Plasmalogens
Membrane phospholipids that act as the brain's last-line antioxidant; levels are very low in Alzheimer's.
Summary
Debbie describes ethanolamine plasmalogens as phospholipids making up about 20% of brain cell membranes, rich in DHA, that keep membranes flexible and neutralize oxidized lipids and ROS once other antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed, being degraded in the process. Her posts cite studies showing much lower plasmalogen levels in Alzheimer's brains and serum that track dementia severity, lower levels with APOE4 and higher with APOE2, and Japanese clinical trials in which supplemental plasmalogens improved memory, especially in mild AD. She notes supplements are expensive and suggests dietary seafood, avoiding high-heat cooking, and a modified Mediterranean keto diet as ways to raise levels.
Sees them as a crucial piece of the puzzle, but says cost makes supplements a harder decision for prevention a decade or two out than for someone facing Alzheimer's care.From Plasmalogens and Alzheimer's Prevention
The evidence
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Human trial
Clinical trials in Japan found supplemental plasmalogens improved memory in people with Alzheimer's, with more benefit in mild AD and younger patients.
Read the study Discussed in Plasmalogens and Alzheimer's Prevention -
Human trial
In healthy young adults, a placebo-controlled trial found four weeks of plasmalogen supplements boosted mood and enhanced concentration.
Read the study Discussed in Plasmalogens and Alzheimer's Prevention -
Human trial
A 2023 preprint crossover study in 20 older adults with early signs of cognitive impairment found a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet improved ethanolamine and choline plasmalogen levels compared with a low-fat AHA diet.
Read the study Discussed in Plasmalogens and Alzheimer's Prevention -
Human obs.
Ethanolamine plasmalogen is decreased in Alzheimer's brains (one study found under 75% of age-matched levels), and brain and serum levels track dementia severity.
Read the study Discussed in Plasmalogens and Alzheimer's Prevention -
Human obs.
People with APOE E4 alleles had lower plasmalogen levels, while those with APOE E2 had higher levels.
Read the study Discussed in Plasmalogens and Alzheimer's Prevention -
Animal
A couple of animal studies show myo-inositol increases brain ethanolamine plasmalogen levels, with cell studies pointing the same way.
Read the study Discussed in Alzheimer's Prevention Strategies
Cautions
- Supplements are expensive (estimated at hundreds of dollars a month; $3–$6 per serving, with study participants using multiple servings daily); check serving sizes and actual plasmalogen content, and do your own research on brands (she has not used Prodrome products).