LOWELL, Mass., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The University of Massachusetts at Lowell finds apple juice may help the brain produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, resulting in improved memory.
Neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine are chemicals released from nerve cells that transmit messages to other nerve cells, and such communication between nerve cells is vital for good health, not just in the brain, but throughout the body, according to Thomas Shea, director of the Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research.
"We anticipate that the day may come when foods like apples, apple juice and other apple products are recommended along with the most popular Alzheimer's medications," says Shea.
Mice bred to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms were fed three different diets: a standard diet, a nutrient-deficient diet and a nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with apple components -- apple juice concentrate was added to their drinking water.
The mice showed an increased production of acetylcholine in their brains, and the researchers found that the mice that consumed the apple juice-supplemented diets performed significantly better on the maze tests, according to the study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
