University of Missouri (MU) researchers have determined that a compound found in green tea, and voluntary exercise, slows the progression of the disease in mice and may reverse its effects. Further study of the commonly found extract could lead to advancements in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may affect as many as 5.5 million Americans. Natural ingredients can play a key role in preserving brain health, and scientists are increasingly seeking treatments and therapies found in common foods and beverages that will help stave off AD or prevent it completely.

“In Alzheimer’s patients, amyloid-beta peptide (A-beta) can accumulate and clump together causing amyloid plaques in the brain," said Todd Schachtman, professor of psychological sciences in the College of Arts and Science at MU. “Symptoms can include increased memory loss and confusion, agitation and a lack of concern for your environment and surroundings. We looked at ways of preventing or postponing the onset of the disease which we hope can eventually lead to an improvement of health status and quality of life for the elderly."

Increases in inflammation have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease patients and recent studies have suggested the benefits of dietary antioxidants in reducing the risk of AD. Based on previous research conducted at MU, researchers decided to investigate the effects of voluntary exercise and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea extract, on memory function and A-beta levels in mice known to show plaque deposits and behavior deficits. The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

First, mice were placed in the center of a specialized maze and allowed to move around with the aim of finding the right hole, or “goal box." Researchers evaluated to determine whether or not they could find the goal box, demonstrating memory and cognition.

In a second test, small “nestlets," or squares containing materials to create nests, were placed in the habitats for different groups of mice. A day later, nests were scored based on shape and the amount of material used.

“Mice exhibiting symptoms of the disease had nests that were poorly formed or erratic," Schachtman said. “Further, we found that mice with Alzheimer’s symptoms, much like people, can be apathetic about their habitat, or have forgotten how to ‘nest’ appropriately."

Researchers then administered EGCG in the drinking water of the mice and gave them access to running or exercise wheels. After re-administering the maze and nesting tests, they found remarkable improvements in the cognitive function and retention in the Alzheimer’s affected mice that were given EGCG and were allowed to exercise.

Finally, a team of biochemists led by Grace Sun, professor emerita of biochemistry in the School of Medicine and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at MU, analyzed mouse brain tissues to determine the effects of EGCG and exercise on A-beta levels in affected regions of the brain. Researchers determined the extract, as well as exercise, improved some of the “behavioral manifestations and cognitive impairments of Alzheimer’s," according to  Sun. “We also are excited to see a decrease in A-beta levels in the brains of the affected mice as well as improvements in behavior deficits in mice with AD."

For a look at other natural ingredients that can positively impact cognitive health, download INSIDER’s free Digital Issue, “Cognitive Preservation."