We found out just how popular the subject of cognition is with the media when a new research study was announced on walnuts and Alzheimer’s disease in October.
The animal study indicated that a diet including walnuts (the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 ounces daily in humans) may have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk, delaying the onset, slowing the progression of, or possibly preventing Alzheimer’s disease[1]. Led by Abha Chauhan, PhD at the New York Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, the study found significant improvement in learning skills, memory, reducing anxiety, and motor development in mice fed a walnut-enriched diet. It’s important to note that as an animal study, more research will be needed to assess the effect on humans.
The Commission issued a press release to announce the findings and media attention has been widespread. In the weeks following the announcement, California walnuts received over 123 media clips in broadcast, print and online outlets in the U.S. market. Total impressions have reached 69.9 million, which indicates the number of times the coverage has been viewed. A sampling of the outlets includes Washington Post, Huffington Post, Fox News, Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and Food Product Design.
[1] Muthaiyah B, Essa MM, Lee M, Chauhan V, Kaur K, Chauhan A dietary supplementation of walnuts improves memory deficits and learning skills in transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2014 Jan 1;42(4):1397-405.
