Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol, high homocysteine, hypertension
and inflammation, increase the risk of dementia, including its most common form, Alzheimer’s disease (AD). High
cholesterol is also associated with elevated b-amyloid (Abeta), the hallmark of AD. Oxidative damage is a major
factor in cardiovascular disease and dementia, diseases whose risk increases with age. Garlic, extracted and aged to
form antioxidant-rich aged garlic extract (AGE or Kyolic), may help reduce the risk of these diseases. AGE scavenges
oxidants, increases superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione levels, and inhibits lipid
peroxidation and inflammatory prostaglandins. AGE reduces cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-
methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and is additive with statins in its action. Inhibition of cholesterol, LDL oxidation, and
platelet aggregation by AGE, inhibits arterial plaque formation; AGE decreases homocysteine, lowers blood
pressure, and increases microcirculation, which is important in diabetes, where microvascular changes increase
heart disease and dementia risks. AGE also may help prevent cognitive decline by protecting neurons from Abeta
neurotoxicity and apoptosis, thereby preventing ischemia- or reperfusion-related neuronal death and improving
learning and memory retention. Although additional observations are warranted in humans, compelling evidence
supports the beneficial health effects attributed to AGE in helping prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases and lowering the risk of dementia and AD