Compound in extra-virgin olive oil help prevent, treat Alzheimer's

Compound in extra-virgin olive oil help prevent, treat Alzheimer's

Here's a little something that will make those of us who are long-in-the-tooth perk up.

Quote:

PHILADELPHIA (September 29, 2009) -- Oleocanthal, a naturally-occurring compound found in extra-virgin olive oil, alters the structure of neurotoxic proteins believed to contribute to the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. This structural change impedes the proteins' ability to damage brain nerve cells.

Known as ADDLs, these highly toxic proteins bind within the neural synapses of the brains of Alzheimer's patients and are believed to directly disrupt nerve cell function, eventually leading to memory loss, cell death, and global disruption of brain function.

"Binding of ADDLs to nerve cell synapses is thought to be a crucial first step in the initiation of Alzheimer's disease. Oleocanthal alters ADDL structure in a way that deters their binding to synapses," said William L. Klein, PhD, who co-led the research with Breslin. "

More here ==> http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-omh092909.php