What Is Fisetin - And Can It Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

When it comes to Alzheimer's, nothing is more important than prevention. Since there is still no cure for this progressive brain disease, preventative measures are essential. They are the best way to keep symptoms at bay and to slow down further development of the disease. Over the years, research studies have found links between certain lifestyle choices and Alzheimer's prevention. The latest discovery is Fisetin.
Scientist Pamela Maher has been studying the affects that Fisetin has on brain health for over a decade. In a research study fronted by Maher, the link between this flavonol and Alzheimer's disease was explored further. The study was conducted by the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and published in the scientific journal, Aging Cell. It found that Fisetin, a flavonol found in certain fruits and vegetables, may be able to protect the brain against serious issues like memory loss, dementia, and yes, even Alzheimer's disease.
During the study, researchers from the Salk Institute gave water to mice that would eventually develop Alzheimer's. Some mice were given water with Fisetin while others were given regular water. They compared the cognitive skills between the mice that had received the flavonol to the ones that had not. Those results were also compared to healthy mice. Through this process, it was discovered that the mice that had ingested Fisetin in their diets had cognitive skills similar to the healthy mice. A year later, follow up tests showed that the mice that had the Fisetin showed no signs of mental decline.
During the study, it was found that the Fisetin mice had less inflammation in the brain. In addition, the flavonol actually affected the protein p35, which is connected to "inflammatory pathways." The study showed that Fisetin was able to both maintain and improve memory in mice...which indicates the same may be true in humans as well. Despite these promising results, it is important to note that this study has not yet been conducted on humans. However, adding Fisetin to the diet is certainly something to consider.
So, what exactly is Fisetin? It is a flavonoid compound that is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. While strawberries are the best source, you can also find small doses in blueberries, mangoes, cucumbers (with the skin still on), apples, grapes, onions, tomatoes, and kiwis. Unfortunately, the amount of Fisetin found in these foods is rather low - making it challenging to get a full dose from your diet alone. Thankfully, researchers are currently exploring a Fisetin supplement. It is simply a matter of time before it hits the shelves.
Maher has called Fisetin a "groundbreaking" way to prevent both Alzheimer's and age-related memory issues. However, whether or not Fisetin can prevent Alzheimer's disease in humans remains to be seen. There are certainly strong indicators that this may be the case. Further research will need to be done to find out for sure. Until then, it is important to focus on other preventative measures...as well as boosting the amount of Fisetin-rich foods in your diet.
Dr. David Tal manages Age Matters Clinic. He has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He strongly believes that medical treatment can improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients.