Memory deficits and learning skills improved in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease after date‐rich diet supplementation (845.4)

Although there are no proven ways to delay onset or slow progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), studies suggest that diet can affect risk. Dates palm fruit are good sources of minerals (Se, Cu, K and Mg), vitamins (C, A, B6, B9, B2, B3), dietary fiber and total phenolics and natural antioxidants (anthocyanins & ferulic acid). Polyphenols have been shown to be neuroprotective in different model systems. We asked whether dietary supplementation with 2% dates or 4% dates would influence behavior and AD like pathology in a transgenic mouse model. The four month old mice with double Swedish APP mutation (APPsw/Tg2576) were purchased from Taconic Farm, NY, USA. The experimental groups of APP-transgenic mice from the age of 4 months were fed custom-mix diets (pellets) containing 2% dates or 4% dates. The control groups, i.e. tg mice and wild-type mice were fed diet without dates. Animals from all groups were undergone behavioral assessments at the age of 4-5 months and 14-15 months by Morris water maze tes...