Targeting Alzheimer’s Cognitive Decline

New research has shown that voluntary exercise and a compound found in green tea can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in mice and may also reverse its effects. Todd Schachtman, professor of psychological sciences in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and colleagues investigated the effects of voluntary exercise and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea extract, on memory function and amyloid-beta levels in a mouse-model of Alzheimer’s disease. Mice were placed in the center of a specialized maze and allowed to move around with the aim of finding the right hole, or “goal box.” The mice were watched to determine whether or not they could find the goal box, demonstrating memory and cognition. In the second test, small “nestlets,” or squares containing materials to create nests, were placed in the habitats for different groups of mice. A day later, nests were scored based on shape and the amount of material used. Mice exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease were found to build poorly formed or erratic nests. The researchers then put EGCG in the drinking water of the mice and gave them access to running or exercise wheels. After re-administering the maze and nesting tests, results showed significant improvements in the cognitive function and behavior of the Alzheimer’s-affected mice that were given EGCG and were allowed to exercise. Lastly, the researchers analyzed mouse brain tissues to determine the effects of EGCG and exercise on amyloid-beta levels in affected regions of the brain. Results showed that the interventions lowered amyloid-beta levels in the cortex and hippocampus. The authors conclude: “These results, together with epidemiological and clinical studies in humans, suggest that dietary polyphenols and exercise may have beneficial effects on brain health and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.”