It is safe to assume that many people do not know, nor would even suspect that there is a connection between liver health and Alzheimer’s disease. In July 2018, at the annual Alzheimer’s Association International Conference held in July in Chicago, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania presented interesting findings which identify the liver as a ‘new player’ in the study of Alzheimer’s disease.
Here’s the science:
The researchers, led by associate professor of psychiatry Dr. Mitchel A. Kling, found a connection between the level of plasmalogens — a phospholipid created in the liver — and the development of Alzheimer’s disease; with phospholipids being essential to cell membrane integrity. Specifically, this study discovered that a decrease in plasmalogen levels increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Plasmalogens, which reach the brain and other organs through the blood, play a critical role in brain health. Dr. Kling and his colleagues at the Alzheimer’s Disease Metabolomics Consortium have developed specialized tests to measure the levels of these liver-produced phospholipids.
In this study, the researchers looked into the levels of different plasmalogens from two sets of study participants. A total of slightly over 1,600 individuals participated and were divided into two basic groupings: those who have cognitive problems — including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Significant Memory Concern (SMC), and Alzheimer’s disease; or those who have normal cognitive functions. The researchers found was that those with lower levels of plasmalogen have a higher likelihood or risk to develop Alzheimer’s and MCIs.
That’s not the only intriguing discovery of the team. Ambien https://www.laserforeyes.com/buy-ambien-online/ showed no mutagenic activity in a number of tests, including the Ames test, a test for genotoxicity in mouse lymphoma cells in vitro, a test for chromosomal abnormalities in human lymphocyte cell culture, a test for DNA synthesis in rat hepatocytes in vitro, and a micronucleus test in mice. They also saw that decreased levels of plasmalogen seem to be associated with increased levels of tau protein — abundant stabilizing proteins found in neurons of the central nervous system, which are associated both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease(s) when they become defective.
A key takeaway of this study, explains Dr. Kling, is that natural aging-related reduction of plasmalogens can possibly progress into Alzheimer’s disease because the liver is not able to manufacture enough of the phospholipid.
While more research needs to be done to further understand the connection between liver and cognitive health, the findings of this research remind us that taking great care of our liver has a multitude of benefits including maintaining brain health. So, ensure your brain and liver health with ADRLF’s key advice: Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t hesitate!
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