Could Low Levels of Dopamine Increase Your Risk of Alzheimer’s?
A dopamine deficiency is often reported in cases of Parkinson’s, and is also a key area of interest regarding addiction, but what about Alzheimer’s?
A recent study has shown that the loss of dopamine-firing cells may hinder the brain’s ability to make new memories. This means that low levels of dopamine could potentially indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
The Role of Dopamine in the Brain
Dopamine is a chemical known as a neurotransmitter, which plays a key role in the brain’s pleasure and reward center. It also plays a critical role in regulating movement and emotions. Being a chemical messenger, dopamine binds to receptors in the brain which then relay a signal.
It is well understood that levels drop as we age, and may even explain why older individuals are less willing to take risks which lead to rewards. As stated in one study, published in Current Biology, throughout adulthood, dopamine levels drop by approximately 10 percent each decade.
In a separate study, titled, “Dopamine and the cost of aging,’ it was found that the dopamine-boosting drug, known as L-DOPA, improved learning in older individuals.
Over the past few years, researchers have also began looking at dopamine and the death of dopaminergic neurons as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that dopamine-firing neurons die in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) during the pre-plaque stages of Alzheimer’s.
This progression correlates with impairments in relation to synaptic plasticity, food reward processing, and memory performance. These findings were reported in Nature Communications.
Study Finds a Link Between Low Dopamine and Memory Impairment
In a recent study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers believe that they have found a way to potentially transform the way that Alzheimer’s is diagnosed. By studying dopamine-firing cells, or in this case the loss of these cells, they determined that low dopamine may impair memory formation.
Using a specific type of MRI scan, known as 3Tesla, the researchers scanned the brains of 51 healthy adults, in addition to 30 adults with mild cognitive impairment, and 29 with Alzheimer’s disease. Following these scans, they noticed a link between two regions of the brain — the ventral tegmental area and the hippocampus.
When the ventral tegmental area does not produce enough dopamine for the hippocampus, it will not function efficiently. Since the hippocampus forms new memories, the researchers believe that this link may lead to a new diagnosis method.
Next, this team of researchers will investigate how early changes in the ventral tegmental can be seen. They will then focus on whether or not any available treatments will effectively intervene.
Dopamine and Depression — Increasing Levels Naturally
The research on dopamine and Alzheimer’s is still in its infancy, but will continue to be explored.
While on the topic of dopamine, it is important that we discuss the evolution of depression in relation to Alzheimer’s. Regardless of one’s age, a dopamine deficiency significantly increases your risk of major depression. In turn, this is believed to increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.
As stated by Marcello D’Amelio, an associate professor of human physiology and neuropyshiology at Rome’s Bio-Medical Campus University, “the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons explains a reduced interest in daily activities, as well as the mood changes associated with Alzheimer’s.”
He went on to explain that, “loss of memory and depression are two sides of the same coin.” In this study, it was concluded that the origins of Alzheimer’s are not found in the area of the brain associated with memory, but are instead linked to an area linked to mood disorders.
To naturally boost dopamine levels, it is suggested that you:
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Reduce your intake of sugar, as high blood sugar levels disrupt brain chemistry. You should also decrease your intake of caffeine.
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Increase your intake of tyrosine, consuming more bananas, beans, almonds, cherries, and apples. Supplementation may also be required.
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Increase exercise and decrease stress.
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Target a potential magnesium deficiency.
This is something that you should discuss directly with your doctor. Whether you lack focus and motivation or believe you are suffering from depression, it is important to take action. If it is your cognition that you are worried about, please check out the BrainTest® app.
It is also recommended that you refer to the following: