A groundbreaking study has turned the spotlight on an affordable supplement that could enhance cognitive function among older individuals in mere weeks, offering a potentially significant weapon against Alzheimer’s. Astonishingly, this wonder pill is just an ordinary daily fibre tablet – and researchers believe there’s an important link between our gut health and brain.
Senior author Professor Claire Steves, of Kings College London, explained in March: « We are excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks. This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our ageing population.
« Unlocking the secrets of the gut-brain axis could offer new approaches for living more healthily for longer. » Within the study, scientists assigned 36 twin pairs aged over 60 to receive either a placebo or the supplement every day for 12 weeks.
This part of the experiment was completely ‘double-blind’, meaning that neither the scientists or participants knew who received what until the process was complete. Alongside the trial, all 72 subjects were involved in resistance training and consumed protein supplements to improve muscle function.
Findings later unveiled that the participants who received the fibre tablets performed better in cognitive exams, such as the Paired Associates Learning test, which is commonly used as an ‘early marker for Alzheimer’s disease’. And while there was no significant difference in muscle strength between the groups, fibre-consumers also had better reaction times and processing speeds.
The results come at a time when approximately 982,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. This is forecasted to rise to a worrying 1.4million by 2040.
However, Professor Steves and her team are ‘excited’ by the results hat could provide a glimmer of hope. « These plant fibres, which are cheap and available over the counter, could benefit a wide group of people in these cash-strapped times, » Professor Steves continued. « They are safe and acceptable too. Our next task is to see whether these effects are sustained over longer periods and in larger groups of people. »
Worried that you or a family member is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease? The NHS’ full list of its earliest symptoms are below:
- Forgetting about recent conversations and names of objects or places
- Having trouble thinking of the right words
- Asking questions repetitively
- Showing poor judgement or finding it difficult to make decisions
- Becoming less flexible in trying new things
- Misplacing items
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