Could a compound found in green tea (when combined with exercise) slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?
We have heard for years the benefits of green tea, so it is not surprising that this could lead to a clinical breakthrough.Mental Health Update | The continued search for solutions to dealing with Alzheimer’s is (right now) the ever changing aspect of researching and trying new things to improve the lives for those that suffer, we say ‘Keep Doing the Work that Matters'.
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Alzheimer's disease (AD) may affect as many as 5.5 million Americans. Scientists currently are seeking treatments and therapies found in common foods that will help stave off the disease or prevent it completely.
Here, an article (first published in News Medical) on what one such study relating to a compound in green tea that could slow down or even stop this devastating disease:
Todd Schachtman, PhD, of the University of Missouri, and colleagues examined the impact of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea extract, on memory function and beta-amyloid levels.
Mice were first placed in the center of a maze with the aim of them finding the right hole or “goal box.” In a second test, the mice were given materials to create nests. A day later, their nests were scored based on their shape and amount of material used. Mice with poorly formed nests were determined to have Alzheimer’s symptoms.
In the next part of the study, EGCG was added to the mice’s drinking water and they were then given access to exercise wheels. The mice were then re-administered the maze and nesting tests. Alzheimer’s-affected mice given EGCG and allowed to exercise saw improvement in cognitive function, the researchers reported in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition, a decline in beta-amyloid levels was seen.
Getting Alzheimers Help | Inflammation has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and recent studies have also suggested that adding antioxidants to the diet can also reduce the risk of developing the disease, according to the researchers.
- The goal is to improve the human condition, the closer we get to treating those in need with proven compounds the better, for now we support and keep optimistic.
