Posted on 01/30/2006 5:24:16 AM PST by AdmSmith
"An apple a day" now has new meaning for those who want to maintain mental dexterity as they age. New research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell suggests that consuming apple juice may protect against cell damage that contributes to age-related memory loss, even in test animals that were not prone to developing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
"This new study suggests that eating and drinking apples and apple juice, in conjunction with a balanced diet, can protect the brain from the effects of oxidative stress – and that we should eat such antioxidant-rich foods," notes lead researcher Thomas B. Shea, Ph.D., director of the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research, whose study was just published in the latest issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Although more research is needed, Shea is excited about these brain health findings, which are encouraging for all individuals who are interested in staying mentally sharp as they age.
Using a well-established animal protocol, Shea and his research colleagues assessed whether consumption of apple juice was protective against oxidative brain damage in aging mice, damage that can lead to memory loss. "These newer findings show that there is something in apples and apple juice that protects brain cells in normal aging, much like the protection we previously saw against Alzheimer-like symptoms," says Shea.
The researchers evaluated adult and aged mice using a standard diet, a nutrient-deficient diet, and a nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with apple juice concentrate in drinking water. Although the adult mice tested were not affected negatively by the deficient diets, the aged mice were, which is consistent with normal aging due to oxidative neurodegeneration. The effect on cognition among the aged mice was measured through well-established maze tests, followed by an examination of brain tissue. However, the aged mice who consumed the diets supplemented with apple juice performed significantly better on the maze tests and all had less oxidative brain damage than those on the standard diet.
Supplementation by apple juice fully protected the aged mice from the oxidative stress caused by the nutrient-deficient diet. In addition, stronger mental acuity resulted when the aged mice consumed the human equivalent of 2-3 cups of apple juice or approximately 2-4 apples per day. "We believe that this effect is due to the apple's naturally high level of antioxidants," states Shea. Previous research with his colleagues also determined that it is not the sugar and energy content of the apple juice, but the antioxidant attributes of apple juice that are responsible for the positive effects.
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This study was sponsored through an unrestricted grant by the U.S. Apple Association and the Apple Products Research and Education Council.
The research abstract can be found at http://www.j-alz.com/issues/8/vol8-3.html.
Like I tell my kids, there's a reason Alex Trebek doesn't do a "Senior Jeopardy." It would be too awkard to have the first contestant spend half an hour saying "What is... umm, wait, it's right on the tip of my tongue...."
"They let you use a knife?? LUCKY!!!"
Only on Sundays
In a few years they will tell you it's actually the ALAR that's responsible..
So you only have to up your intake by 1-3 apples to replicate the results of the study.
I'm always a little leery about studies funded by an industry group that find that an increase in sales...er...consumption has a medical benefit.
That is, IF, I were consuming apples solely for the purpose of the study.
That's okay--I don't. ;)
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."
Who would you have do the funding?
Every year the universities sponsor studies of everything from how babies are potty-trained to the sex life of frogs.
True, sometimes the funding is from government or industry sources, but which is better from an independent point of view?
"This study was sponsored through an unrestricted grant by the U.S. Apple Association and the Apple Products Research and Education Council. "
A smidgen of credibility just went away...
Do not judge them too hard. I am pretty sure that they would have had he same result if they were sponsored by Coca Cola or a company producing juice equipment or NIH.
http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/060406_old_optimism.html
Optimism Comes with Age
By Robert Roy Britt
LiveScience Managing Editor
posted: 06 April 2006
02:11 pm ET
People tend to see the glass half full more frequently as they age, new research indicates.
Researchers showed test subjects virtual faces portraying sadness, anger, fear and happiness. They used eye-tracking technology to record which faces the subjects looked at and for how long.
Test subjects age 18-21 focused on the fear faces. Those 57 to 84 zeroed in on the happy faces and avoided the angry ones.
The participants were screened for cognitive ability—all were sharp.
What's it mean? Perhaps with their time on Earth getting shorter, people tend to focus on things that make them feel good now, the researchers figure. Whatever the reason, they seem motivated to avoid focusing on negative information.
"The study suggests that the way individuals in late life process information enables them to stay on an even emotional keel and feel good," said study leader Derek Isaacowitz of Brandeis University. "By focusing more on positive things and avoiding negative ones, older adults are able to maintain emotional resilience, which becomes acutely important in the face of dwindling time."
The study is detailed in the journal Psychology and Aging.
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