Oleocanthal is a natural compound that can be found in extra-virgin olive oil and it can have an impact of the proteins that doctors believe might lead to Alzheimer's. The compound affects the structure of these neurotoxic proteins and this prevents them from damaging brain nerve cells.
"The findings may help identify effective preventative measures and lead to improved therapeutics in the fight against Alzheimer's disease," said Dr.
Paul Breslin.
The dangerous proteins are believed to prevent nerve cell function, which leads to memory loss and cell death. They are found within the neural synapses of the brain, which are junctions that allow different cells to send information.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, as many as 5.3 million people have the disease in the U.S. This form of dementia triples the cost of healthcare for Americans 65 and older, and billions of dollars are spent on treating the disease every year.
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