In 2006, experts at Johns Hopkins University estimated that over 26 million people globally were living with Alzheimer’s disease. They also projected that instances of Alzheimer’s disease would increase globally to more than 106 million cases by the year 2050. By that time, 43% of Alzheimer’s patients will require high-level health care from highly skilled assisted living facilities. These troubling statistics were presented at conference for the prevention of dementia in Washington, D.C. on June 10.
The good news is that there is also growing body of evidence that suggests there are thing we can do to ward of the signs and symptoms of decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. And it may be as simple as adding apple juice to our diets. Thomas B. Shea, PhD, and his team of researchers have conducted several laboratory studies which indicate that mice performed better than average in maze tests after drinking apple juice. It also seems to have prevented the normal decline in performance observed in the mice as they age.
In their most recent study, Shea and his colleagues found that mice who were giving the equivalent of 2 glasses of apple juice a day for an entire month produce less beta-amyloid, a protein fragment that is the cause of “senile plaques” that form in the brains of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s. The findings are significant because they suggest that something as simple as drinking apple juice routinely can improve brain function and possible delay key symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The delayed onset of Alzheimer’s behaviors isn’t the only reason to drink apple juice. Here are some other benefits of drinking the beverage regularly:
- It contains nutrients and vitamins that may protect the body from other illnesses, like common colds.
- Apple juice also contains antioxidants, which are known to help prevent heart disease the development of some cancers.
- It can help reduce cholesterol.
- When consumed in moderation, it may also help promote weight loss.
Be sure to contact us should you have any questions about Alzheimer's or how we can provide custom care plans for individuals with this disease. We encourage you to seek out support as you take this journey and allow us to join you along the way.
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