The possible role of antioxidant vitamin C in Alzheimer's disease treatment and prevention

Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2013 Mar;28(2):120-5. doi: 10.1177/1533317512473193. Epub 2013 Jan 9.

Abstract

Oxidative stress is suggested to play a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among the antioxidants, vitamin C has been regarded as the most important one in neural tissue. It also decreases β-amyloid generation and acetylcholinesterase activity and prevents endothelial dysfunction by regulating nitric oxide, a newly discovered factor in the pathogenesis and progression of AD. However, clinical trials using antioxidants, including vitamin C, in patients with AD yielded equivocal results. The current article discusses the relevance of vitamin C in the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of AD and explores its therapeutic potential against this neurodegenerative disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / prevention & control*
  • Antioxidants / physiology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid / physiology
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic Acid