Dementia occurs as a result of a variety of health conditions and diseases that cause damage to brain cells or the connections and communication between brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. One in eight older Americans has Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. No cure has yet been found. Medications may or may not slow the disease progression. Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, is an option that may potentially show benefit to dementia.
CoQ10
CoQ10 is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance present within every cell in the body. CoQ10 has many roles in the body, with its primary function being to assist with energy production. CoQ10 is also an antioxidant, so it helps to destroy free radicals and protects healthy cells from damage. Muscle contraction and production of proteins also involves coQ10. Whole grains, organ meats, oily fish and supplements are sources of coQ10.
Function of CoQ10 in Dementia
The primary site coQ10 works in dementia is thought to be in the mitochondria of cells. Neurological diseases tend to have issues in the mitochondria where function is impaired and oxidative stress and damage are present, according to an April 2001 article in "Neurology." A study in the September 2008 "Journal of Neurological Sciences" reports cognitive decline may be a result of mitochondrial disorders. Since coQ10 is present in most every mitochondrion, it potentially plays a role.
Research on CoQ10 and Dementia
Research has shown some benefit of coQ10 on dementia. A study published in the 2002 "Archives of Neurology" assessed the effectiveness of coQ10 in Parkinson's disease. Dementia often develops in those with Parkinson's. Eighty patients received a placebo or coQ10 at doses of 300, 600 or 1200 mg per day for 16 months. After the 16 months, those who supplemented with coQ10 had slower brain deterioration compared to those who took the placebo.
Additional Research
The book "Mitochondrial Medicine" by Anna Gvozdjáková describes the use of coQ10 in rats with Alzheimer's vascular dementia. After four weeks of supplementation, brain and mitochondrial energy production was regenerated. The researchers speculate this could mean that coQ10 could stimulate regeneration of damaged heart and brain mitochondria in Alzheimer's patients. More research needs to be completed in this area, but it appears promising.
References
- Alzheimer's Association: 2011 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
- "Journal of the Neurological Sciences"; Cognitive Decline as a Manifestation of Mitochondrial Disorders (Mitochondrial Dementia); Josef Finsteren, et al.; May 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Coenzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2009
- "Neurology"; Familial Cerebellar Ataxia with Muscle Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency; O. Musumeci, et al.; April 2001
- "Mitochondrial Medicine"; Anna Gvozdjáková; 2008
- "Archives of Neurology"; Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Early Parkinson Disease; Clifford Shults, et al.; 2002
