A new study suggests that apple juice could help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In the study, one group of mice received daily servings of apple juice, while a control group of mice did not. They then put the mice through maze trials and observed them as they aged. Those mice which received apple juice outperformed the control group.
Many researchers believe that beta-amyloid plaque buildup causes Alzheimer’s. This happens because of “protein misfolding” in segments of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). When undamaged, APP helps the brain function normally; but misfolding can cause the development of plaques. The researchers hypothesized that apple juice helped diminish the production of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. However, the study did not definitively prove this hypothesis.
“These findings provide further evidence linking nutritional and genetic risk factors for age-related neurodegeneration,” the leader of the study said.
As the US population ages, more and more people are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are working tirelessly to find a cure or better method of treatment. In lieu of a pharmaceutical solution, some have pointed to “natural cures,” such as apple juice. But, despite this study’s interesting findings, the clinical effectiveness of apple juice remains in doubt.
Resource: http://geneticliteracyproject.org/2015/01/12/apple-juice-may-help-ward-off-alzheimers-disease/
