You may have read many of our posts on studies looking at the link between high phenol olive oil and Alzheimer's. Currently, Auburn University in Alabama is conducting a human study looking at how olive oil may delay or help prevent the onset of dementia under Dr. Amal Kaddoumi.
Kaddoumi's specialty includes neuropharmacology and brain research. She has lead studies looking at how olive oil can help prevent cancer and Alzheimer's. She also received a R21 grant from the National Institutes of Health of more than $400,000 to study oleocanthal and the possible link to preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Kaddoumi has also received, $150,000 as part of the Auburn Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research for a pilot study and is collaborating with multiple national and international groups on additional therapeutic benefits of oleocanthal. The project was also the subject of a Tiger Giving Day campaign that raised more than $17,000.
The use of oleocanthal, a naturally occurring compound in olive oil is a relatively new area of study. Kaddoumi and her team have been approved by Auburn’s Institutional Review Board to conduct a human study on the effectiveness of EVOO in improving health conditions like Alzheimer's. They're currently looking for subjects who have a mild cognitive impairment, such as those who have troubles in their memory like having trouble finding words or recalling facts. All participants need to do, is consume one bottle of EVOO a day for six months - which will be provided by the lab. Memory tests, MRI scans, and other diagnostics will be conducted before and after the study. Participants will be paid $100 at the beginning of the study and $150 at the end. According to Kaddoumi, "Based on our previous studies of 12-years we found extra-virgin olive oil was able to reduce the pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease and improve memory in mice. I am very encouraged. Extra-virgin olive oil is food. It is available for anyone. It’s not a drug; some people are hesitant about a drug investigation. But this is available on all supermarket shelves.” said Dr. Kaddoumi. Kaddoumi believes the observed positive effect could be attributed to the oleocanthal compound. The hope is that the development of oleocanthal as a therapeutic compound will help prevent or slow down the progression of dementia. If you’re interested in participating in the study you can email Dr. Kaddoumi at kaddoumi@auburn.edu
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