BEIJING, Jan. 10 — Long term cell phone usage may not only prevent Alzheimer’s, it may even reverse some of the effects of the disease, a new study was quoted as saying by media reports Sunday.

In mice prone to an animal form of Alzheimer’s disease, long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation typical of cell phones slowed and reversed the course of the illness, according to the study conducted by researchers from the University of South Florida in the United States.

The findings provide “striking evidence for both protective and disease-reversing effects” of long-term exposure to radiation at cell phone levels, researchers said.

The study also suggested that even the “normal” mice showed improved memory cognition.

But some experts cautioned that the science in the study is still very early.

Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 in 10 adults over the age of 55. Previous data has shown that every 5 years after the age of 60, the odds for developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles. 

On Xinhua Web site: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/10/content_12784399.htm