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A new study that includes Windsor research suggests the extract of a naturally grown herb can help curb the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in rodents, a finding which may one day benefit humans.
The group of researchers — including two hailing from the University of Windsor — shared their research Tuesday at the Research Day event coordinated by the Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County at Art Windsor-Essex.
University of Windsor biochemistry professor Dr. Siyaram Pandey, and former psychology professor Dr. Jerry Cohen, shared their ongoing testing of a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, which could potentially slow the progression of the cognitive condition.
By using rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease in their research, Pandey and Cohen found that the combination of the Ashwagandha herb extract and CoQ10 — a powerful antioxidant found in nearly every cell of the body — could successfully treat the disease.
The pair of local researchers are also developing a new memory test and changes to MRIs that could aid the early diagnosis of dementia in patients.
While over 25 diseases and conditions can lead to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stands out as the most common cause.
The condition causes the loss of cognitive abilities impairing a patient’s memory, language skills, problem-solving and thinking, which can hinder their daily activities.
Reports by the Alzheimer Society of Canada states that more than 700,000 people in Canada are currently impacted by the progressive neurological condition.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada projects cases of dementia to grow to roughly 1 million by 2030, and nearly double to 1.7 million by 2050.
Also among the presenters was Dr. Joshua Armstrong from the Alzheimer Society of Canada, whose research detailed the changing landscape of those with living with dementia.
In addition to his insights into the prevalence of dementia within Indigenous populations, Armstrong also documented differences between cases based on a patient’s ethnicity or gender.
The researchers offered two free sessions to attendees at Art Windsor-Essex on Tuesday.
