Astaxanthin and improvement of dementia: A systematic review of current clinical trials

Abstract

Worldwide, the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases especially dementia is steadily increasing due to the aging population. Abundant research emerges on the probability of combating or preventing the degeneration process, with the most established one being to tackle the existence of oxidative stress and free radicals production due to their nature of aggravating dementia. Astaxanthin, a marine carotenoid, was proven to be a protective agent of cerebral ischemia through many animal model clinical trials. This review summarizes the evidence of Astaxanthin's benefits for cognitive function across clinical trials done in older age. The results are of interest as its supplementation does not exhibit unwanted issues on the consumer based on physical and laboratory examinations. Despite not being supported statistically, however, subjective and objective cognitive amelioration were reported according to the majority of this review's trial subjects. Although there is no clear and direct mechanism for cognitive improvement by Astaxanthin activity in the body systems, the encouragement of Astaxanthin supplementation should be considered as the elderly with dementia may highly benefit from the improved cognitive function.

Keywords: Astaxanthin; Cognitive impairment; Dementia; Geriatric.

Fig. 1

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram depicting the systematic study selection process.

Fig. 2

Critical Appraisal with ROB-2 Tool for Randomized Controlled Trial Studies.

Fig. 3

Neurodegeneration pathway.