Can Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Improve Impaired Brain Function? Yes Says a New Study

The loss of memory begins as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and can lead to early Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and causes great fear and disability in many people. Strategies to halt and even reverse these developments are needed. Food based support of brain function has been shown with the MIND diet. 

BACKGROUND

Both MCI and early AD are characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown leading to abnormal BBB permeability ahead of brain atrophy or dementia.

Previous findings in AD mouse models have reported the beneficial effect of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) against AD, which improved BBB and memory functions and reduced brain amyloid-β (Aβ) and related pathology.

Are the same findings true in humans with MCI and early AD?

STUDY

The effect of daily consumption of EVOO for 6 months in MCI subjects on BBB permeability (assessed by contrast-enhanced MRI), and brain function (assessed using functional-MRI) as the primary outcomes was assessed. Cognitive function and AD blood biomarkers were also assessed as the secondary outcomes.

Twenty-six participants with MCI were randomized with 25 participants completed the study. The amount of olive oil was 30 ml (one ounce) a day.

EVOO significantly improved clinical dementia rating (CDR) and behavioral scores. EVOO also reduced BBB permeability and enhanced functional connectivity. Moreover, EVOO significantly reduced blood Aβ₄₂/Aβ₄₀ and p-tau/t-tau ratios, suggesting that both altered the processing and clearance of Aβ.

CONCLUSION

EVOO improved a dementia rating and behavioral scores as well as enhancing brain connectivity and reduced BBB permeability, suggesting EVOO biophenols contributed to such an effect.

This proof-of-concept study justifies further clinical trials to assess olive oil's protective effects against AD and its potential role in preventing MCI conversion to AD and related dementias.

This small study follows several very large reports of the health advantages of EVOO in patients with coronary artery disease previously discussed here.