A new scientific study has identified two natural compounds, one of which is found in green tea, that can help reverse the effects of aging on brain cells and remove the accumulation of harmful proteins, raising hopes for a non-drug approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease.
According to the British newspaper “The Independent”, the two compounds are: Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, and an antioxidant found in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate.
The researchers said the two compounds help restore a key molecule that fuels energy production in brain cells.
In their experiment on a number of elderly mice showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers found that neurons treated with the compounds for 24 hours not only saw a reduction in age-related deterioration, but also a significant ability to remove amyloid protein aggregates, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease
Gregory Brewer, lead researcher of the study, said: “As we age, our brains show a decline in neuronal energy levels, limiting their ability to remove unwanted proteins and damaged components.
“We found that restoring energy levels with these two compounds helps neurons restore this vital cleaning function.”
These findings support a non-pharmacological approach to treating age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease, he said, adding that drinking green tea may be an effective way to do so