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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Drinking coffee may offer your body more than extra energy in the mornings. New studies suggest caffeine may prevent and reverse memory loss for Alzheimer's patients.
The University of South Florida research team at the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center tested its theory on 55 mice genetically altered to experience Alzheimer's symptoms as they aged. The mice aged the equivalent of 70 human years. Half were given 500 milligrams of caffeine in their daily water, comparable to five cups of regular coffee. The remaining half continued to drink regular water.
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After the two-month study, the caffeinated mice scored significantly higher on memory and thinking tests, and showed nearly a 50 percent reduction level of beta amyloid, a substance which forms the sticky clumps of plaque in the brain and indicates Alzheimer's.
"The new findings provide evidence that caffeine could be a viable 'treatment' for established Alzheimer's disease, and not simply a protective strategy," lead author Gary Arendash was quoted as saying.
USF researchers hope to begin human trials soon to evaluate whether humans experience similar results.
SOURCE: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, July 5, 2009
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