Scientists have linked the improvement in memory to changes in individuals' gut microbiome. The supplement LGG is also present in parmesan, yogurt, and fermented foods.
Research suggests that the solution to preventing memory loss in old age may be a probiotic found in parmesan and yogurt.
A recent study uncovered that individuals with mild cognitive impairment who received the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for a three-month period experienced enhancements in their cognitive scores. These improvements were associated with changes in their gut microbiome, which refers to the diverse collection of bacteria found in our digestive system.
The researchers from the University of North Carolina suggest that these findings could mark a "new frontier" in preventive strategies to combat memory loss.
LGG, which is readily available as a supplement, can also be found in parmesan, yogurt, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.
For the study, scientists enlisted 169 participants aged between 52 and 75 years old, categorizing them into two groups based on whether they had mild cognitive impairment or a healthy brain.
Within each group, participants were randomly assigned to receive either the LGG probiotic or a placebo, and the trial lasted for three months.
Additionally, the researchers utilized gene sequencing to examine the gut bacteria of the participants.
Their analysis revealed that participants with mild cognitive impairment had higher levels of a bacteria called Prevotella in their gut compared to those with normal cognitive function.
This suggests that the composition of the gut microbiome could potentially serve as an early indicator for mild cognitive impairment, allowing for interventions to be implemented earlier, according to the researchers.
Additionally, they found that participants with mild cognitive impairment who received the LGG probiotic experienced a decrease in the amount of Prevotella present over the three-month trial period.
This change in gut bacteria coincided with improvements in cognitive scores, indicating that taking the probiotic could potentially enhance brain health in older adults, as per the researchers' observations.
Author Mashael Aljumaah stated, "The implication of this finding is quite exciting, as it means that modifying the gut microbiome through probiotics could potentially be a strategy to improve cognitive performance, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment."
While many studies focus on severe cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia, which are more challenging to reverse or treat, the researchers chose to focus on mild cognitive impairment, which includes memory, language, or judgment problems.
By targeting this stage of cognitive impairment, interventions could potentially slow down or prevent the progression to more severe forms of dementia.
By identifying specific shifts in the gut microbiome associated with mild cognitive impairment, the researchers are exploring a new frontier in preventive strategies for cognitive health.
• Consume a minimum of 5 portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. This includes fresh, frozen, dried, and canned options.
• Base your meals on starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, or other wholegrain sources.
• Aim for 30 grams of dietary fiber per day, which can be achieved by consuming the following: 5 portions of fruits and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat cereal biscuits, 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread, and a large baked potato with the skin on.
• Incorporate dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) into your diet, choosing lower-fat and lower-sugar options.
• Include beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat, and other protein sources in your diet. Aim to have 2 portions of fish every week, with one being oily fish.
• Opt for unsaturated oils and spreads in small amounts.
• Stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 cups/glasses of water per day.
• Limit salt intake to less than 6g and saturated fat to 20g for women or 30g for men daily.
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