Alzheimer’s disease patients lower in carotenoids and DHA
Scientists at Oregon Health and Science University measured the levels of carotenoids lutein and beta carotene (plant compounds found in the yellow-orange group) and DHA (an essential fatty acid found in blue-green algae and coldwater fish). Among the 36 persons with Alzheimer’s disease who were studied, those with mild disease had higher levels of these nutrients, and scored better on a mental status test, than those with moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the correlation between levels of these nutrients with the level of disease, the authors concluded that lutein, beta carotene and DHA may be supportive in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
See abstract at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18334754