the accumulation of free radicals is involved.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that oftentimes, bear oxygen molecules. They are a by-product of the body's natural metabolic process, although they may also come from environmental factors (such as UV exposure) or be the result of certain diseases. Free radicals are among the most common causes of cellular damage.
The brain, having the highest oxygen requirement among all the organs in the body (about 20 percent of your oxygen supply goes to the brain alone), is especially vulnerable to damage caused by free radicals. This is why one of the methods for delaying the onset of Alzheimer's is to consume foods rich in antioxidants, compounds that neutralize free radicals.
Another possible cause of Alzheimer's has to do with your cells' mitochondria. These organelles or cell parts are called “powerhouses” because they process and release energy from the food you eat. Several studies in recent years have noted that Alzheimer's cases coincide with alterations in the mitochondria and its function. One even concluded that healthy mitochondria is the key to stopping Alzheimer's in its tracks.
PQQ helps prevent Alzheimer's
Like many micronutrients, PQQ has significant antioxidant properties. This means that it helps neutralize oxidative stress and prevent its harmful effects on the body, including the onset of diseases like Alzheimer's. Some studies revealed that it can prevent brain cell death and even resuscitate cells that had started to die.
When it was first discovered, some of Alzheimer's most distinguishing features were lumps and strands of abnormal, toxic proteins, called amyloid plaque, in the brain. Modern studies show that PQQ can inhibit the formation of amyloid plaque associated with Alzheimer's. Other studies indicate that the nutrient can also inhibit alpha-synuclein, the toxic protein linked to Parkinson's.
But this isn't the only way PQQ protects your brain. Remarkably, it has the ability to regenerate new mitochondria and improve the function of existing ones. In effect, it can reverse cellular aging and potentially vanquish the threat of age-related neurodegeneration. (Related: Revitalize cellular energy and slow aging with super nutrients PQQ and CoQ10.)
The many brain benefits of PQQ
PQQ is an all-around brain health-boosting nutrient, bearing several effects that prevent brain disorders and promote optimal function.
- It reduces neuroinflammation – Chronic inflammation in the brain is linked to a number of serious conditions, not the worst of which is depression. A study reveals that supplementation with PQQ can reduce the concentration of cytokines and other biomarkers of inflammation in the brain.
- It encourages post-stroke recovery – Stroke survivors are at a high risk of being disabled for life, particularly if their brain does not recover well after their attack. Research suggests that PQQ can reduce the size of the area affected by the stroke. It also remains beneficial even when given after the stroke.
- It protects the brain from excitotoxicity – Glutamate is an important chemical in the brain, but too much of it results in excitotoxicity, a risk factor in both stroke and neurodegenerative disease. PQQ protects the brain from overstimulation by glutamate and the resulting death of brain cells.
- It protects from high glucose levels – High blood sugar levels make the brain more susceptible to oxidative stress. Animal studies show that PQQ can reverse oxidative damage even in diabetic mice.
- It maintains memory and cognition – The gradual loss of brain function is one of the signs of aging. PQQ maintains the plasticity of the brain, maintaining the organ's ability to process and retain information efficiently and effectively.
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