An antioxidant contained in grape seeds may help prevent Alzheimer’s or delay the progression of the degenerative disease, say experts.
Grape seed polyphenols, a natural antioxidant, prevent the production of a substance in the brain known to cause neurotoxicity, which alters the normal activity of the nervous system, associated with Alzheimer’s.
In Alzheimer’s disease, brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.
Researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the University of Minnesota administered polyphenolic extracts in mice as part of their study published online in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Friday, Xinhua reported.
Previous studies had suggested that increased consumption of grape—derived polyphenols, contained in red wine, may protect against cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s. This new finding corroborates those theories.
“This new finding holds significant promise as a preventive method or treatment, and is being tested in translational studies in Alzheimer’s patients,” said lead researcher Giulio Pasinetti.
Published - July 16, 2011 04:50 pm IST
