Abstract
The number of people with dementia is rapidly increasing in association with aging of populations in Japan and around the world. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that some lifestyles and lifestyle-related diseases are the risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as the whole dementia. Our prospective longitudinal study with a population-based cohort (the Nakajima study) revealed that consumption of green tea was associated with a risk reduction of future cognitive decline and that, in women with apolipoprotein E gene ε4 allele, higher blood concentrations of vitamin C were associated with a lower risk of future cognitive decline. We focused on natural phenolic compounds (polyphenols) contained in green tea and other diets and examined their anti-AD effects using in vitro and in vivo AD models. As rosmarinic acid (RA) was the best compound in our experimental studies, we had performed clinical trials with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis ) extract rich in RA; the extract was safe and well tolerated and had effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms in mild AD dementia. A clinical trial for dementia prevention with food extract rich in RA in non-demented local residents is ongoing. It is expected that the scientific basis of dementia prevention with dietary factors such as natural polyphenols and vitamins will be established.
https://ror.org/051k3eh31 
