Cocoa can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease You’re probably thinking if you read this correctly but according to science, it is possible! The reasoning behind this claim is that it is believed that some cocoa extracts contain polyphenols which are the little miracle workers that could potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Obviously this isn’t a clearly stated fact but the research gathered by Dr Guilio Maria Pasinetti, MD, PhD, suggests “there is strong scientific evidence” that shows cocoa extract could “potentially” be used as a “natural source to maintain and promote” a healthy brain. The science behind it believes that the polyphenols found in cocoa extracts play a role in preventing the build up of harmful proteins in the brain which can lead to the damage of synapses and therefore disconnect the neurons. Neurons need to be connected by synapses to perform normal brain functions, including memory retrieval, which is a main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. With this information there has now been a push from scientists to cocoa producers for a need to prepare the cocoa extracts correctly to “succeed in the development of cocoa extract for health benefits”. Source: Coffee & Cocoa International. “Researchers claim cocoa can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease” Coffee & Cocoa International Nov 2015: 17. Print.