Anti-Aging Glossary
ACE Inhibitors
Drugs that inhibit ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme). An enzyme needed for the production of the peptide angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict and therefore raises the blood pressure. ACE inhibitors lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II. This relaxes the arteries and thus lowers blood pressure. ... Continue Reading
Acetylcholine (ACh)
A neurotransmitter which plays an important role in memory. It is used for control of sensory input signals and muscular control. ACh is a stimulatory neurotransmitter. When released by muscle nerves, it makes those muscles contract. It is made from the precursor nutrient choline and there is some evidence that increased dietary choline can increase production and use of acetylcholine. ... Continue Reading
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A disease that progressively destroys the central portion of the retina, which is called the macula. AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people aged 50 and over in the Western World. As many as 30-million people throughout the world are thought to suffer from the condition. There are two types of AMD - the wet type and the milder and more common dry type. ... Continue Reading
Agonist
An agent that stimulates or increases the secretion from a gland. ... Continue Reading
Alzheimers Disease
Also called SDAT (senile dementia Alzheimer's type). This disease is characterized by a general loss of intellectual ability and impairment of memory, judgment and abstract thinking, as well as changes in personality. Other symptoms include loss of speech, disorientation and apathy. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, rarely occurring before the age of 50. ... Continue Reading
Amino Acid
An organic acid containing an amine (ammonia-like) chemical group. Amino acids are put together by your body in highly specific ways to manufacture proteins. ... Continue Reading
Amyloid Plaque
A build up of beta-amyloid protein. Amyloid plaques are one of the characteristic structural abnormalities found in the brains of Alzheimer patients. Upon autopsy, the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles is used to positively diagnose Alzheimer's disease. ... Continue Reading
Antagonist
A medicine which opposes the action of another medicine or of a poison when absorbed into the blood or tissues. ... Continue Reading
Anti-oxidant
A nutrient or chemical that reacts with and neutralizes oxidants, free radicals or chemicals that release free radicals. Antioxidants are also called free radical scavengers. Vitamins A, C, E and some of the B vitamins, beta-carotene, selenium and some key enzymes in your body are all antioxidants. ... Continue Reading
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