Can grape seed keep Alzheimer's at bay?

According to researchers, grape seed extract contains natural antioxidants called polyphenols which can delay the onset and progression of the Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The study found that the polyphenols have the ability prevent the formation of amyloid-beta peptides which are responsible for the plaques leading to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lead author of the study, Dr Giulio Maria Pasinetti, The Saunders Family Professor in Neurology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine stated, "Since naturally occurring polyphenols are also generally commercially available as nutritional supplements and have negligible adverse events even after prolonged periods of treatment, this new finding holds significant promise as a preventive method or treatment, and is being tested in translational studies in Alzheimer's disease patients.”

The study was published online in the current issue of the 'Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.'

Animal study
In order to evaluate the impact of grape-derived polyphenls against the Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers conducted an animal study.

The investigators used mice engineered to develop memory deficits and Aβ neurotoxins, similar to those that occur in Alzhiemer’s.

As a part of the research, they gave the rodents the grape seed polyphenolic extracts for a period of five months.

The trials revealed the compounds were effective in blocking the formation of the toxic plaques thought to destroy the brain cells.

Since the polyphenols worked in mice, experts are optimistic that the administration of the compound to Alzheimer’s patients may be effective in reducing symptoms and also arresting the progression of the disease.

“It will be critical to identify subjects who are at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, so that we can initiate treatments very early and possibly even in asymptomatic patients,” said Dr. Pasinetti.

About Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's is a degenerative neurological disease that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.

It involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It begins with temporary loss of memory, but with time, symptoms get worse.

People afflicted with the disease may have trouble remembering things, may not recognize family members, or have trouble speaking, reading, or writing.

Over the time they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, they need constant care.

Alzheimer usually strikes after 60 years, but the risk increases with age. There is no treatment available to stem the disease.

However, some drugs may help keep symptoms from getting worse for a limited time.