Abstract

BRADFORD, Raquel; AMARAL, Teresa F  and  CESAR, Rui. Nuts and neurodegeneration. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2016, n.6, pp.38-41. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2016.0607.

During the aging process, several modifications occur in the human brain. Neuronal death is one of these changes, which may lead to a decline of cognitive function and could progress into neurodegenerative diseases. They appear as a consequence of oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between the production and the elimination of reactive oxygen species that are responsible for severe and irreversible damage in cellular components. Since age and genetics are factors that cannot be controlled, it is important to shape the modifiable ones, for instance, nutrition. Nuts contain potentially neuroprotective compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, selenium, vitamin E and phenolic compounds. Human studies have shown that there is an improvement in cognitive function after nuts consumption, but some of these studies have also pointed out that there is no decline of cognitive function after follow-up, which demonstrates the importance of early prevention. Although their exact mode of action is not yet determined, it is known that these neuroprotective compounds play important roles in brain function and can counteract oxidative stress. However, regardless of the mechanism from which nuts can improve cognitive function, their nutrient composition may vary considerably. In fact, it becomes necessary to consider the synergic interactions between these neuroprotective compounds and those from the whole dietary pattern.

Keywords : Cognition; Neurodegenerative diseases; Nuts; Neurodegeneration; Oxidative stress.

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