Lutein and Alzheimer's Disease Study

Oxidative damage by free radicals may be involved in causing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Free radicals may lead to death of nerve cells and decline in brain function. Certain antioxidants may suppress this free radical damage associated with AD. Carotenoids are a family of naturally occurring antioxidants that have important functions for human health. Carotenoids are known to reduce oxidative damage, but their effects have not been studied in AD patients. The objective of the study is to examine whether lutein supplementation helps to reduce oxidative damage from free radicals in AD patients.