Caffeine May Reverse Alzheimer's
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 5:11AMDoses of caffeine equivalent to drinking five cups of coffee daily may help reverse memory problems characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, according to University of South Florida report. The research, carried out on mice and published July 5, 2009, in the online Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, suggested caffeine slowed the production of the protein plaques thought to be the hallmark of the disease.
The 55 mice used in the study had been bred to develop symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. First, behavior tests confirmed the mice had impaired memories when they were about 19 months old; equivalent to about 70 in human years. Then, researchers gave half the mice caffeine daily, equivalent to what a human being would receive in five cups of coffee, in their drinking water.
When the mice were tested again after two months, those who received the caffeine performed much better on tests measuring their memory and thinking skills; in fact, they performed as well as mice of the same age without dementia. Those drinking plain water continued to test poorly. In addition, the brains of the mice given caffeine showed nearly a 50% reduction in levels of beta amyloid protein, which forms destructive clumps in the brains of dementia patients.
The researchers suggest that caffeine suppresses inflammatory changes in the brain that lead to an overabundance of the protein, but added that it is too early to say whether drinking coffee or taking caffeine supplements will help people with Alzheimer's.
This is all obviously intriguing news, but it is interesting to me that the in media coverage of this study, reporters have largely played up the coffee angle, when the mice were given caffeine, not coffee. The fact is that green and white teas also contain caffeine, along with other compounds that may be neuro- and cardioprotective - and, in my experience, tea is less likely to cause the insomnia, digestive upset, bladder irritation, and jitters that often come with coffee drinking.
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Reader Comments (2)
I have read the article based on the Effectiveness regarding the Caffeine.I like post very much as it contain information regarding Caffeine which can reverse the position of Alzheimer's disease. I like concepts and facts.Its effects is too low but we can get different variation in results on different personalities.I want to know suggestion from others.
After my husband had been discharged from the Mental Health Unit a year ago(he had been investigated for behavioral problems related to his Alzheimers) I started him on caffeine tablets. This was at the suggestion of one of our hospital registrars who had an interest iin Alzheimers who had been following research articles and introduced me to recent work on transgenic mice using caffeine. Initially I tried him on 500mg daily but had to reduce this to 300mg daily to avoid agitation.
Small improvements started to occur. A year later the following improvements are noted -
1.) He is now able to focus on, understand and enjoy TV programs. He makes rational short remarks in relation to various programs (previously has loss all interest in TV and would just walk about the room.)
2.) He Is now able to enjoy longer walks up to an hour (limited by me) and shares his pleasure on being able to do so. Prepared to try new routes and doesn't get anxious. Delighted to show he knows his way back home. Today he remarked that he would like to join a group of people who do this activity on a regular basis. (previously he was having problems doing a short walk. He would get anxious if walk was longer than 15 minutes and wanted only to do a safe well trodden route).
3.) Was able to visit Old Parliament House for a 2 1/2 hour visit, listen to questions and conversation and concluded..."Ann, I know all of this. I have been here 3 times before...lets go this way instead" !!
4.) Much easier to help dress. No longer confused about which way to hold his trousers etc. is getting the hang of doing much of this himself although I still hand him his clothes one at a time the right way around.
5.) Now cooperates with my brushing his teeth. (used to open and shut his mouth without much control and follow the toothbrush around with his tongue. It used be impossible to brush behind the lower dentition)
6.) Is eating unaided and will sit at a table on his own to complete a meal. (was having problems using a knife and fork. Would lose his focus and get up from the table. I used to have to sit with him and keep him at the task while assisiting).
7.) Can communicate when he needs to go to the toilet and if he feels unhappy about situations (previously we would have to be tuned in to his needs and watch out for him fiddling with his clothes).
8.) Makes appropriate jokes although he is limited by his ability to speak. He uses his sense of comedy with actions to back up small comments. His communication has improved significantly and this has been noted by all carers.
9.) Generally is much more contented. Loves new visitors. Much more animated. Lots of smiles. He knows he has improved and is delighted about this.
10) When he has had enough will spontaeneouly go into his bedroom and lie down and close his eyes to relax (getting him to relax and unwind would be impossible before).
11.) Doesn't wander aroundthe house at night anymore. Sleeps well. Will not disturb me in the morning when I ask him to let me hacve a sleep in.
Of course none of this sounds right for someone with Alzheimers.
The improvement seem to be more ocurring at a faster pace and each week we all have a good story/further surprise improvement to talk about.
Anyway. Thought you might appreciate the information. Especially as good news longterm doesn't occur with patient suffering from Alzheimer's. I am a medical specialist myself (radiologist) and my putting Peter onto unrsearched treatment did not get the nod from his neuropsychiatrist. Life at home is far less stressed now. I am now sleeping well. His overanxious behaviour has stopped and he is much much easier to be around. I am even considering taking him on a short holiday to new Zealand next year if the progress remains and continues!
Happy to talk further about this. Will update you on/if any further progress.
Ann Harvey