Caffeine: a Possible Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

For years all the coffee addicts have been poised on the edge of their seats as medical science continues to explore ways to prove that coffee is bad for us. Once all the coffee bean dust settles, however, we are actually getting good news about our coffee addictions.

The Latest News on the Benefits of Caffeine
The latest news from the world of medical science tells us that coffee and the caffeine it contains can not only prevent, but could actually become an effective treatment for the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

The University of Florida's research team, led by Gary Arendash, were quite surprised by their findings. Research was done on laboratory mice which were specifically bred to have Alzheimer's Disease. Once the symptoms of the disease began to manifest, the mice were treated with caffeine, resulting in marked improvement of their condition. Researchers were able to "reverse the disease's effect on cognitive ability". These exciting results led researchers to the conclusion that coffee drinkers are actually treating any early symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease that they might experience. Caffeine, it seems, does more than prevent this insidious disease, but it could actually prove to be a treatment for early symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.

Based on the findings of this study, which have been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, Arendash and his colleagues are planning to begin trials on human subjects who present with early signs of Alzheimer's Disease. This could prove to be a very important scientific study for those in the early stages of this disease process.

Although studies so far have shown marked improvement in reversing Alzheimer's effects on cognitive ability, there are many people who cannot and should not indulge in caffeine in any form. If you have been advised by your physician to avoid caffeine, please, heed your doctor's advice. Caffeine can exacerbate many other physiologic conditions, such as heart disease, so always consult your doctor before making any dietary changes.

Support for Caregivers
If you or someone you know is caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease, there are many places online to find helpful support. The Mayo Clinic offers some excellent assistance for caregivers at Alzheimer's: Dealing With Daily Challenges

As trials continue to be performed, we will soon have even more updates about the effects of caffeine in the treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. This insidious disease has stolen years from the lives of so many patients and their families. Is there really any wonder that Alzheimer's Disease is called, "The Long Goodbye"?

Sources:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/07/alzheimers_coffee.html
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20090706/caffeine-may-fight-alzheimers-disease-memory-loss
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00026