Selenium and Alzheimers

More than five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, according to 2011 estimates from the Alzheimer's Association. This neurodegenerative disease causes steady declines in cognitive function, and there is no known cure. Although some evidence suggests that the mineral selenium may prevent Alzheimer's disease, more scientific research is needed. Discuss your selenium intake and Alzheimer's disease risk with a physician to determine whether your diet and lifestyle are appropriate.

Alzheimer's Disease

Most people think of Alzheimer's disease as primarily related to memory, but it causes other cognitive deficits. Common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation, trouble speaking or writing, difficulty reasoning, difficulty making decisions and personality changes. The brain disease occurs when proteins build up in certain brain regions, disrupting normal functioning. Oxidative stress, a process that produces dangerous molecules called reactive oxygen species, may also contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Selenium Features

Your body depends on small amounts of several minerals, including selenium. Without selenium, certain enzymes in your body cannot function, disrupting important physiological reactions. A key function of these enzymes is to reduce levels of reactive oxygen species that cause damage to healthy cells. The beneficial effect of selenium makes it an important antioxidant to incorporate into your diet.

Association

Some evidence suggests that increasing selenium levels may prevent Alzheimer's disease. Research published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" by Sujuan Gao, a scientist at Indiana University, found that older adults with lower selenium levels are more likely to perform poorly on tests of memory and other cognitive functions. In a 2009 study published in "Brain Research," Tauheed Ishrat of Hamdard University in New Delhi found that rats with an Alzheimer's-like mutation had improved memory and learning abilities following treatment with selenium. More research in humans is needed to determine the effects of selenium on Alzheimer's disease.

Considerations

Selenium is an important part of a healthy diet. Adult men and women need 55 mcg of selenium each day to prevent nutritional deficiency. Dietary sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, shrimp, crab meat, salmon, halibut, brown rice and pork. Discuss your diet with your doctor to see if you need more selenium.