Epigenetic modulations and nutrient interactions in Alzheimer's disease: unveiling potential therapeutic pathways

Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prominent neurodegenerative disease in the world, with complex and multifaceted pathologies. Current symptomatic medications merely attenuate symptoms of the disease with substantial side effects, neither slowing down nor preventing the disease's progression. Despite the increasing number of studies drawing a prominent role of epigenetic modulations in this disease, however, little is known about the role of nutrients in affecting epigenetics in AD. 

Methods: This review synthesised current knowledge of epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, based on the findings from AD-related in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, and explores the relationship between nutrient exposure and their epigenetic effects in AD. 

Results: Evidence indicates that epigenetic mechanisms play a significant role in ageing and the development of AD. An expanding body of research suggests that nutrients can modulate epigenetic processes in AD, with potential benefits, including the regulation of amyloid-beta and tau pathology, reduction in oxidative stress, and improvement in cognitive function. However, the precise mechanisms of action (MOA) remain unclear, largely due to inconsistent and contradictory findings across the literature. Conclusion: This review highlights the influence of nutrients on epigenetic modulations in AD, underscoring the need for more comprehensive analyses of the underlying mechanisms. Future studies, involving larger and more diverse populations, are warranted to establish a clearer relationship between nutrient exposure and epigenetic changes in AD. Such insights may pave the way for developing nutrient-based epigenetic interventions as potential therapeutic strategies in AD.