Amino acids are crucial building blocks of protein in the body, and provide the source material for important brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.This may be an important reason why patients with Alzheimer's dementia often show disrupted patterns of amino acid metabolism, including glutamic acid deficiencies.1,2

A new study by Dutch researchers suggests that early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease could be signaled by important alterations in amino acid metabolism.

Psychiatric specialists performed amino acid plasma analysis on a group of patients with probable early stage Alzheimer's, as well as on a control group matched by age. The patients with initial symptoms of Alzheimer's exhibited much lower levels of tryptophan and methionine, suggesting disrupted transmethylation already present at this early stage of the disease. The researchers theorized that these imbalances may signal the beginning of disrupted neurotransmission in the brain involving both serotonin and dopamine--which play key roles in regulating sleep, mood, and behavior.3

Although homocysteine levels were normal in this particular group of patients, the researchers cited many previous studies showing increased homocysteine (associated with deficiency of B12 and folate) also occurring in clinical dementia and depression in Alzheimer's disease.

The Amino Acids Analysis assays over 40 amino acids, including all essential, semi-essential and protein-forming amino acids. It can be performed as a blood or urine test. An amino acid supplement schedule is included should test results uncover any important deficiencies.

References:
1 Martinez M, Frank A, Diez-Tejedor E, Hernanz A. Amino acid concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. J Neural Transm Park Dis Dement Sect 6(1):1-9.
2 Basun H, Forssell LG, Almkvist O, Cowburn RF, Ekof R, Winblad B, et al. Amino acid concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma in Alzheiemer's disease and healthy control subjects. J Neural Transm Park Dis Dement Sect 1990;2(4):295-304.
3 Fekkes D, van der Cammen TJM, van Loon CPM, Verschoor C, van Harskamp F, de Koning I, et. al. Journal of Neural Transmission 1998;105:287-294.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.