Olive oil proective for Alzheimer's?

Oleocanthal, a naturally-occurring compound found in extra-virgin olive oil, alters the structure of neurotoxic proteins believed to contribute to the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's disease. This structural change impedes the proteins' ability to damage brain nerve cells.

Known as ADDLs, these highly toxic proteins bind within the neural synapses of the brains of Alzheimer's patients and are believed to directly disrupt nerve cell function, eventually leading to memory loss, cell death, and global disruption of brain function. Synapses are specialized junctions that allow one nerve cell to send information another.

According to researchers from the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center at Northwestern University, "If antibody treatment of Alzheimer's is enhanced by oleocanthal, the collective anti-toxic and immunological effects of this compound may lead to a successful treatment for an incurable disease."

While studies have only been done in-vitro, plans are in the works for human trials.

The findings are reported in the October 15 issue of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology.

Steve - while they continue the research, please continue to consume olive oil, the staple food of the anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-diet.