Overactive Immune Cells in the Brain Can Cause Damage

When the brain is injured by trauma, exposed to toxins, or attacked by pathogens (such as viruses) an immune system response is triggered. In the brain, this involves cells called astrocytes and microglia. But chronic activation of the brain's immune system makes these cells dysfunctional. ^{(iii.27, 33, 52)}

Chronic Inflammation and Chemical Imbalances in the Brain

Too many chronically activated immune cells in the brain lead to an excitotoxic state. Excitotoxicity leads to chemical imbalances in the brain, which in turn causes a destructive cycle of chronic inflammation that: ^{(iii.27, 33, 53-54)}

Figure III.1: Chronic Inflammation in the Brain

• Triggers more inflammation by making inflammatory proteins.
• Activates more astrocytes and microglia.
• Lowers levels of essential brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin).
• Depletes natural antioxidant levels.
• Reduces cell energy and generates free radicals by damaging cell mitochondria, which decreases cell energy.

Damaged brain cells can lead to degenerative conditions (such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's diseases) and even psychiatric problems. ^{(iii.27, 33, 52)}

How Can Alpha Lipoic Acid Help?

Alpha lipoic acid can help fight the effects of chronic inflammation in the brain by: ^{(iii.2-3, 31, 45)}

• Fighting free radicals.
• Increasing natural antioxidant levels.
• Protecting mitochondrial function.