Potential Bodybuilding Supplement Found to Potentially Slow Down Alzheimer's Disease Progression
Study Reveals Potential of Bodybuilding Supplement in Preventing Alzheimer's Progression
A muscle-building supplement, known as beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), may offer a promising avenue in protecting memory and potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent study conducted at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
Researchers discovered that HMB, a byproduct of the amino acid leucine, can enter the brain and increase beneficial proteins that are significantly decreased in Alzheimer's patients, thus restoring neuronal connections and improving memory and learning tasks.
Dr. Kalipada Pahan, professor of neurological sciences at Rush University, explained that this supplement may be one of the safest and easiest approaches to halt the disease progression and protect memory in Alzheimer's patients. The study found that after oral consumption, HMB enters the brain to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), repair neuronal connections, and enhance memory and learning abilities in mice with Alzheimer's-like pathology.
HMB is an over-the-counter supplement available at sports and fitness stores. Aside from being used by bodybuilders to increase muscle strength and size, its non-steroidal nature makes it safe for long-term use, with no known side effects.
Exercise has also been shown to lower the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's. While not providing the same level of support as supplemental HMB, exercise can increase BDNF and produce measurable effects on the brain. However, more rigorous physical activity may be necessary to achieve these benefits.
In addition to HMB, irisin—a hormone triggered by exercise—may also play a role in Alzheimer's prevention. People and animals with Alzheimer's have lower irisin levels compared to those without the disease, and studies suggest that higher irisin levels could help protect against the formation of harmful amyloid beta proteins associated with the disease.
While this research is promising, it's important to note that HMB's effects on Alzheimer's in humans remain unknown, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings in Alzheimer's patients. Prior to supplementing with HMB, individuals should consult their healthcare provider.
Sources:
- Bodybuilding Supplement May Help Stave Off Alzheimer's
- Science Daily
- Muscle-building Supplement β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate binds to PPARα to improve hippocampal functions in mice
- Cell Reports
- What is Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate?
- news-medical.net
- The Best Exercises for Brain Health, According to a Neuroscientist
- Eating Well
Evaluative Summary:
The scientific evidence regarding the use of HMB for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease is currently limited and primarily indirect, although preclinical and mechanistic data suggest promising potential benefits. Other nutritional interventions like creatine and other supplements like resveratrol and hesperidin are also being explored for their neuroprotective effects, but HMB remains understudied in this context.
- Alongside exercise, which has been proven to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's, a muscle-building supplement called HMB could potentially offer additional support in Alzheimer's prevention.
- According to a study, HMB, a byproduct of the amino acid leucine, can enter the brain and increase beneficial proteins significantly decreased in Alzheimer's patients, contributing to repairing neuronal connections and improving memory and learning tasks.
- Although the study found promising results, the effects of HMB on Alzheimer's in humans are still unknown, and more research is necessary to confirm these findings in Alzheimer's patients before considering supplementation.
- HMB, which is over-the-counter and available at sports and fitness stores, may be one of the safest and easiest approaches to halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease and protect memory in patients, but individuals should consult their healthcare provider before supplementing with HMB.
