It has been demonstrated that taking a daily fiber supplement can improve cognitive performance in older persons in as little as 12 weeks, opening the door for a new tool in the fight against dementia.
The results of the study demonstrated that prebiotics, which are plant fibers that support the growth of good bacteria in the stomach, can be easily and affordably added to a diet to enhance memory on tests linked to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Over the course of three months, it was shown that the supplements, inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), had no effect on muscle strength.
“This has a great deal of potential to improve memory and brain function in our aging population.
“Uncovering the mechanisms underlying the gut-brain axis may present novel avenues for extending healthy life expectancy.”
Researchers from King’s College London’s TwinsUK, the biggest adult twin registry in the UK, examined the potential effects of addressing the microbiota, or the bacteria in the gut, on the health of muscles and the functioning of the brain.
For a period of 12 weeks, thirty-six twin pairs, or 72 individuals, who were over 60, were given either sachets containing the real supplement or a fake one.
To enhance muscle function, every participant in the trial consumed a protein supplement and engaged in resistance training.
Researchers observed the group remotely using video, online surveys, and cognitive tests. They discovered that the fiber supplement significantly altered each participant’s gut microbiome’s (bacteria’s) makeup.
The study, which was published in Nature Communications, found that beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium were particularly abundant.
In assessments of brain function, such as the Paired Associates Learning test, which is an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as tests of reaction time and processing speed, the group that took the fiber supplement performed better.
According to researchers, these precautions are necessary for routine tasks like responding to traffic or preventing a minor stumble from becoming a fall.
Professor of Ageing and Health at King’s College London and senior author Claire Steves stated: “These plant fibers, which are inexpensive and available over-the-counter, could benefit a wide group of people in these financially tight times.”
“They are also appropriate and safe. The next thing we need to do is check if these impacts hold true for longer times and for larger populations.
It follows the discovery that a “wonderful” supplement enhanced cognition, lifespan, and vision.