Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that robs its victims of their ability to think and remember. Unfortunately, this disease is becoming more common as people live longer lives. And the search for ways to prevent and treat its complications continues. New research now suggests that oleocanthal, a compound found in extra-virgin olive oil could help to offset the effects of Alzheimer’s on the brain.

Olive Oil to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease: A Study

According to researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, oleocanthal, found in extra-virgin olive oil, blocks the action of proteins that disrupt brain cell function in Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins known as ADDLs bind to the synapses of nerve cells in the brain and disrupt their normal activity. This slowly destroys normal brain cell communication leading to loss of memory and reduced ability to think. Eventually, the brain cells die off and the decline in brain function continues. The oleocanthal found in extra-virgin olive oil seems to alter the structure of the ADDLs so they no longer bind to the nerve cell synapses and wreck their havoc on brain function.

The possibility of using oleocanthal to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease is in its early stages, but researchers are hopeful. Although the effects of olecanthal look promising in the laboratory, studies in humans haven’t been performed as of yet. Unfortunately, results can sometimes be different when tested in humans.

What is Oleocanthal?

Oleocanthal is a natural compound found in extra-virgin olive oil. It’s already been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to account for some of olive oil’s many health benefits. Because it inhibits COX 1 and 2 enzymes, it has properties similar to prescription anti-inflammatory medications. Interestingly, some studies, but not all, have shown that taking anti-inflammatory medications may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  It’s also believed to be one of the compounds that accounts for the reduced risk of heart disease in cultures that use a lot of olive oil. One study showed that eating a Mediterranean diet that’s rich in olive oil lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by forty percent.

Could adding more extra-virgin olive oil to the diet help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease? It’s too early to say, but olive oil is not only a source of oleocanthal, but also high in monounsaturated fats – fats that help to lower the risk of heart disease. Adding some extra-virgin olive oil to the dinner plate could be a natural way to protect two of the most important organs in the body – the heart and brain.