A clinical trial published on December 1st of 2022 revealed that extra-virgin olive oil could enhance the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The clinical trial results are an exciting discovery. They suggest that extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) may hold significant promise for individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or suffering from symptoms associated with cognitive impairments.
In this article from OLEOCAN™, we'll take a closer look at the findings of this 2022 clinical trial and how extra virgin olive could help those with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Table of Contents:
- What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
- What is the Blood-Brain Barrier?
- About The Trial
- Why is this Trial Important?
- Understanding How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Improves the BBB
- The Importance of Quality
- In Conclusion
People Also Ask:
Can olive oil cross the blood-brain barrier?
Powerful polyphenols naturally found in olive oil have been known to scavenge free radicals in the body. These natural compounds' ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) allows them to fight against free radicals in the nervous system.
Is extra virgin olive oil good for dementia?
Many studies suggest that olive oil can play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers note that polyphenols found in extra-virgin olive oil reduced the formation of amyloid deposits, a precursor of Alzheimer's disease.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition where individuals experience memory issues beyond what is expected of their age. MCI is often seen as a precursor to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other cognitive diseases like dementia.
While MCI does not always lead to dementia or Alzheimer's disease, common symptoms can include:
- Difficulty recalling events
- Confusion with time or place
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Decreased function in attention, speech, and motor skills
Mild cognitive impairment often affects individuals over the age of 65 but can also affect younger adults.
What is the Blood-Brain Barrier?
The blood-brain barrier, or BBB, is a semi-permeable membrane that separates circulating blood from neurons in the brain. It plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system by regulating the passage of molecules and cells into and out of the brain.
When functioning correctly, the BBB can protect against toxins, microbes, and other undesirable substances while allowing essential molecules to pass through its protective barrier.
About The Trial
Previous findings in AD research in mouse models have pointed to the beneficial effects of EVOO against Alzheimer's disease. The results of these previous findings included improved blood-brain barrier and memory function, reduced brain amyloid (AB), and other related pathology concerns.
This 2022 randomized controlled clinical trial, which took place in various departments at the University of Auburn, Alabama, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, and other Institutes in India, Pennsylvania, and China, strived to translate these above AD findings to human patients with MCI and other cognitive related diseases. Each of the twenty-six women and men participants between the ages of 55 and 75 experiencing MCI, clinical dementia, or other cognitive impairment issues was included in the trial.
In this trial, researchers theorized that extra-virgin specifically restores the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function while strengthening brain networks, improving cognitive function, and reducing Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology markers. Researchers then evaluated the effects of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) had on the MCI participants throughout the trial to test the theory.
They compared MCI participants taking EVOO with those who took refined olive oil (ROO) using the BBB function, brain network connectivity, and function obtained from contrasting MRI imaging.
Why is this Trial Important?
The randomized trial study is crucial because it suggests that consuming EVOO could potentially improve BBB function in MCI based on the results from trial participants.
Trail results showed that brain network connectivity and BB function increased significantly in the participants who consumed EVOO regularly over six months. The refined olive oil (ROO) group's blood-brain barrier integrity and brain network connectivity did not alter.
Findings from this trial study demonstrated that the participants who consumed extra-virgin olive oil over six months showed beneficial effects on the brain by enhancing function and network connectivity while reducing BBB build-up.
Understanding How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Improves the BBB
Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) has long been recognized and celebrated for its notable health benefits. But what makes EVOO healthy? The answer is oleocanthal.
Oleocanthal is a natural, polyphonic compound only found in extra-virgin olive oil. Since its discovery in the 1990s, many studies have shown that oleocanthal can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other cognitive issues by improving the integrity of amyloid (AB) proteins in the brain.
Other studies have shown that adding EVOO rich in oleocanthal to the diet or taken as a supplement helped restore BBB function. Similar findings in the randomized trial could potentially lead to new treatments for age-related cognitive decline in humans with oleocanthal.
The Importance of Quality
It is important to note that not all olive oils are created equal. It is essential to understand that only extra-virgin olive oil has higher levels of antioxidants and polyphenols than lesser-quality oils.
Not only does oleocanthal help protect against oxidative damage, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can further improve brain health. At OLEOCAN™, we provide daily oleocanthal supplements derived only from the purest extra-virgin olive oil for the richest oleocanthal quality.
Because oleocanthal is a natural way to help reduce inflammatory-related diseases like Alzheimer's and other cognitive concerns, the quality of your oleocanthal is of the highest importance.
In Conclusion
This new research provides evidence that extra-virgin olive oil can help improve brain health by enhancing the blood-brain barrier function in those suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Furthermore, its natural oleocanthal benefits may provide additional protection against oxidative damage associated with aging and certain neurological disorders.
It's an exciting development in our understanding of how we can naturally improve brain function and cognitive health!