Caffeine & Alzheimers - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

genuinegirly · 07-06-2009, 07:35 AM

Something already common in our every day lives is reversing the effects of Alzheimers in mice? It seems an entirely exciting prospect to me. I'm anxious to see the human trials completed.

Link to the full BBC news article.

Quote:

Coffee 'may reverse Alzheimer's'
Drinking five cups of coffee a day could reverse memory problems seen in Alzheimer's disease, US scientists say.

The Florida research, carried out on mice, also suggested caffeine hampered the production of the protein plaques which are the hallmark of the disease.

“ The results are particularly exciting in that a reversal of pre-existing memory impairment is more difficult to achieve ”

The 55 mice used in the University of South Florida study had been bred to develop symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

First the researchers used behavioural tests to confirm the mice were exhibiting signs of memory impairment when they were aged 18 to 19 months, the equivalent to humans being about 70.

Then they gave half the mice caffeine in their drinking water. The rest were given plain water.

The mice were given the equivalent of five 8 oz (227 grams) cups of coffee a day - about 500 milligrams of caffeine.

The researchers say this is the same as is found in two cups of "specialty" coffees such as lattes or cappuccinos from coffee shops, 14 cups of tea, or 20 soft drinks.

When the mice were tested again after two months, those who were given the caffeine performed much better on tests measuring their memory and thinking skills and performed as well as mice of the same age without dementia.

Those drinking plain water continued to do poorly on the tests.

In addition, the brains of the mice given caffeine showed nearly a 50% reduction in levels of the beta amyloid protein, which forms destructive clumps in the brains of dementia patients.

Further tests suggested caffeine affects the production of both the enzymes needed to produce beta amyloid.

The researchers also suggest that caffeine suppresses inflammatory changes in the brain that lead to an overabundance of the protein.

Earlier research by the same team had shown younger mice, who had also been bred to develop Alzheimer's but who were given caffeine in their early adulthood, were protected against the onset of memory problems.

...

My maternal grandmother was tormented by an especially bad case of Alzheimers the last eight years of her life. I have always been interested in research on the subject. I know that I am at risk of the disease, and would like to do everything I can to delay its onset. If incorporating a mild amount of caffeine into my diet in my early 20's might help, I'm going to give it a try.

How does this preliminary study impact you?
Would you recommend coffee to a relative experiencing the early stages of Alzheimers in the hopes that it will reverse or decrease their problems with Dimentia?

Baraka_Guru · 07-06-2009, 07:50 AM

I've read this about Alzheimer's quite a while ago. I've read coffee consumption can prevent Parkinson's as well. And then there is the promising data coming out of Omega-3 supplementation.

However, I have also read that a high consumption of red meat can lead to Alzheimer's. It's good they are still continuing studies on this. I would like to see more studies on the overall impact that nutrition has on diseases such as these. Preventative medicine is the key to long life and vibrant health. I would like to avoid taking a lot of medicine in old age.

I think if I knew someone who had early onset Alzheimer's, I would probably suggest drinking a cup of coffee or two a day and maybe taking an Omega-3 supplement (all on doctor's okay, of course), if not just incorporating more fatty fish or flax seed into their diet.

I'd also help them pick up hobbies and games that would keep their brains going. I'd engage with them on these if I could.

Xerxys · 07-06-2009, 09:09 AM

I have no one in my family that has had Alzheimer's. Diabetes and gout on the other hand, come in plenty on both sides of the family. This is interesting though.

B_G is it High amounts of red meat or simply just red meat period? What exactly is high in this case? Is it like sugar in that, cannot be measured exactly how much causes diabetes?

Bill O'Rights · 07-06-2009, 09:16 AM

As if I really needed another reason to drink coffee.

Baraka_Guru · 07-06-2009, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xerxys

B_G is it High amounts of red meat or simply just red meat period? What exactly is high in this case? Is it like sugar in that, cannot be measured exactly how much causes diabetes?

As with most things dietry, it's a high amount, not any amount period. I think it may be tied to a nearly daily intake of red meat. I think that eating red meat more than once or twice per week can be considered a high intake.

