Resveratrol reduces Alzheimer`s plaque formation

by John Phillip for Natural News:

Alzheimer`s disease is a devastating condition that is characterized by the formation of protein amyloid plaques that attack the neural synapses and prevent normal chemical and electrical signaling activity in the brain.

Medical researchers aren't certain if plaque is the cause of Alzheimer`s disease or a normal byproduct of cellular metabolism that remains behind to provoke the memory-robbing condition.

The British Journal of Pharmacology provides evidence to explain how plaque is formed in the absence of friendly endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) that disrupts blood pressure, lipid levels and glucose in the brain. Resveratrol can increase eNOS levels in the brain and lower the impact of deadly plaques seen in Alzheimer`s disease.

Friendly nitric oxide is essential to the proper function of our vascular system. eNOS allows vessels and arteries to contract and expand so blood can effectively circulate to deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. When eNOS production is inhibited, blood pressure rises and problems with blood glucose and cholesterol metabolism become evident.A current study in the journalPLoS ONE demonstrates that as plaque begins to accumulate at the neural synapses, eNOS production declines, compounding the problem. Free radicals multiply in the brain as a consequence of the increasing amyloid load and extensive damage to delicate brain structures essential to cognitive function and memory ensue.Resveratrol is a natural protective compound found in high concentrations in red grapes, red wine, purple grape juice, peanuts, and some berries. The nutrient has been the subject of extensive research as it has been shown to mimic the effect of caloric restriction known to extend healthy life span. New evidence explains how resveratrol can reduce amyloid plaque burden in the aging brain.Reporting in the journal Neurochemistry International, researchers have found that resveratrol activates an enzyme that helps make friendly eNOS and can break the plaque-formation cycle that is associated with the progression of Alzheimer`s disease. The researchers were able to show that resveratrol significantly inhibits plaque formation by as much as 90%.The researchers concluded that their study"supports the concept that onset of neurodegenerative disease may be delayed or mitigated with use of dietary chemo-preventive agents that protect against beta-amyloid plaque formation and oxidative stress."This evidence provides further support to the protective nature of natural nutrients to prevent and halt the development of a host of deadly chronic diseases.Along with resveratrol, research has demonstrated the power of blueberries and grape seed extract to lower the risks associated with brain aging and cognitive decline. Each nutrient targets the expression of specific genes responsible for the progression of dementia and memory-robbing illnesses. People with a familial history of cognitive disease or early onset symptoms should consider supplementing with 50 to 200 mg of resveratrol daily to prevent or reverse amyloid plaque development.Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/031465_Alzheimers_prevention.html