Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger, also known as a neurotransmitter, that is essential for brain and muscle function. Acetylcholine imbalances have been connected to chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
The first neurotransmitter found was acetylcholine.
Some neurological diseases are caused by acetylcholine imbalances. Acetylcholine levels are low in people with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
There is no known method for maintaining optimal acetylcholine levels and preventing neurological disorders. Researchers, on the other hand, are working on new medicines to assist patients with chronic health issues live longer, better lives.
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND ACETYLCHOLINE
According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer's disease is the most frequent cause of dementia among older persons.
Its symptoms include significant memory loss and thinking issues that impair with daily living. Alzheimer's disease has no known cure.
Alzheimer's illness is unknown to experts. They do know, however, that many persons with the illness have low acetylcholine levels. Alzheimer's disease causes harm to acetylcholine-producing and -using cells.
Certain drugs can raise acetylcholine levels. They accomplish this by inhibiting the action of enzymes that degrade the neurotransmitter.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the major enzyme in this category, and medications that make these enzymes less active are known as AChE inhibitors or cholinesterase inhibitors.
AChE inhibitors can aid with cognitive symptoms such as language, judgment, and memory.
AChE inhibitors include the following:
- Donepezil (Aricept)
- Galantamine (Razadyne)
- Rivastigmine (Exelon)
AChE inhibitors may also aid in the treatment of various medical disorders. According to certain studies, some cancers appear to have an abnormally high quantity of AChE. Scientists may discover that AChE inhibitors can aid in the treatment of some forms of cancer.
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AND ACETYLCHOLINE
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder that causes muscular weakness, particularly after physical activity.
Myasthenia gravis is characterized by the immune system's blocking or destruction of acetylcholine receptors. The muscles cannot operate correctly because they can not get the neurotransmitter. Muscles, in particular, cannot contract in the absence of acetylcholine.
Myasthenia gravis symptoms can range from moderate to severe. They might include:
- Arm, leg, hand, finger, and neck weakness
- Difficulties swallowing
- Breathing difficulty
- One or both eyelids dropping
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Speaking difficulties
Many persons with myasthenia gravis are able to lead normal lives. Symptoms can be managed with a number of therapies.
AChE inhibitors, which are used to treat Alzheimer's disease, may also help alleviate symptoms of myasthenia gravis. These medications boost neuromuscular connectivity and muscle strength by slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND ACETYLCHOLINE
An imbalance in acetylcholine levels may also have an influence on patients with Parkinson's disease.
To manage movements properly, the body requires a balance of acetylcholine and dopamine, another chemical messenger.
Parkinson's disease is a neurological ailment that involves uncontrollable movements, tremors, and cognitive and emotional problems.
Parkinson's disease's specific causes are unclear. Experts have discovered, however, that persons with the illness frequently have a drop in dopamine, allowing acetylcholine to take over. When this happens, muscles become too "stimulated," resulting in symptoms such as jerking motions and tremors.
As a result, several Parkinson's disease treatments inhibit cholinergic function. This allows dopamine levels to normalize, which may alleviate certain symptoms.
These drugs are known as anticholinergics. They can also assist with dyskinesias, which are exaggerated movements caused by other Parkinson's drugs.
Anticholinergics are not appropriate for everyone. Confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, and blurred vision are all possible side effects.
Many nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as memory issues, are also thought to be linked to low acetylcholine levels, according to experts.
PESTICIDES, TOXINS, AND ACETYLCHOLINE
Exposure to organophosphate (OP) insecticides or specific nerve agents used in warfare can generate extremely high levels of acetylcholine in the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these substances cause an increase in acetylcholine in the neurological system, resulting in symptoms such as:
Wheezing
Sweating
Twitching of the muscles
Convulsions
Paralysis
Weakness
Headaches
Fainting
Vomiting and diarrhea
Mental shifts
Respiratory failure
These substances can enter the body through the skin, the lungs, or the gastrointestinal tract. Every year, around 8,000 persons in the United States are exposed to OPs.
Contact with pesticides on crops such as apples, grapes, spinach, cucumbers, and potatoes is most likely, as is contact with domestic items such as ant and roach killers.
CAN ACETYCHOLINE LEVELS BE INCREASED?
There is no scientifically documented method for increasing acetylcholine levels. However, some research shows that ingesting choline, a vitamin, may be beneficial.
Choline is required by the body for normal brain and nervous system function. It is also required for muscular control and the formation of healthy membranes around the cells of the body.
Choline is also a component of acetylcholine. People must consume enough choline in order to manufacture optimal quantities of acetylcholine.
Animal studies have indicated that a high choline intake during pregnancy and early development enhances cognitive performance and helps avoid age-related memory deterioration.
The Office of Dietary Supplements confirms that animal studies have showed that greater choline intakes may contribute to improved cognitive performance. Other research, however, have shown it to be ineffective.
Choline may be found in a variety of foods, including:
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Beans
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Vegetable cruciferous
- Whole grains
- Dairy products
The majority of individuals do not consume enough choline. Women should consume 425 milligrams (mg) of choline per day, while males should get 550 mg.
Choline supplements can be taken, but large amounts might induce vomiting, a fishy body odor, and liver damage.
ACETYLCHOLINE AND BOTOX
Botulinum toxin, more commonly known as Botox, is used to treat a range of muscle-related diseases. Botox injections can also be used to treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating, and some bladder and bowel problems.
Furthermore, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox is the most common nonsurgical cosmetic therapy in the United States.
Botox acts largely by interfering with acetylcholine in the targeted muscle. Because Botox keeps muscles from contracting, injecting it into certain facial muscles, for example, can result in a temporary decrease in wrinkles. The skin on top of the muscle seems smoother as a result.
CONCLUSION
Acetylcholine is a vital and plentiful neurotransmitter in the body. When there is too much or too little, a person may develop neurological issues such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
A healthy diet can help a person acquire enough choline, which the body needs to make acetylcholine. Because choline supplements might have significant negative effects, consult a doctor before using them.