In the Alzheimer's Alternative I talk about numerous simple steps and strategies that you can take to ward of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. These range from mental and physical exercise, small but effective dietary changes and other alterations in lifestyle.
But this has got to be one or the more simplistic....
A study published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has shown how mice receiving the human equivalent of 2 glasses of apple juice per day for 1 month produced less of the protein fragment beta-amyloid than those mice that didn't receive the apple juice. It is this protein that is responsible for forming the plaques that are commonly found in brains of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Thomas B. Shea, PhD, of the Centre for Cellular Neurobiology; Neurodegeneration Research University of Massachusetts, Lowell and his research team have carried out a number of laboratory studies demonstrating that drinking apple juice helped mice perform better than normal in maze trials, and prevented the decline in performance that was otherwise observed as these mice aged.
Dr. Shea commented that “These findings provide further evidence linking nutritional and genetic risk factors for age-related neurodegeneration and suggest that regular consumption of apple juice can not only help to keep one’s mind functioning at its best, but may also be able to delay key aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Some may argue that there is a difference "of mice and men" but coupled with other studies that show promising results with quercetin and the other flavonoids in apple juice (especially cloudy apple juice) I belief that this again proves the effect of diet on dementia prevention. I would recommend two glasses of cloudy apple juice a day (as long as it’s not cider!) for best overall results.
For those who really want to make dramatic strides in safeguarding their mental faculties watch out for my future articles where I will go into greater depth on the above whilst also giving you new ideas to think about. You can also learn much more about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in my new book, The Alzheimer’s Alternative available from www.alzheimersalternative.com.
Reference:
“Dietary Supplementation with Apple Juice Decreases Endogenous Amyloid-? Levels in Murine Brain” Chan, A. and Shea, T.B. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2009. vol.16:1 Pages 167-171.
Dr. Steffan H. Abel D.C. has been involved in Chiropractic and healthcare research for over 20 years. He has run his own successful practice in the north of England for the last 19 years. During which time he has treated over 10,000 patients and given over 100,000 treatments. He has lectured and taught extensively in both Europe and America to students, chiropractors and medical doctors.
He has studied Hypnotherapy, N.L.P. and qualified as a Life Coach. He has also studied various Chiropractic-based treatments (gaining a M.Sc. in post graduate Clinical Chiropractic in 2003) as well as energy therapies such as Seichem and Reiki. In 2001 he became a Fellow of the College of Chiropractors and a Fellow of the Association of Osteomyology and in 2007 became a Fellow of the European Academy of Chiropractic.
In his spare time he spends between 15 and 25 hours per week researching all areas of “alternative” and allopathic healthcare in order to bring the best advice to his patients through his practice and writing. When not working he is to be found enjoying life with Sue, his partner, – whom he loves tremendously!
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