Prof. Beyreuther on the risk factors of Alzheimer's disease

Prof. Beyreuther tells us in a short interview how micronutrients can influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and how pollutants, stress, sleep and radio waves can increase this risk.

Prof. Beyreuther, we know that heavy metals, light metal aluminium, toxins and other pollutants are straining our liver. Are these substances also relevant for the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?

“Our brain does not absorb every substance, it is quite privileged in this regard. The blood-brain barrier fulfils its role as strict border control and lets only glucose (as a source of energy), certain amino acids, vitamins, trace minerals as well as a limited number of other substances pass into the brain. Disturbances of this barrier can be caused by a cerebral infarct, diabetes mellitus, certain kinds of cancer or brain inflammations. In general, it is hard for toxic pollutants to get into the brain. We have no proof that aluminium compounds play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, nonetheless, we know that aluminium salts and a range of pollutants have a toxic effect on nerve cells in experiments with cell cultures. Since, with over 600 kilometres of blood vessels in the brain, a small infarct can happen at any time which lets aluminium salts and heavy metals enter the brain freely, an unnecessary strain should be prevented. For this reason, aluminium crockery and non-coated film should not be used for sour or salted foods because they can release aluminium salts.  The best prevention for cerebral infarcts is to avoid the calcification of arteria and high blood pressure using 30 minutes of exercise five times a week, a diet with as few saturated fats as possible and of course through medical supervision.”

In micronutrient research, vitamin C is frequently mentioned in Alzheimer’s. What is it about this vitamin that is so interesting in this context?

“Vitamin C is very important for our brain; it neutralises aggressive particles, the so-called oxygen radicals that develop in cellular energy production. Our brain uses up about a quarter of the energy produced daily, which means that it is also one of the main producers of oxygen radicals. Low vitamin C levels can be related to age-related cognitive changes. Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s dementia often have lower vitamin C levels in the plasma. Middle-aged people between 40 and 50 should make sure that their vitamin C blood plasma levels are within the norm. The amount of vitamin C that is needed for reaching a normal level depends on the vitamin absorption which can vary from person to person. This is why we need a laboratory diagnostic check-up at a doctor to find out whether the supplementation with vitamin C was sufficient.”

Earlier studies have raised the question, of whether iron and zinc might contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Should we be careful with these micronutrients or does the dietary intake play no role in this context?

“Iron deficiency is harmful to the transfer process in the nerves and the energy supply in the nerve cells. The development of the Amyloid plaques (protein fragments that accumulate to hard, non-soluble deposits, editor’s note) that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease starts in a part of the brain that suffers from a chronic energy deficiency. For this reason, a relation between iron deficiency and Alzheimer’s dementia is possible.

Too much iron on the other hand leads to an enormous development of aggressive oxygen radicals, the effect of which is a massive death of nerve cells.

Zinc and copper can also play a critical role in Alzheimer’s disease. It is similar to the situation with iron: a deficiency or an excess is harmful. High levels of zinc hamper the uptake of copper and iron and can also favour the formation of amyloid plaques, characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.

Since zinc is essential for more than 300 metabolic processes, low zinc levels endanger our health. It is also discussed that low concentrations of zinc are related to depression – and since depression is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, it is reasonable and advisable to get a check-up of your zinc supply at a doctor.”

Prof. Beyreuther, which role does the metabolic product homocysteine play in the development of Alzheimer’s and which dietary measures are advisable for lowering the homocysteine level?

“The formation of protein is essential for our memory, our brain and growth processes in all human cells. Every production of protein starts with the building block methionine. The metabolite of methionine is homocysteine and high homocysteine levels are an indicator for a deficiency in methionine. High homocysteine blood levels are the consequence of a deficiency in vitamin B12, B6 as well as folic acid. Then we should pay attention to either taking food supplements or to include adequate amounts of legumes, animal products and grains in our diet.”

Prof. Beyreuther, which role plays sleep in the context of Alzheimer’s?

“During the slow wave sleep phase, the amount of liquid between the brain cells increases by 60%. It is in this phase of sleep that unnecessary products of metabolism can be removed from the brain. Also, certain metabolites that serve as building blocks for the Alzheimer’s-related Amyloid plaques are rinsed out. This is why slow-wave sleep phases serve as prevention.

For several years, vitamin D has been thoroughly researched. By now, we know that the liposoluble vitamin can do more than just support and strengthen bones. Is the sun vitamin also relevant for Alzheimer’s?

“Studies indicate that a deficiency in vitamin D increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia diseases. Vitamin D plays a role in various cellular processes, as well as in brain cells. A good prevention for dementia is to keep the vitamin D concentration in check and within the norm. If you exercise five times a week for 30 minutes, you will be able to form a sufficient amount of vitamin D in your body.  

For many people, mobile phones and Wi-Fi are essential parts of their daily life. How do you see this development? Do these radio waves influence the development of Alzheimer’s?

“I see a correlation between internet technologies and a decrease in Alzheimer’s dementia incidences. In the past years, the number of incidences has decreased by an astounding 25%. A cognitive revolution is taking place. Our brains become more resilient against the death of nerve cell contacts because people build more nerve cell contacts in their lives today.”

Omega 3 fatty acids are building blocks for the brain and nerves. Ginkgo supports the blood flow in the brain. From a scientific point of view, is it reasonable for older people to take a supplement with these vital substances?

“A current study with the fish oils DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) shows that a highly dosed intake of these substances (800 milligrams DHA and 225 milligrams EPA per day), combined with exercise (30 minutes five times a week) can postpone the development of early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by approximately 3,5 years; without exercise, it is only half the time.

One more question: stress on the job, a kind of “shock“ when retiring or other difficult situations. Do emotionally stressful situations or strains influence the development of Alzheimer’s?

“Stress and other burdening situations are among the most important risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease. Those people who can talk about their problems and people with good social networks and contacts have a lower risk of developing the disease. This is why I recommend regularly clear up the “mental basement”.