(31-08-11) Grape and grape extract compounds help protect against Alzheimer`s disease development

by John Phillip


(NaturalNews) Researchers publishing the result of a study in the Journal of Alzheimer`s Disease found that eating grapes and supplementing with grape seed extract compounds help to prevent the development and progression of Alzheimer`s dementia. This devastating form of dementia is characterized by the accumulation of beta-protein clusters in the brain known as oligomers. A wealth of prior research studies concludes that excess oligomers poison neurons in the brain and cause memory loss associated with the disease. A number of different natural compounds, including grapes and grape extracts, provide a powerful protective shield against the progressive memory loss experienced with Alzheimer`s dementia.

Researchers wanted to follow up on prior studies showing that grape seed polyphenolic extract (GSPE) stops alpha-beta oligomers from being formed in test tube experiments. Using mice that have been bred to genetically develop Alzheimer`s disease, scientists set to determine the effect of grape polyphenols on cognitive decline. For a period of five months they added GSPE to a standard diet and tested the mice for signs of memory deterioration normally found in this line of transgenic animals.

After the five month period, researchers found that the mice had dramatically lowered levels of alpha beta-56, a specific form of oligomer previously implicated in the promotion of Alzheimer`s disease memory loss. They found that supplemented grape seed extract halted the progression of cognitive decline by helping the brain to clear excess levels of the beta protein implicated with the disease. Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, lead study researcher from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, found: the results "strongly suggest that GSPE should be further tested as a potential prevention and/or therapy for AD Alzheimer`s Disease."

The result of supportive research studies demonstrating the critical importance of natural nutrients to prevent Alzheimer`s disease is published in a prior edition of the Journal of Alzheimer`s Disease. The study, focusing on `neuronutrition,` determined the impact of vitamins, minerals and nutrients from many vegetables and fruits to alter the chemistry of the brain and halt degenerative disease. In addition to a calorie restricted diet, the authors cite vitamin E, dietary polyphenols (including GSPE and resveratrol), curcumin, spices and homocysteine reduction.

Researchers conducting this exhaustive study concluded: "diets rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and wine likely suppress its (Alzheimer`s disease) onset. Evidence suggests that diets rich in polyphenols and some spices suppress the onset of AD by scavenging free radicals and preventing oxidative damage." Nutrition experts recommend adding red grapes to your natural diet or supplementing with 150 mg to 250 mg of grape seed extract daily to dramatically lower Alzheimer`s dementia risk.

[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]

Article References:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/release...
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art...
http://www.j-alz.com/issues/26/vol2...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/art...

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