Oxidative stress in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease: a continuum.

Although several studies show the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there are few evidences on the role of free radicals in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Our results showing a marked decrease of the main components of the antioxidant defense system of the organism support the hypothesis that in MCI there is a condition of oxidative stress. This work also gives an overview on the existing evidence of the early occurrence of oxidative processes in the development of dementing disorders of the Alzheimer type. Since MCI represents a condition of increased risk for AD, use of antioxidants in MCI could be of importance for prevention.