The effect of nutrition on neurodegenerative diseases

• Author(s): Lima, M. J. ; Guiné, Raquel P. F.
• Date: 2021
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.19/6779
• Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Viseu
• Subject(s): Neurodegenerative disease; nutrition
• Document Type: Book part
• Language: English
• Contributor(s): Instituto Politécnico de Viseu

Description

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) are characterized by the progressive dysfunction and degeneration of neurons in the brain and peripheral nervous system, caused by a diversity of factors. State of the art on risk factors to develop neurodegenerative diseases (age, genetics and heredity, lifestyle, and exposition to certain substances or oxidative stress) is extensive. This chapter highlights the role of nutrition and dietary habits in neurodegenerative diseases and their beneficial role in preventing/delaying neurodegenerative disorders, which has gained tremendous prominence in recent years. Aging is the most significant risk factor for many of the known neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, it becomes crucial to define interventions that extend lifespan and protect against these damaging disorders. There is compelling evidence that exercise and oxidative stress can lead to the onset of several human problems, so a diet rich in antioxidants may help postpone or guide the progressive processes associated with these diseases. This chapter addresses the role of specific diets (Mediterranean, energy restriction, among others) and food components on delaying complications resulting from NDDs.