London: A groundbreaking study involving twins has revealed that daily protein and prebiotic supplements can improve memory test scores in people over 60. This finding, which could have implications for early Alzheimer’s detection, was published in the journal Nature Communications.
Researchers from King’s College London conducted a double-blinded trial with 36 pairs of twins. Each pair was split, with one twin receiving a daily prebiotic (either inulin or fructooligosaccharides) in a protein powder, while the other received a placebo. After three months, those taking the prebiotics scored higher on cognitive tests.
The study highlighted changes in the gut microbiome of the twins taking prebiotics, particularly an increase in beneficial Bifidobacterium. Previous research on mice suggests that Bifidobacterium can reduce cognitive deficits by regulating gut-brain connections.
“We are excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks. This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our aging population,” said Mary Ni Lochlainn, a geriatric medicine researcher at King’s College London.
King’s College, home to the UK’s largest adult twin registry, emphasizes the value of twin studies in distinguishing genetic from environmental health effects.
Past research suggests high-fiber supplements like inulin and FOS foster beneficial bacteria in the colon, linked to better cognitive function in mice and humans. The recent study adds to the growing evidence of the gut-brain connection, with some experts referring to the gut as the body’s ‘second brain’.
While the study found cognitive benefits, physical benefits such as muscle loss reduction were not observed. “These plant fibers, which are cheap and available over the counter, could benefit a wide group of people in these cash-strapped times,” noted geriatrician Claire Steves at KCL.
The study primarily involved female twins, who are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s. This supports the idea that cognitive decline may involve factors beyond the brain.
The research team aims to investigate whether these cognitive benefits are sustained over longer periods and in larger populations, potentially offering a new approach to treating cognitive decline by targeting the gut microbiome.
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