Researchers are quietly making amazing discoveries about the nature of Alzheimer's disease that may soon redefine the way we view?and treat?this dreaded condition. Alzheimer?s disease is characterized by two key abnormalities: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid plaques are clumps of a protein known as beta-amyloid. These plaques are found in the tissue between nerve cells in the brain and in degenerating pieces of neurons.
Oxidative stress is a very important factor in the development of Alzheimer?s disease. Antioxidant supplements help block the oxidative process. According to one researcher: "Beta-amyloid is aggregated and produces more free radicals in the presence of free radicals; beta-amyloid toxicity is eliminated by free radical scavengers" (Grundman M 2000).
When researchers analyzed fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability, blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals (Wu X et al 2004). In 2005, scientists discovered mechanisms to explain how blueberries can improve memory and restore healthy neuronal function to aged brains. The astounding conclusion of researchers was that the favorable effects of blueberries on brain function are analogous to those seen with long-term calorie restriction (Joseph JA et al 1999; Lau FC et al 2005).
Grape seed extract has demonstrated remarkable success in blocking the formation of senile plaques. One of the most potent antioxidants available, grape seed extract possesses 20 times more free radical?fighting power than vitamin E and 50 times more than vitamin C (Shi J et al 2003). This remarkable antioxidant activity suggests that grape seed extract should become a part of any regimen to optimize brain health.
In laboratory experiments, brain cells of rats were treated with grape seed extract before exposing them to beta-amyloid. Although untreated rat-brain neurons readily accumulated free radicals and subsequently died, the cells treated with grape seed extract were significantly protected (Li MH et al 2004).
Oxidative stress is a very important factor in the development of Alzheimer?s disease. Antioxidant supplements help block the oxidative process. According to one researcher: "Beta-amyloid is aggregated and produces more free radicals in the presence of free radicals; beta-amyloid toxicity is eliminated by free radical scavengers" (Grundman M 2000).
When researchers analyzed fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant capability, blueberries came out on top, rating highest in their capacity to destroy free radicals (Wu X et al 2004). In 2005, scientists discovered mechanisms to explain how blueberries can improve memory and restore healthy neuronal function to aged brains. The astounding conclusion of researchers was that the favorable effects of blueberries on brain function are analogous to those seen with long-term calorie restriction (Joseph JA et al 1999; Lau FC et al 2005).
Grape seed extract has demonstrated remarkable success in blocking the formation of senile plaques. One of the most potent antioxidants available, grape seed extract possesses 20 times more free radical?fighting power than vitamin E and 50 times more than vitamin C (Shi J et al 2003). This remarkable antioxidant activity suggests that grape seed extract should become a part of any regimen to optimize brain health.
In laboratory experiments, brain cells of rats were treated with grape seed extract before exposing them to beta-amyloid. Although untreated rat-brain neurons readily accumulated free radicals and subsequently died, the cells treated with grape seed extract were significantly protected (Li MH et al 2004).