Caffeine May Delay & Treat Alzheimer’s Symptoms
According to an article published by the World Tea News, results from two studies were published this week noting that “caffeine caused notable improvement in the memory of mice bred with Alzheimer’s disease.” An initial study was performed back in 2005 at the University of Southern Florida’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, which established that when mice “bred to develop Alzheimer’s” were given doses of caffeine at an early age, the symptoms of the disease were delayed.
Although new findings “provide evidence that caffeine could be a viable ‘treatment’ for established Alzheimer’s disease, and not simply a protective strategy,” lead author Gary Arendash, PhD, a neuroscientist with the ADRC, said in a statement. “That’s important because caffeine is a safe drug for most people, it easily enters the brain, and it appears to directly affect the disease process.”
Arendash and the rest of the team studied a group of 55 mice which were genetically altered to begin exhibiting memory problems similar to Alzheimer’s disease as they aged. After the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms, half of the mice received plain drinking water; the other half received water with 500 milligrams of caffeine per day.
After two months, the team tested the mice’s memory and found that those who had received caffeine performed much better on the tests. Other tests also indicated that the caffeinated mice might have experienced a reduction in the levels of some hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Yet another reason to enjoy a caffeinated cup of tea more often! Want to strengthen your brain to the max? Then start every morning with a cup of green or black tea and a crossword puzzle. Flex those brain muscles while you possibly prevent and even treat potential Alzheimer symptoms.