Abstract
Alzheimers disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of amyloid Beta in senile plaques and formation of neurofibrillary tangles followed by neuronal damage. The primary cause of AD is still unclear.
However, there are factors that contribute to its pathogenesis. It has been found that the brain lipid composition, mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), affects the pathological process in the brain.
For example, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has protective effect against AD. Reduced amount of DHA as a result of oxidative stress has been documented in AD patients.
The changes in the composition of brain PUFA are reflected in erythrocytes due to the exchange of fatty acids between brain and blood, which can be used for diagnostic purposes.