Grape Seed Extract (GSE) May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

"Study Shows Grape Seed Extract (GSE) May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
Thursday, October 30, 2008 by: David Gutierrez
http://www.naturalnews.com/024653.html

(NaturalNews) Supplementation grape seed extract can prevent the buildup of
brain plaques that are associated with cell death and the development of
Alzheimer's disease, according to a study conducted by researchers from the
Alzheimer's Association, Constellation Brands' polyphenolics division, the
Department of Veteran Affairs, the Japan Human Science Foundation, Mount
Sinai Hospital, the National Institutes of Health, National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the University of California-Los
Angeles, and published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Researchers orally administered a new grape seed extract (MegaNatural-AZ,
Polyphenolics) to rats that are genetically predisposed to develop
beta-amyloid plaques in their brains. These plaques are known to increase
the risk of cell damage and death, leading to cognitive decline and a
greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Rats that had been given the grape seed extract underwent significantly less
cognitive decline and had less in the way of beta-amyloid deposits.

"Our study suggests that grape seed-derived polyphenolics may be useful
agents to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease," the researchers wrote.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than
13 million people across the world.

Lead researcher Giulio Pansinetti of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine
speculated that grape seed extract might even stem cognitive decline in
those who have not developed Alzheimer's disease.

The recent study is part of a growing trend to research the connection
between diet and brain health. The largest food company in the world,
Nestle, recently signed an agreement to jointly research the effects of
nutrition on cognitive function with the Swiss Federal Institute of
Technology. Nestle has pledged to contribute as much as CHF 5 million ($4.8
million) a year for the next five years to the research institute. After
four years, the company will review the project with the option of extending
the agreement.

Sources for this story include: www.foodnavigator-usa.com."