Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Grapes could be used for Alzheimer's Treatment

Alzheimer's disease is among the most prevalent type of dementia which affects about 465,000 people in Britain. A recent study found that eating grapes may help to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease. Dr Giulio Maria Pasinetti is the lead researcher of the study. The study was carried out on mice by New York researchers and it was published in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

As per researchers grapes contain polyphenols, antioxidants that occur naturally. These polyphenols prevent the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein in cells. Amyloid-beta protein blocks the formation of plaques that alters the normal brain function and causes Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers performed an animal study to find the effect of grape-derived polyphenols against the Alzheimer’s disease.

They used mice that are genetically determined to have memory deficits and beta-amyloid (Aβ) neurotoxins. They gave grape seed extracts to mice for months. They found that after treatment, the beta-amyloid neurotoxins level in mice were decreased significantly as grape seed extracts block the formation of the toxic plaques.

Polyphenols worked in mice so experts are hopeful that polyphenols may reduce the symptoms and progression of the disease. This is the 1st study which finds out the impact of grape polyphenols against the Alzheimer’s disease. As per the lead researcher of the study, polyphenols are available commercially as nutritional supplements which have minor adverse effects even though taken for prolonged periods.

This new study supports earlier studies which suggested that consumption of grape-derived polyphenols protect against cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. In red wine grape-derived polyphenols are contained in high amount. To notice if the effect holds, this study yet require to be translated into humans. As per researchers, it will be important to recognize people who have high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease so that treatments can be started very early as grapes Alzheimer's Treatment works excellent in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

Nutritional value of grapes is very high. Grapes are great source of Vitamins such as vitamin C, thiamin, folate, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin E and pantothenic acid. Vitamin C is contained in highest amount. They also contain many minerals like copper, manganese, iron, magnesium, sodium, selenium and zinc but potassium, phosphorous and calcium are the main minerals. Grapes are rich in carbohydrates and sugar. They also contain fiber, protein, saturated fat, mono-unsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Video of Grape Seed May Benefit Alzheimer's Patients from youtube:

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