The Mediterranean diet is often cited as a diet that sees low instances of many diseases, so have a look at that. There is low consumption of meat, and the overall intake of red meat is about once per month I think. Mind you, this is the traditional Mediterranean diet. I think many in that region have started eating more like we do here in North America. And also consider the regionalism of the Mediterranean diet. I think we normally consider the cuisine of much of Greece and Southern Italy when we use that term. The cuisine of Northern Italy and North Africa, on the other hand, are a bit out of step with a few not-so-healthy ingredients.

Willravel · 07-06-2009, 09:30 AM

The Mediterranean diet? It's 90% olive oil, 5% pasta, 4% tomatoes and 1% meat, yes?

Baraka_Guru · 07-06-2009, 09:39 AM

Something like that.

Willravel · 07-06-2009, 09:45 AM

Ah, the food pyramid. I've been told by a few doctors that the food pyramid favors grains too much, even if they're healthy, whole grains.

My pyramid would look something like this:

/Fats and Oils (mostly olive and veggie oils)\
/Eggs and Dairy (about 6 eggs a week, and some cheeses\
/Lean Meats (poultry, pork, fish)/Nuts (walnuts, etc.)/Legumes (lentils! etc.)\
/Grains (whole wheat crackers, couscous, whole grain pastas, whole grain cereals\
/Fruits and Veggies (everything from apples and oranges to onions and bell peppers, plus the stuff I grow)\

Baraka_Guru · 07-06-2009, 09:58 AM

That's great, Will. Except it looks more like a dais than it does a pyramid. And what's with the pork? At least there's no red meat.

Willravel · 07-06-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

That's great, Will. Except it looks more like a dais than it does a pyramid.

I'm seeing a food rhombus./___\

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

And what's with the pork?

I'm not Jewish. I have been known to say "mazel tov" from time to time, though. Pork is high in protein, relatively low in fat, and is packed with nutrients. As long as you go to a reliable butcher and get leaner cuts (tenderloin) you're probably fine eating pork.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

At least there's no red meat.

I lost my taste for red meat, not to mention I'm not really comfortable with red meat standards here in the states.

Anyway, I've also heard that caffeine has some connection to Alzheimer's. I drink tea a few times a week, so I figure it's probably enough.

Zeraph · 07-06-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

As if I really needed another reason to drink coffee.

+1

"That's great, Will. Except it looks more like a dais than it does a pyramid. And what's with the pork? At least there's no red meat."

I thought pork was considered red meat? Why is red meat considered so bad? Is red evil? ;P

Willravel · 07-06-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeraph

I thought pork was considered red meat? Why is red meat considered so bad? Is red evil? ;P

That's interesting, I honestly don't know. Pork might officially be red or it might be white, I'm not sure. I've been told differently by different people. I always assumed that the lighter meat was white meat. I've always understood red meat to be more like adult cattle, horse, deer, etc. whereas white meat is poultry, rabbit, pork, sheep, etc. Now that I think about it, the matter doesn't seem clear. I don't want to jack the thread, though.

Glory's Sun · 07-06-2009, 10:41 AM

I am soo fucked.

I eat red meat almost every day and I haven't had coffee or caffeine in over a year.

wait.. what was I talking about?

Baraka_Guru · 07-06-2009, 10:46 AM

Okay, here's how I can tie all this in to the topic of the OP:

Food consists of many molecular structures, chemicals, enzymes, what have you. Even between a single food type, you get variances in their makeup. For example, not all peppers have the same nutritional content, both on a macro- and micronutrient level. The antioxidant makeup alone is varied by colour.

Coffee has caffeine, but it also has antioxidants with a makeup unlike most foods, so there are other benefits.

Red meat and pork have many of the same substances that can lead to the creation of carcinogens. They also tend to have higher levels of cholesterol and saturated fat compared to white meat and fish, which is why you should always choose lean cuts of red meat and pork, and always cut off any extra fat you see. Beef and pork fat aren't your best sources of dietary fat. But even lean beef and pork carry more health risks than, say, wild Alaskan salmon or, say, tempeh.

Willravel · 07-06-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baraka_Guru

But even lean beef and pork carry more health risks than, say, wild Alaskan salmon or, say, tempeh.

