Effects of Molecular Hydrogen Assessed by an Animal Model and a Randomized Clinical Study on Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Abstract

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. In a transgenic mouse model overexpressing a dominant-negative form of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, daily consumption of hydrogen-rich water reduced oxidative stress markers, attenuated memory decline and neurodegeneration, and extended mean lifespan compared with controls. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial enrolled 73 MCI subjects who consumed approximately 300 mL of hydrogen-rich water or placebo water daily for one year. Overall ADAS-cog scores did not differ significantly between groups; however, among apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) carriers assigned to the hydrogen-rich water group, both total ADAS-cog scores and word recall sub-scores improved significantly. These findings suggest that hydrogen-rich water may help suppress cognitive deterioration, particularly in individuals carrying the APOE4 genotype.

Mechanism

Hydrogen-rich water consumption reduced oxidative stress markers in a transgenic dementia mouse model, suppressing neurodegeneration and memory decline. In human APOE4 carriers with MCI, hydrogen-rich water was associated with significant improvement in cognitive scores, suggesting a genotype-dependent antioxidant mechanism.