Nikita Mistry

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in cognitive and memory deficits and deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the cortex and hippocampus are thought to be significant contributors to the disease process. Increasing evidence suggests that foods rich in polyphenols, such as pomegranates and grapes, may have neuroprotective effects in both rodents and humans. Our previous research has shown that a pomegranate-enriched diet decreased Aβ plaque load and improved behavior in Tg2576 mice. In this study, we determined whether a grape-enriched diet altered Aβ neuropathology and TBI in PSAPP mice. Mice received either craniotomy or a moderate TBI. Naïve mice (non-injured) underwent anesthesia. Mice consumed either a grape-enriched or a control diet for 8 weeks. Behavioral tests were administered 2 weeks after injury. CCI mice showed significant motor and memory deficits, with no effect of diet. The grape-enriched diet trended towards the reduction of lesion volume and motor deficits in craniotomy mice. Most surprising, CCI reduced fibrillar Aβ plaque load while diet did not have an affect on AD neuropathology. These results suggest that brain injury may be neuroprotective against the progression of AD.

LLU Discipline

Experimental Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Hartman, Richard E.

Second Advisor

Haerich, Paul

Third Advisor

Pop, Viorela

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2014

Date (Title Page)

12-2014

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Alzheimer Disease; Brain Injuries; Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy; Neurofibrillary Tangles; Grape See Extract; Flavonoids - Therapeutic Use; Phytotherapy; Disease Models - Animal; Mice

Subject - Local

Neurodegenerative Disorders; Cognitive and Memory Deficits; Polyphenols; Neuroprotective Effects

Type

Thesis

Page Count

143

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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