Strawberries and cucumbers help with memory loss - study finds

Scientists from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have discovered that fisetin, a natural antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and cucumbers, can prevent memory loss in mice with signs of Alzheimer's disease. Daily intake of this substance helped prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in the test animals.

The essence of the study

The team led by senior researcher Pamela Maher conducted an experiment on mice with mutations in two genes associated with Alzheimer's disease. Starting at three months of age, some of the animals received a daily dose of fisetin along with their food. By nine months of age, the mice that did not receive fisetin began to experience a decline in memory and learning ability, as revealed in water maze tests. However, those who took fisetin showed results comparable to healthy individuals.

Results of the study

By nine months of age, the mice that did not receive fisetin began to show deterioration in memory and learning abilities. However, those who received fisetin daily showed results comparable to healthy individuals, even at one year of age. This indicates that fisetin can prevent symptoms of the disease despite its progression.

Mechanism of action of fisetin

Interestingly, fisetin did not affect the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain - protein accumulations that are commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, it affected other cellular pathways associated with inflammation and memory. Specifically, fisetin prevented the cleavage of the p35 protein into a shorter form that affects a host of molecular processes.

Pamela Maher, lead researcher in the Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute, notes:

'We have already shown that fisetin can improve memory in normal animals. Now we have demonstrated its efficacy in models prone to Alzheimer's disease.

The next step will be to study fisetin's ability to reverse the cognitive impairment that has already manifested itself.

The scientists' discovery offers a new approach to treating the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease without the need to target amyloid plaques. Although the research has so far only been conducted on animals, it holds promise for the development of new therapies for humans.

Important to know

• Fisetin is found in foods such as strawberries and cucumbers.
• It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of fisetin in humans.