Groundbreaking study: Coffee waste may hold key to tackling Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and spinal muscle atrophy are brought on by a gradual loss of neurons or brain cells. These severe and life-threatening conditions can impact patients' everyday activities, affecting balance, movement, speech, breathing, and heart function.

Scientists from the University of Texas at El Paso examined if carbon quantum dots (CACQDs) derived from coffee grounds - a material routinely discarded - could influence the onset and progress of neurodegenerative diseases generated by aging and environmental factors.

The findings indicated that CACQDs can neutralize or eradicate free radicals and amyloid proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. This effect was particularly significant in Parkinson's disease-inflicted damage induced by the pesticide paraquat.

The research team highlighted that these positive effects occurred with negligible side effects. They are optimistic about these results facilitating future therapies based on CACQDs, enabling preventative measures in the early stages of these diseases.

"This could completely change the future of neurodegenerative disease treatments. Current therapies only manage symptoms and don't eliminate the diseases. Our aim is to discover a cure," explains Jyotish Kumar, one of the authors of the study.

Scientists stress the importance of tackling neurodegenerative disorders before they advance to the clinical stage. Their objective is to find a solution that can prevent the majority of these conditions at a cost accessible to as many patients as possible.