ISLAMABAD – Drinking five cups of coffee a day could reverse memory problems seen in Alzheimer’s disease, suggested a US study.
Researchers from University of South Florida, US, used behavioural tests to confirm the mice were exhibiting signs of memory impairment when they were aged 18 to 19 months, the equivalent to humans being about 70, BBC health reported.
Then they gave half the mice caffeine in their drinking water. The rest were given plain water. The mice were given the equivalent of five 8 oz (227 grams) cups of coffee a day - about 500 milligrams of caffeine.
The researchers said that this is the same as is found in two cups of “specialty” coffees such as lattes or cappuccinos from coffee shops, 14 cups of tea, or 20 soft drinks.
When the mice were tested again after two months, those who were given the caffeine performed much better on tests measuring their memory and thinking skills and performed as well as mice of the same age without dementia.
Those drinking plain water continued to do poorly on the tests. In addition, the brains of the mice given caffeine showed nearly a 50 per cent reduction in levels of the beta amyloid protein, which forms destructive clumps in the brains of dementia patients.
The researchers also suggest that caffeine suppresses inflammatory changes in the brain that lead to an overabundance of the protein.  Earlier, research by the same team had shown younger mice, who had also been bred to develop Alzheimer’s but who were given caffeine in their early adulthood, were protected against the onset of memory problems.
Anxiety, stress can be treated naturally
Everybody experiences anxiety sometimes. Often people feel anxious, nervous or worried when faced with a problem or when considering an important decision. But anxiety disorders are of an entirely other magnitude. These can include generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and obsessive compulsive disorder. These various expressions of anxiety can interfere with one’s ability to lead a normal life. However, Kava root from the South Pacific enjoys several human clinical studies demonstrating efficacy in treating mild to moderate anxiety. In human studies, kava has performed as well as the benzodiazepine class of drugs (Valium, Xanax), but without negative effects. Kava has attracted the attention of senior researchers at the National Institutes of mental health as a result.
In 2001, Duke University Medical Center doctors conducted two studies on kava extract. One study showed that kava is safe for the liver, causing no noticeable problems. The other study (A placebo-controlled study of Kava in generalised anxiety disorder.) showed that kava extract is as effective for the treatment of anxiety as the benzodiazepine class of drugs without the hazards caused by those drugs. The best way to use kava is as a concentrated extract, either in capsule or tablet form. Liquid extracts are also available and work rapidly, for those who don’t mind kava’s challenging flavor.
In addition, Passionflower herb for nerve calming purposes consists of the fresh or dried aboveground parts of Passiflora incarnata and their preparations.  Passionflower is a protective antioxidant powerhouse. The plant contains the antioxidant compounds vitexin, isovitexin, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, apigenin and luteolin glycosides. The plant also contains indole alkaloids, fatty acids, gum, maltol, phytosterols, sugars and a trace of volatile oil. Purely from a protective standpoint, passionflower is quite extraordinary. The quercetin in passionflower is one of the most powerfully protective compounds known, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
The British Herbal Compendium describes the actions of passionflower as sedative, anxiolytic, and antispasmodic. Numerous studies support central nervous system sedative and anxiolytic effects. The British Herbal Compendium indicates its use for sleep disorders, restlessness, nervous stress and anxiety. Other uses include neuralgia and nervous tachycardia. Germany’s Commission E has approved the internal use of passionflower for nervous restlessness. Passionflower supplements in capsules or tablets are readily available, as are fluidextracts. The fluids work faster, but any of these forms spell relief.
As early as 300 BC, lemon balm was described in the Historia Plantarum of Theophrastus. Early Arab healers commented on the benefits of lemon balm. Eleventh century Arab physician Avicenna noted “balm makes the heart merry and joyful, and strengthens the vital spirits.” In ancient Greek and Roman medicines, lemon balm was used to treat poisonous bites and stings and as a dressing for wounds. In the middle ages, lemon balm was employed to relieve stress and anxiety, promote sleep, ease indigestion and lift the spirits.
In one study of healthy volunteers, a daily dose of 600 mgs of lemon balm for a week improved mood, and boosted both calmness and alertness.  Several studies show that lemon balm, in conjunction with other herbs such as valerian, hops and chamomile, enhances sleep. My favorite way to use lemon balm is as a calming, relaxing tea. It’s inexpensive, and imparts a tranquil feeling in minutes.
Some extreme cases of anxiety are non-responsive to either synthetic or natural remedies. But for many people who suffer from mild to moderate anxiety, these natural remedies can make a real difference. Before you escalate to drugs that may impart effects you don’t want, give these a try.