MEDIA ALERT:New Research Suggests Walnuts May Protect Brain Cells and Lower Risk of Developing Alzheimer's Disease

WHAT:	New findings reported in Neurochemical Research found walnut extract to offer cell protection against oxidative stress and cell death caused by Amyloid beta-protein - the major component of amyloid deposits in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
	Free Online Access (Published Online June 25, 2011):
	Protective Effects of Walnut Extract Against Amyloid Beta Peptide-Induced Cell Death and Oxidative Stress in PC12 Cells
	http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&id=doi:10.1007/s11064-011-0533-z
WHO:	Interviews Available:
	Dr. Abha Chauhan: Head, Developmental Neuroscience Lab, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities
	Dr. Chauhan's findings suggest walnuts may hold great promise in fighting neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. "Oxidative stress and inflammation are prominent features in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Walnuts are a nutrient-dense whole food that not only provides antioxidants, but also alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. These components of walnuts offer anti-inflammatory properties and protect brain cells from oxidative damage," states Dr. Chauhan.
	Dr. Joe Vinson, Ph.D.: University of Scranton Department of Chemistry
	"This paper is more evidence that walnuts' antioxidants at physiological concentrations may act as an in vivo antioxidant to protect brain cells," states antioxidant researcher Dr. Joe Vinson. "These positive findings are bringing us closer to understanding how walnuts can offer neurological protection related to chronic brain diseases."
WHY:	According to the National Institute of Health, as many as 5.1 million Americans may currently have Alzheimer's disease. The disease is the fifth leading cause of death in Americans age 65 and older and is expected to increase considerably with the aging of the baby boomer generation(1). Although research has not found a way to prevent dementia or Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline may be preventable. Recent studies suggest that consuming specific foods, being physically active and engaging in social activities may help maintain and improve cognitive health.
(1) http://consensus.nih.gov/2010/docs/alz/ALZ_Final_Statement.pdf

CONTACTS ON BEHALF OF THE CALIFORNIA WALNUT COMMISSION:
Kaley Todd, MS, RD Torme Lauricella Public Relations Phone: [phone] x234 Cell: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]	Heather Town Torme Lauricella Public Relations Phone: [phone] x266 Cell: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

/PRNewswire -- June 30, 2011/

SOURCE California Walnut Commission