Brain-Protecting Properties of Melatonin

Melatonin has been shown to help fight cancer, boost immune function, and enable better sleep in some people.^1-3

This pineal hormone is secreted abundantly in youth but declines with normal aging.

Research shows that melatonin improves several aspects of memory and increases formation of new brain cells.^4-9

Patients with Alzheimer’s have lower melatonin levels than healthy individuals of the same age. Increasing melatonin levels may help protect against worsening of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.^3,10

Melatonin can be part of a nightly regimen to help protect the aging brain.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. This hormone is derived from the amino acid tryptophan.^3,11

Often called the “sleep hormone,” melatonin is central to regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle.^1,2 It has long been used to treat various sleep disorders, including jet lag and insomnia, and to improve overall quality of sleep.¹

Melatonin was first discovered in 1958. But it wasn’t until 1993 that researchers found that it is also a powerful antioxidant that quenches free radicals.^3,11

In addition, melatonin inhibits the growth of certain cancers and enhances the immune system.^1,2,12-14 This has led some researchers to conclude that melatonin may be a useful adjunct intervention against viral infections, including the flu.¹⁵

Melatonin reduces cell death and has shown neuroprotective effects.¹⁶ This has implications for circumventing memory loss and neurodegenerative disorders.

Melatonin and Memory

As we age, our ability to store and recall memories often fades.

This decline in memory begins during middle age and gradually worsens. About 40% of the elderly population experiences age-related memory issues.¹⁷

Studies in animals and humans show that melatonin improves memory.

In one study, healthy men receiving a one-time, 3 mg dose of melatonin were able, shortly thereafter, to recall more objects from a list they were asked to memorize than participants who were given a placebo.⁵

There are several ways in which melatonin works to improve memory:

• Melatonin reduces oxidative damage, which has been shown to lead to memory deficits in animals and humans.^18,19
• In cultured neurons, it improves neural plasticity,⁷ the ability of the brain to change and adapt to experience.^19,20
• Melatonin may protect against chronic mild stress. The hormones that are produced during stress (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol) negatively affect the retrieval of memories.^5,21,22
• It may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).⁴ BDNF is a protein found in our central nervous system, particularly the hippocampus (the brain’s memory center), that increases neuron formation (BDNF levels tend to be lower in patients with neurological diseases).^8,9
• Melatonin improves sleep, which is important for healthy brain function and memory retrieval.^5,10

In addition, melatonin diminishes the negative effects that certain drugs and toxins have on our memory.

For example, one side effect of the cancer chemotherapy drug fluorouracil is that it impairs memory by reducing cell growth in the hippocampus.

In a study on rats, melatonin given before, during, or after administration of fluorouracil decreased the effects of the drug on memory loss by enhancing cell division in the hippocampus.¹⁹

Similar findings have been reported when melatonin was used with other memory-impairing substances, including methamphetamine,⁴ the household insecticide propoxur,²³ and scopolamine, a drug used to reduce or prevent nausea.²⁴

Effects on Alzheimer’s Disease

Approximately 44 million people in the world have Alzheimer’s disease. That figure is expected to reach close to 135 million by 2050.¹⁰

Patients with Alzheimer’s have lower melatonin levels than healthy individuals of the same age. This has led some researchers to conclude that melatonin deficiency could play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and that melatonin may be an ideal therapeutic agent.^3,11

Melatonin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the brain against increased oxidative damage.¹¹

About 45% of Alzheimer’s patients have difficulties with sleep, and lack of sleep has been associated with an increased accumulation of beta-amyloid.¹⁰ Human studies suggest that melatonin intake not only improves sleep quality in those with Alzheimer’s but alsoslows the progression of cognitive problems.^10,25-27

Research also indicates that melatonin can improve brain plasticity and promote neuron formation in the hippocampus, which may help slow the degeneration caused by Alzheimer’s.²⁵

Promise for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by speech difficulties, tremors, decrease in dexterity, cognitive problems, and sleep disorders.¹⁴

According to the United Nations, the number of people with Parkinson’s is expected to reach two billion worldwide in 2050.³

This disease results from a defect in the production of dopamine,³ a neurotransmitter produced in the brain that plays important roles in movement, learning, memory, and mood.²⁸

Studies have shown that melatonin prevents a reduction in dopamine. It also prevents the loss of the neurons that produce dopamine.³

Melatonin provides additional protective effects in Parkinson’s due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.^29,30

When melatonin is given to patients with Parkinson’s disease, it leads to reductions in neuronal death, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Melatonin also improves cognitive performance and sleep disorders in Parkinson’s patients.¹⁴

Researchers are increasingly focused on melatonin as a safe, effective tool to help protect the brain and possibly improve clinical outcomes in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients.^31,32

Summary

Melatonin is well-known for improving sleep in some people.

Numerous studies show that it can also improve memory and may be a potential adjuvant intervention for neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

It can be part of a nightly regimen to help protect the aging brain.

Typical melatonin dosages range from 300 mcg to over 10,000 mcg (10 mg) and can be purchased over-the-counter in capsules, sublingual tablets, or liquid.

Melatonin is also available in immediate-and extended-release forms, usually at very low cost. 

Material used with permission of Life Extension. All rights reserved.