Daily Supplements for a Sharper Mind in Seniors

Boosting brain function in seniors could be as simple as taking daily protein and prebiotic supplements. A groundbreaking study of twins found that these supplements can improve memory in people over 60.

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Key Findings: Supplements Improve Memory

The study showed that daily protein and prebiotic supplements help seniors perform better on memory tests. These tests are similar to those used for detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

Study Details

Researchers at King’s College London conducted a double-blind trial with 36 pairs of twins over 60 years old. Each pair was split, with one twin receiving a prebiotic in protein powder and the other a placebo. The prebiotics used were inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), both cheap and available over the counter. After three months, the twin taking the prebiotic generally scored higher on cognitive tests.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Prebiotics like inulin and FOS are non-digestible fibers that support gut health by stimulating beneficial gut microbes. The study found that these supplements increased levels of beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacterium, which previous studies on mice suggest can improve cognitive function by supporting gut-brain connections.

Promising Results

Researchers observed positive changes in the gut microbiome and cognitive test scores after just 12 weeks. Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn, a geriatric medicine researcher at King’s College, stated, “This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our aging population.”

Twin Studies: Valuable Insights

King’s College hosts the UK’s largest adult twin registry, making twin studies ideal for understanding the effects of genetics versus environment on health. Previous rodent studies have shown that high-fiber supplements can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria linked to better cognitive function.

Gut-Brain Axis: A Growing Field

The study adds to growing evidence of a close relationship between the gut and brain, sometimes referred to as the body’s “second brain.” However, how these two systems interact is still not fully understood.

Future Research

While the study shows promise, muscle loss did not improve with the supplements, despite their role in musculoskeletal health. Dr. Claire Steves, a geriatrician at King’s College, mentioned, “Our next task is to see whether these effects are sustained over longer periods and in larger groups of people.”

Considerations

The trial’s participants were mostly female, and though the researchers adjusted for sex differences, selection bias might exist. Females are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s, highlighting the importance of considering external factors in cognitive decline.

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Feeding the gut with certain prebiotics could be a new approach to treating cognitive decline and other illnesses. Further research is needed to confirm these findings over longer periods and in diverse populations.

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References

• King’s College London study on twins and supplements
• Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn’s comments on brain health
• Dr. Claire Steves’ insights on future research

By understanding the gut-brain connection better, we might unlock new ways to enhance brain health and treat cognitive decline in our aging population.