I think it's impohtant to keep control of ya tempeh.

FoolThemAll · 07-06-2009, 11:03 AM

Wait, five cups of coffee a day is a mild amount?

Baraka_Guru · 07-06-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoolThemAll

Wait, five cups of coffee a day is a mild amount?

It depends. It's five 8oz. cups. Many mugs hold twice that I think. And a "tall" at Starbucks is 12oz., while a "grande" is 16oz. (but they brew really strong coffee).

Health Canada suggests keeping your daily caffeine intake below 400mg. I don't see 500mg being much of a problem unless you have a sensitivity.

07-06-2009, 07:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	I've read this about Alzheimer's quite a while ago. I've read coffee consumption can prevent Parkinson's as well. And then there is the promising data coming out of Omega-3 supplementation. However, I have also read that a high consumption of red meat can lead to Alzheimer's. It's good they are still continuing studies on this. I would like to see more studies on the overall impact that nutrition has on diseases such as these. Preventative medicine is the key to long life and vibrant health. I would like to avoid taking a lot of medicine in old age. I think if I knew someone who had early onset Alzheimer's, I would probably suggest drinking a cup of coffee or two a day and maybe taking an Omega-3 supplement (all on doctor's okay, of course), if not just incorporating more fatty fish or flax seed into their diet. I'd also help them pick up hobbies and games that would keep their brains going. I'd engage with them on these if I could. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

07-06-2009, 09:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	As if I really needed another reason to drink coffee. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

07-06-2009, 09:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	Something like that. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

07-06-2009, 09:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Ah, the food pyramid. I've been told by a few doctors that the food pyramid favors grains too much, even if they're healthy, whole grains. My pyramid would look something like this: /Fats and Oils (mostly olive and veggie oils)\ /Eggs and Dairy (about 6 eggs a week, and some cheeses\ /Lean Meats (poultry, pork, fish)/Nuts (walnuts, etc.)/Legumes (lentils! etc.)\ /Grains (whole wheat crackers, couscous, whole grain pastas, whole grain cereals\ /Fruits and Veggies (everything from apples and oranges to onions and bell peppers, plus the stuff I grow)\ Last edited by Willravel; 07-06-2009 at 09:49 AM..

07-06-2009, 09:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	That's great, Will. Except it looks more like a dais than it does a pyramid. And what's with the pork? At least there's no red meat. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

07-06-2009, 09:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
Xerxys Junkie Location: My head.	I have no one in my family that has had Alzheimer's. Diabetes and gout on the other hand, come in plenty on both sides of the family. This is interesting though. B_G is it High amounts of red meat or simply just red meat period? What exactly is high in this case? Is it like sugar in that, cannot be measured exactly how much causes diabetes?

07-06-2009, 09:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	The Mediterranean diet? It's 90% olive oil, 5% pasta, 4% tomatoes and 1% meat, yes?

07-06-2009, 10:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	I am soo fucked. I eat red meat almost every day and I haven't had coffee or caffeine in over a year. wait.. what was I talking about?

07-06-2009, 10:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	Okay, here's how I can tie all this in to the topic of the OP: Food consists of many molecular structures, chemicals, enzymes, what have you. Even between a single food type, you get variances in their makeup. For example, not all peppers have the same nutritional content, both on a macro- and micronutrient level. The antioxidant makeup alone is varied by colour. Coffee has caffeine, but it also has antioxidants with a makeup unlike most foods, so there are other benefits. Red meat and pork have many of the same substances that can lead to the creation of carcinogens. They also tend to have higher levels of cholesterol and saturated fat compared to white meat and fish, which is why you should always choose lean cuts of red meat and pork, and always cut off any extra fat you see. Beef and pork fat aren't your best sources of dietary fat. But even lean beef and pork carry more health risks than, say, wild Alaskan salmon or, say, tempeh. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

07-06-2009, 11:03 AM	#16 (permalink)
FoolThemAll Walking is Still Honest Location: Seattle, WA	Wait, five cups of coffee a day is a mild amount? __________________ I wonder if we're stuck in Rome.