Role of the omentum in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Beneficial post-operative changes in Alzheimer patients have been observed following omentum transposition to the brain. It is believed that these changes are to a certain degree due to the omentum's ability to increase cerebral blood flow (CBF). Since the omentum is known to increase CBF and to have angiogenic, neurotransmitters and nerve growth substances in its tissues, it is theorized that these biological factors favorably affect still viable but deteriorating ischemic-sensitive neurons located within the Alzheimer brain. Being able to 'rescue' these neurons by increasing CBF and adding neurotrophic factors from the omentum are mechanisms which are believed to increase neuronal energy (ATP production) which leads to cognitive improvement.