Study: Cinnamon extract may be dementia’s natural enemy
June 28, 2011
Researchers at Tel Aviv University recently discovered that cinnamon has antiviral properties that may inhibit the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists gave CEppt, a cinnamon extract, to mice that had been genetically altered to grow an aggressive form of the disease. After four months, they observed that the progression of the illness had slowed considerably compared to the control group.
The scientists believe that their discovery may not only slow the development of the disease, but could one day lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s. Currently, approximately 5.4 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The disease is the most common form of dementia, and it affects people’s cognitive and spacial reasoning abilities, which can lead to falls and other injuries.
People who have been diagnosed with dementia can consider purchasing a medical alert system, which can provide security that if a fall occurs, they will be able to call for help. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in three elderly Americans fall each year, and medical alert systems can provide a sense of safety if an accident happens.
