Dr. Magda Tsolaki Conference 2025 - Pub Scholars

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Abstract Title: - Natural products for management of symptoms of dementia in different stages

Keynote Speaker - Dr. Magda Tsolaki - Oral Presentation (Virtual)

Emeritus Professor of Neurology, Aristotle Univesrsity of Thessaloniki, Makedonia, Greece, Chair of the Greek Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract:

Dementia is a growing global health concern, currently affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. Despite ongoing research, current pharmacological treatments are largely ineffective in halting or reversing the progression of dementia and may lead to adverse side effects. In recent years, secondary prevention efforts have focused on pre-dementia stages of the disease, such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Natural products have been increasingly suggested as preventive options for dementia, with promising results. Several key randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have investigated the role of natural products in managing MCI and their potential in dementia prevention.

In this presentation, we will showcase findings from three of our studies on Crocus sativus, Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EHEVOO), and pomegranate seed oil for the management of MCI. We will also present data on olive leaf extract for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and 3% Cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) across different forms of dementia.

● The Crocus sativus study demonstrated improvements in cognition (measured by MMSE and MOCA), activities of daily living (FRSSD), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPI). MRI scans showed an increase in the volume of the temporal and frontal lobes, while electrophysiological markers N200 and P300 also improved.

● The EHEVOO study showed significant cognitive benefits (MMSE, ADAS-Cog, Digit Symbol), reduced over-excitation of information flow as assessed by the dominant coupling mode model in EEG studies, improved coagulation mechanisms (PAI-1, α2-antiplasmin, tPA), and reduced oxidative stress (MDA). Additionally, it acted as a neuroprotective agent by increasing BMI1 and reducing p53 expression, reducing neuroinflammation (IL-6, TNF-α), and lowering levels of PARP-1 and 8-OHdG, biomarkers of DNA damage. Plasma tau and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), key biomarkers of AD, were also reduced.

● The pomegranate seed oil study showed significant improvements in global cognition (p = 0.004), verbal episodic memory (p = 0.009), and processing and executive function (p < 0.001) compared to the control group.

The Greek Olive Leaf Extract (GOLDEN study) also showed cognitive and functional improvements in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease across several scales (MMSE, FRSSD, FUCAS, ADAS-Cog, CDR, GDS, and NPI), with statistically significant improvements observed in the MMSE score.

Finally, CBD 3% was used in two separate studies for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms. One study observed effects after 15 days, and the second after 6 months. Both demonstrated significant improvements.

In conclusion, we believe that the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases may lie in nature. Continued exploration and combinations of natural products could provide effective and safer alternatives for managing conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

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3rd Edition on International Neurology Conference 2025 in Thailand