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