Recent research offers promising news in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, revealing that the amino acid arginine could play a vital role in reducing harmful brain plaque associated with the condition. Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, impairs memory, language, and behavior due to abnormal protein accumulation around brain cells, particularly amyloid plaques.
A study published in Neurochemistry International has found that arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid, significantly decreases amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and mitigates its damaging effects in animal models. Known for aiding protein synthesis, arginine is found in protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and dairy, and is also widely available as a dietary supplement.
While the dosages used in this study were tailored for research and do not directly translate to commercial supplements, the findings are encouraging. Professor Yoshitaka Nagai, a leading researcher, stated, “Our study demonstrates that arginine can suppress Aβ aggregation both in vitro and in vivo. The exciting aspect is that arginine is already known to be clinically safe and inexpensive, positioning it as a promising candidate for therapeutic use in Alzheimer’s disease.”
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In the study, mice administered oral arginine showed reduced amyloid plaque formation alongside decreased levels of insoluble Aβ42 in the brain. These mice also performed better on behavioral tests and exhibited reduced neuroinflammation, a critical factor linked to Alzheimer’s progression.
Prof. Nagai emphasized the potential of arginine-based therapies to address neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding and aggregation. “Thanks to its excellent safety profile and affordability, arginine could swiftly move into clinical trials targeting Alzheimer’s and related disorders,” he noted. Nonetheless, further preclinical and clinical research is necessary to confirm these effects in humans and to determine appropriate dosing strategies.
Early Alzheimer’s disease typically manifests as memory lapses and other cognitive changes. If you or a loved one experience symptoms such as confusion or forgetfulness, consulting a healthcare professional is strongly advised.