Apple juice linked to improved memory

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

New research shows that apples and apple juice can help boost memory.
Acetylcholine is an important brain chemical involved in memory and learning which is depleted in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell now reveal that consumption of apple juice may boost acetylcholine levels in the brain and can improve memory.

Working with mice which were specially bred to be prone to Alzheimer's disease, they fed the animals one of three diets - normal, deficient, or deficient but supplemented by apple juice. Those on the apple juice diet were found to have enhanced levels of acetylcholine in their brains. They also did better on maze tests, which indicated an improvement in memory function. The amounts of apple juice in the animals' diet were equivalent to human consumption of two eight ounce glasses of apple juice or two to three apples a day. The researchers believe that apples contain a unique mix of antioxidants that can combat memory decline by inhibiting oxidation processes in the brain. They hope to begin studies in humans soon.

Source
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease August 2006

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