Dementia through the lens of Personalized Nutrition
ranks as the 7th leading cause of death and affects over 55 million individuals, with the number increasing by approximately 10 million annually
What is Dementia? The Global Prevalence and Risk Factors for Developing Dementia
Dementia is a widespread condition characterized by impaired brain functions, including memory, thinking, and decision-making, which hinder daily activities. It ranks as the 7th leading cause of death and affects over 55 million individuals, with the number increasing by approximately 10 million annually.
Several factors contribute to the risk of developing dementia, including age, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, social isolation, and behavioral and environmental factors.
Latest Nutrition Science on Dementia
While nutrition's role in overall health is well-known, its impact on cognitive health and dementia is a relatively new area of study. Specific nutritional requirements for dementia are yet to be established, but targeting nutrient recommendations for healthy older adults can be applied
- Amino acids. Current research explores the role of amino acids in dementia. Specific amino acids like BCAAs, arginine, and tryptophan have been studied for their potential impact on brain function and their association with neurological disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between amino acids and dementia.
- Fatty acids. Fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play essential roles in brain health. Studies have shown that increasing DHA intake by 0.1 g/day is associated with at least an 8% lower risk of cognitive decline, making it potentially beneficial for preventing cognitive decline.
- Micronutrients play a crucial role in dementia prevention and management. Trace minerals like zinc, selenium, iron, and copper are increasingly recognized for their role in cognitive health, and imbalances in their metabolism have been linked to Alzheimer's disease.
- Research indicates a growing connection between high sugar intake and an increased risk of dementia. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to elevated blood glucose levels, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes contributing to dementia.
- The gut microbiome, consisting of trillions of microbes, plays a vital role in human health, including brain function. Disruption of the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to chronic inflammation and compromised gut and blood-brain barriers, which have been increasingly associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
- Specific diets can have a significant impact on dementia prevention and management. The MIND, and Mediterranean diet has been associated with slowing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Disruption of the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to chronic inflammation and compromised gut and blood-brain barriers, which have been increasingly associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Current Market Landscape and Innovators Tackling Dementia
The dementia management market is focused on providing solutions for individuals with dementia and their caregivers, aiming to improve their quality of life. With an expected market value of 35 million USD by 2023 and a projected 8% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, companies are actively developing innovative products and services to address the challenges posed by dementia.
- Digital detection and diagnostics. Metabolites like lipids, ketone bodies, and amino acids show potential as biomarkers for detecting dementia. Connectivity Neurosciences offers a digital test using AI and machine learning to detect early signs of dementia. C2N Diagnostics provides the PrecivityAD™ blood test, measuring amyloid beta and tau proteins for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
Continuous biomarker monitoring is facilitated by sensors and wearables, including glucose monitoring by Abbott, oxygen saturation monitoring by Apple Watch, and saliva-based monitoring by Lura Health. - Nutrition technology innovations. Digital health solutions for dementia included but not limited to mobile apps like MealLogger for tracking meals, wearable devices such as EarlySense for contact-free vital sign monitoring, and virtual reality programs like MyndVR for cognitive enhancement. These technologies aim to improve the lives of individuals with dementia by providing personalized nutrition care, continuous monitoring, engaging experiences, and caregiver support.
- Meal kits. Companies can utilize cutting-edge analytics and predictive models to design personalized nutrition solutions tailored to individual needs. Meal kit services like EatLove customized nutrition plans based on specific conditions, lifestyle, and preferences, enabling caregivers to provide balanced and nutrient-dense meals to patients.
- Hormel Health Labs and Abbott Nutrition offer specialized medical food and beverage products catering to individuals with dementia-related nutrition challenges. These advancements support the dietary needs of individuals with dementia, promoting their overall health and well-being.
- Food supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods. In the field of dietary interventions for dementia, research primarily examines the impact of single nutrients and food supplements. Neuriva by Schiff Vitamins offers supplements containing coffee fruit extract and phosphatidylserine, claimed to support brain health. Remind Technologies focuses on developing nutritional supplements and functional foods specifically for individuals with cognitive impairments, including dementia. These products are created in collaboration with healthcare professionals and nutrition experts to provide targeted nutrition support for brain health and cognitive function.
- Genetic testing. Genetic testing for the APOE gene, associated with increased Alzheimer's disease risk, has faced ethical and regulatory challenges. However, some companies include APOE gene information in their health risk reports.
Over 70 genetic regions have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, with APOE genes being well-known for increasing the risk. EmpowerDX offers at-home APOE gene tests.
Nutrigenomix conducts genetic testing related to nutrition, providing personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual's DNA profile. DNAlysis offers comprehensive genetic testing and analysis, offering personalized recommendations for nutrition, fitness, metabolism, and mental wellness. These genetic testing options provide insights into individuals' genetic predispositions and help tailor health recommendations accordingly.
- Microbiome analysis. Companies such as Viome and DayTwo analyze the gut microbiome to explore potential connections between the microbiome-gut-brain axis and conditions. The focus is on tracking changes in microbiome composition over time and potentially developing personalized interventions. Although no company can currently claim a direct link between specific bacteria and dementia, these advancements hold promise for understanding the role of the gut microbiome in dementia and developing personalized interventions.
- Online nutritional counselling services, such as Evolution Nutrition, can provide valuable support for individuals with dementia. These services offer a platform for dietitians to create personalized meal plans and track dietary intake at accessible prices. Companies specializing in nutrition counseling can focus on providing tailored services for dementia patients and their caregivers, offering targeted advice and guidance for managing nutrition and dietary needs in dementia care. Companies who are creating new solutions leveraging AI to provide holistic care such as Evva will be the future of Dementia care.
In summary
The aging global population and increasing prevalence of dementia create opportunities for companies in the dementia and nutrition space. Personalized nutrition is seen as a crucial factor in addressing the needs of individuals at risk for or diagnosed with dementia. Companies can provide comprehensive solutions, including integrated digital tools for early detection, nutritional tracking, dementia-specific products, and physical activity monitoring. Advances in genetic and biomarker testing, along with innovative technologies like digital detection and diagnostics, offer opportunities for personalized risk assessment and interventions to promote cognitive health and overall well-being. The future outlook for companies in this space is centered around tailored solutions and preventive measures to meet the growing demand for dementia-related services.
References
Evva Health https://www.evva360.com/
DayTwo https://daytwo.com
Viome https://viome.com