Extra virgin olive oil improves learning and memory in SAMP8 mice

J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;28(1):81-92. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2011-110662.

Abstract

Polyphenols are potent antioxidants found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO); antioxidants have been shown to reverse age- and disease-related learning and memory deficits. We examined the effects of EVOO on learning and memory in SAMP8 mice, an age-related learning/memory impairment model associated with increased amyloid-β protein and brain oxidative damage. We administered EVOO, coconut oil, or butter to 11 month old SAMP8 mice for 6 weeks. Mice were tested in T-maze foot shock avoidance and one-trial novel object recognition with a 24 h delay. Mice which received EVOO had improved acquisition in the T-maze and spent more time with the novel object in one-trial novel object recognition versus mice which received coconut oil or butter. Mice that received EVOO had improve T-maze retention compared to the mice that received butter. EVOO increased brain glutathione levels suggesting reduced oxidative stress as a possible mechanism. These effects plus increased glutathione reductase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased tissue levels of 4-hydroxynoneal and 3-nitrotyrosine were enhanced with enriched EVOO (3 × and 5 × polyphenols concentration). Our findings suggest that EVOO has beneficial effects on learning and memory deficits found in aging and diseases, such as those related to the overproduction of amyloid-β protein, by reversing oxidative damage in the brain, effects that are augmented with increasing concentrations of polyphenols in EVOO.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Butter*
  • Coconut Oil
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / administration & dosage*
  • Maze Learning / physiology*
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Olive Oil
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology
  • Plant Oils / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • Olive Oil
  • Plant Oils
  • Butter
  • Coconut Oil