ASU researchers looking at common supplement to battle Alzheimer’s

Arizona State University researchers are looking at the nutrient choline as a way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Research with mice shows that choline helps reduce the activation of microglia, specialized cells that rid the brain of debris. When over activated, microglia can lead to neuronal death and brain inflammation. Choline also blocks production of amyloid-beta plaques, caused by the protein fragment beta-amyloid, which can lead to nerve cell death. Ramon Velazquez, a lead author of the new study and a researcher in the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, tells us more.