Possible use of adaptation to hypoxia in Alzheimer's disease: A hypothesis

Disorders in memory and other cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may result from an exhaustion of adaptive reserves in the brain. Therefore it is a challenge to find methods to increase the adaptive reserve of the organism to combat AD. Excitotoxicity, Ca2+ homeostasis disruptions, oxidative stress, disturbed synthesis of NO, and impaired cerebral circulation are suggested as key pathogenic factors of AD. At present it appears that stimulation of the self-defense systems in neural cells is a promising strategy in restricting the progression of AD. These systems include those of antioxidants, heat shock proteins (HSPs), NO, and other so-called stress-limiting systems. Non-drug activation of these systems can be achieved most efficiently by adaptation of the organism to environmental challenges, such as hypoxia. In this paper the potential of methods used in adaptive medicine is explored. The protective mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia may be related to restriction of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, the limitation of a decrease in NO production induced by β-amyloid, and increased density of the vascular network in the brain. In this review we selectively present data that support the idea that adaptation to hypoxia is a possible non-drug means in the prevention of AD. In our opinion this strategy may provide a break-through in the clinical approach of this disease. © Med Sci Monit, 2005

Prospects of non-drug approaches to Alzheimer's disease

Despite the urgency of the problem of prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative processes underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other severe disorders of the central nervous system, therapeutic and prophylactic potential of drugs is yet insufficient. Numerous adverse effects of the drugs, which might improve cognitive function in patients with AD substantiate serious consideration of measures enhancing adaptive potential and mobilizing self-defense of the body. It is clear now that endogenous defense systems of the brain can limit progression of AD long after the onset of the disease. The measures mobilizing the self-defense include administration of natural adaptogens and various types of adaptation, such as adaptation to dietary restrictions, promotion of physical and mental activity, and adaptation to hypoxia. This review presents data supporting a hypothesis that non-drug activation of self-defense of the body can prevent cognitive decline induced by neurodegenerative processes in the brain by targeting key points of AD pathogenesis

Prospects of non-drug approaches to Alzheimer's disease

Despite the urgency of the problem of prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative processes underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other severe disorders of the central nervous system, therapeutic and prophylactic potential of drugs is yet insufficient. Numerous adverse effects of the drugs, which might improve cognitive function in patients with AD substantiate serious consideration of measures enhancing adaptive potential and mobilizing self-defense of the body. It is clear now that endogenous defense systems of the brain can limit progression of AD long after the onset of the disease. The measures mobilizing the self-defense include administration of natural adaptogens and various types of adaptation, such as adaptation to dietary restrictions, promotion of physical and mental activity, and adaptation to hypoxia. This review presents data supporting a hypothesis that non-drug activation of self-defense of the body can prevent cognitive decline induced by neurodegenerative processes in the brain by targeting key points of AD pathogenesis

Possible use of adaptation to hypoxia in Alzheimer's disease: A hypothesis

Disorders in memory and other cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease (AD) may result from an exhaustion of adaptive reserves in the brain. Therefore it is a challenge to find methods to increase the adaptive reserve of the organism to combat AD. Excitotoxicity, Ca2+ homeostasis disruptions, oxidative stress, disturbed synthesis of NO, and impaired cerebral circulation are suggested as key pathogenic factors of AD. At present it appears that stimulation of the self-defense systems in neural cells is a promising strategy in restricting the progression of AD. These systems include those of antioxidants, heat shock proteins (HSPs), NO, and other so-called stress-limiting systems. Non-drug activation of these systems can be achieved most efficiently by adaptation of the organism to environmental challenges, such as hypoxia. In this paper the potential of methods used in adaptive medicine is explored. The protective mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia may be related to restriction of oxidative stress in the hippocampus, the limitation of a decrease in NO production induced by β-amyloid, and increased density of the vascular network in the brain. In this review we selectively present data that support the idea that adaptation to hypoxia is a possible non-drug means in the prevention of AD. In our opinion this strategy may provide a break-through in the clinical approach of this disease. © Med Sci Monit, 2005