Red Wine May Slow Alzheimer's

Because it's probably much too late to conceal any bias toward a particular course of prophylactic healthcare, Geezer is pleased to report yet another (and another, and another) health benefit of wine. Science News tells us that resveratrol--one of several antioxidants found in wine--helped human cells break down a harmful molecule that has been linked to Alzheimer's disease. Among the findings published in the November 11 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry is the revelation that 40 micromoles cut levels of the Alzheimer's-associated molecules--amyloid-beta peptides--by more than half. The story reports that the Pinot Noir grape offers more resveratrol than others, but that it's still unclear if any amount of wine can combat Alzheimer's. Researcher Philippe Marambaud, of the Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders in Manhasset, N.Y, told the journal that  a glass of red wine just might do the trick, or at least ease the fear of losing memory. It might even make for some nice ones.