A new study in mice found that apple juice may help prevent Alzheimer's Disease via an increase in important neurotransmiters in the brain. Alzheimer's Disease is marked by progressive mental decline in the elderly. The exact cause is not fully understood, but research has shown that declining levels of neurotransmitters in the brain play an important role.
Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Levels of this neurotransmitter naturally decline with age, but in AD patients the decline can be rapid and severe. The degree of disability often is directly related to the levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
In this study conducted at the University of Mass Lowell, researchers studied both normal and genetically modified mice. The genetically modified mice were created as models for Alzheimer's disease and have been very benifical for research. The mice were given a variety of diets, nutrient rich or poor, as well as some were supplemented with apple juice concentrate. Levels of acetylcholine were measured pre and post-diet in the different populations and compared.
Acetylcholine levels were different depending on age, nutrient intake, and supplementation. Both normal and genetically modified mice had similar acetylcholine levels when given a normal diet, but the genetically modified mice on the nutrient poor diet had lower levels. Older mice also showed decreased levels of the important neurotransmitter.
But if apple concentrate was given to any group, the decrease in acetylcholine was corrected and levels were consistent with normal mice on a nutrient rich diet. Mice on the apple juice were also more adept at finishing maze memory tests.
The amount of apple juice given to the mice was equivalent to 2 medium apples a day or 16 ounces of apple juice. The study was funded by the apple companies, so it will be interesting to see if the results can be reproduced in the human studies that are currently being planned.
If in fact it is true, that apple juice can protect against Alzheimer's disease, then an apple a day will do more than just keep the doctor away. The assumption is that the high levels of antioxidants in apples and apple juice provide the benefit, based on previous studies. Early studies also say that food is the best choice for antioxidants over supplements when it comes to AD.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on August 28, 2006 12:24 PM
