What are two substances you would never imagine would help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease? If you answered Marijuana and Red Wine, you’d be absolutely correct. And according to researchers from UCLA and the University of Ohio, they do!

According to this article, “Scientists are gaining a clearer understanding of the mechanics of memory deterioration and discovering some promising approaches to prevention.”

Gary Wenk, a psychologist from the University of Ohio, found that a synthetic drug much like THC lowers inflammation in the part of the brain associated with short-term memory and stimulates the growth of new brain cells. When tested on elderly rats, those who had been given the THC treatment performed better at memory tests than the control group, who had not been given the THC-like drug.

Similarly, polyphenols, a natural component of red wine are responsible for blocking the formation of the toxic plaque long-associated with the destruction of brain cells and the reduction of pre-existing deterioration.

David Teplow, a neurologist from UCLA, extracted polyphenols from grape seeds and gave them to rats exposed to Alzheimer’s disease. He concluded that the polyphenols block the formation of toxic aggregates in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Gary Wenk noted that to be completely effective, treatment must start before memory loss is obvious.

Last year, the New York Assembly voted to pass legislation that would make it legal to use marijuana medicinally under a doctor’s care. The Senate Majority Leader, Joe Bruno, quickly killed the bill. On Wednesday, The New York Assembly voted again, 89-52, to pass Assemblyman Richard Gottfried’s (revised) medical marijuana bill, A.4867B.

Similar to the laws in effect in the other 12 medical marijuana states, this bill allows registered patients to grow plants for their own medicinal use. As soon as the Federal government gives the state permission, it will start regulating distribution. A.4867B is more strict in that it will apply strictly to patients with life-threatening or debilitating conditions, who’s doctors believe marijuana would be the most effective treatment.

Monday, June 23rd, is the day the Senate will adjourn, and New York state needs you to help convince the Senate, and Joe Bruno, to pass this legislation. First, call Joe Bruno. Urge him to bring the bill to a vote. After that, call your senator, whether you already have or not, and have them commit to asking Joe Bruno to bring the bill for a vote.

With nearly the entire state medical community and 76% of voters supporting medical marijuana, there is no good reason for them not to take up the bill! Many senators, including Joe Bruno, have expressed their support for medical marijuana; it’s up to you now to make them take action on their words.