Coenzyme Q10 and Dementia: A Systematic Review

It is well known that coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) has important antioxidant properties. Because one of the main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases is oxidative stress, analysis of the concentrations of CoQ(10) in different tissues of AD patients and with other dementia syndromes and the possible therapeutic role of CoQ(10) in AD have been addressed in several studies. We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis of these studies measuring tissue CoQ(10) levels in patients with dementia and controls which showed that, compared with controls, AD patients had similar serum/plasma CoQ(10) levels. We also revised the possible therapeutic effects of CoQ(10) in experimental models of AD and other dementias (which showed important neuroprotective effects of coenzyme Q(10)) and in humans with AD, other dementias, and mild cognitive impairment (with inconclusive results). The potential role of CoQ(10) treatment in AD and in improving memory in aged rodents shown in experimental models deserves future studies in patients with AD, other causes of dementia, and mild cognitive impairment.

Automated summary

Coenzyme Q(10) has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. While AD patients have similar levels of CoQ(10) in their blood compared to controls, experimental models suggest that CoQ(10) may have neuroprotective effects. Further research is needed to determine the therapeutic role of CoQ(10) in AD and cognitive decline.