Medical Foods and Nutraceuticals That Optimize Cognitive Function and Reduce the Risk for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Summary

 

Today, I'll review the formulations and research that illustrates the role of medical foods which are a unique classification of formulations that are approved by the FDA.

 

Additionally, I will speak to the potential value of nutraceuticals and supplemental food-derived products in supporting cognitive health in aging individuals at risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD).

 

And what are medical foods?

 

Medical foods are defined products and nutrient formulations that are specifically designed for the dietary management of a disease. Medical food products are regulated by the FDA.

 

Plus, medical foods contain nutrients or food-based therapeutic ingredients that provide a medical or health benefit, and thus the use of "medical" in the term.

 

Three medical foods will be highlighted in today's episode that address three essential aspect of maintaining and optimizing cognitive function as you age—brain rejuvenation, brain protection (neuroprotection) and brain energetics (energy metabolism).

 

With regard to brain rejuvenation, the formulation—Souvenaid® (Fortasyn Connect), which is available in Australia where it is designated as a "Food for Special Medical Purpose", and it is also available in Singapore and parts of Europe.

 

Souvenaid® is a medical nutrition drink that contains a unique blend of ingredients known as Fortasyn® Connect, which is “formulated to support the growth of brain connections”, which means that it supports the synthesis of neuronal and synaptic membranes that are vital in synaptic function.

 

And that is an important point that I cover in The Diabetic Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

The Souvenaid formulation includes omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), phospholipids, choline, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, B12 B6, folic acid and uridine.

 

Several studies and trials have evaluated the benefits of Souvenaid® and in a consensus opinion of those studies published in 2019 it was determined that there was improvement in memory and cognitive performance in patients with MCI and early Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Nevertheless, it was also stated that “currently, there is not enough evidence to conclude that Souvenaid® decreases the rate of progression from MCI to dementia.”

 

However, you will often see if you do a search for that product that it is described by a few sources, including the Souvenaid website, that the formulation is suitable “for the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease” which is often associated with MCI.

 

And here is why:

 

Several analyses and clinical trials have shown benefits in memory and cognitive performance in patients with MCI and early Alzheimer’s disease as the 2019 consensus opinion analyses reported.

 

In the longest randomized clinical trial—3 years— in prodromal Alzheimer’s or MCI due to Alzheimer’s pathology—the LiPiDiDiet study, patients who were taking Souvenaid once daily for 3 years showed the following outcomes:

 

• Slowed the progression of memory and cognitive decline by 60%
• Reduced brain shrinkage by 33%
• Reduced the loss of everyday task performance by 45%

 

The LiPiDiDiet study conclusions were:

 

“This multi-nutrient intervention slowed decline on clinical and other measures related to cognition, function, brain atrophy, and disease progression. These results indicate that intervention benefits increased with long‐term use.”

 

Those findings were published in January of 2021.

 

The ingredient profile Souvenaid® formulation is designed for the rejuvenation of the critical membranes that surround the neuron which are particularly beneficial in the function of the synapse.

 

Neuronal cellular membrane integrity is vital for th