Polyphenol-Rich Cocoa Extract May Help Prevent Onset Of Alzheimer’s

A U.S. study in genetically altered mice finds that a preparation of cocoa extract prevents the protein  β-amyloid (Aβ) from forming the sticky clumps in the brain that damage nerve cells in Alzheimer’s patients. The mice, which were genetically altered to mimic Alzheimer’s disease, were fed lavado cocoa, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. The researchers said that their findings suggest that adequate quantities of specific cocoa polyphenols in the human diet over time may prevent the clustering of Aβ into oligomers that damage the brain, thus possibly preventing the onset of Alzheimer's.