A recent study has shed light on inflammatory mechanisms that may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, an incurable neurodegenerative condition.

Research by Dr. William A. Banks, professor of geriatrics and pharmacological and physiological science at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, suggests inflammation causes a blood-brain barrier transporter known as LRP to malfunction.

The blood-brain barrier is a system of cells that regulates the exchange of substances between the brain and the blood, and LRP removes amyloid beta protein—the same compound that is found to accumulate in the brains of those affected by Alzheimer’s—from the brain and into the bloodstream.

“We induced inflammation in mice and found that it turned off the LRP pump,” explains Banks.

“It also revved up an entrance pump that transports amyloid beta into the brain. Both of these actions would increase the amount of amyloid beta protein in the brain,” he adds.

Natural compounds including antioxidants and vitamin D have been proven to reduce inflammation as well as contribute to weight loss and control, heart health and cancer prevention.

For those who may not get enough antioxidants from their diet, nutritional health supplements may be a good alternative.