New Insights on Dementia Prevention
A recent study indicates that taking prebiotics alongside a protein powder could potentially lower the risk of developing dementia. Conducted by UK scientists, the study involved 36 pairs of twins aged over 60, who were asked to integrate protein powder into their diets. Only half of the participants were given a prebiotic supplement, known to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Study Findings
After a three-month period, the results revealed that the twins who combined both supplements performed better on cognitive tests than those who did not receive the prebiotic. Furthermore, they made fewer errors in tasks designed to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, which affects approximately 7 million Americans.
“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 lead researcher Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn, a geriatrician at King’s College London. The research team believes that the prebiotic may enhance the gut-brain axis, fostering the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria that in turn could mitigate inflammation in the brain and promote cognitive function.
The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut-brain axis is a vital network connecting the digestive system with the nervous system and brain. This relationship has long been recognized as an essential factor influencing both digestion and mental health. Some researchers posit that the trillions of microbes residing in the intestines can affect mood, behavior, and cognitive functions.
According to doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, the gut-brain axis sheds light on everyday experiences known as ‘gut feelings’ or experiencing ‘butterflies.’ There are also indications that an imbalanced gut microbiome may correlate with higher risks of autism in children and increased likelihood of depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.
However, many experts caution that current research remains preliminary.
Details of the Study
Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study provided all participants with BCAA protein powder, priced at approximately $0.70 per capsule, typically used to enhance muscle growth. Those who received the prebiotic inulin—a fiber extracted from roots—and fructooligosaccharides, a plant-based carbohydrate often utilized as a low-calorie sweetener, showed significant cognitive improvements.
Prebiotic supplements are easily accessible both online and in retail stores, generally costing around $3 per pill. Twins who received the combination of protein powder and prebiotic scored higher on Paired Associates Learning (PAL) tests, significantly beneficial for recognizing early Alzheimer’s signs. Stool sample analyses also indicated that twins taking the prebiotic had increased levels of Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacterium linked to improved immune function and digestion.
“Our results demonstrate that cheap and readily available gut microbiome interventions may improve cognition in our ageing population,”
the researchers stated. They noted that further investigation within a larger cohort is needed to substantiate their findings. Importantly, these results were only applicable to healthy adults and not individuals who have already developed dementia.
Further Implications
Experts at Johns Hopkins have referred to the gut as possessing a ‘second brain’—the enteric nervous system—comprising over 100 million nerve cells across the gastrointestinal tract. Though these cells do not operate like those in the brain, they are believed to communicate signals that can influence emotional states.
With Alzheimer’s disease—characterized by gradual cognitive decline—expected to affect nearly 13 million Americans by 2050, understanding risk factors is crucial. Symptoms often include forgetting names, becoming lost in familiar environments, and unexplained emotional shifts.
Muscle Growth Investigation
The study also explored the impact of these supplements on muscle growth. Participants engaged in bi-weekly weight-lifting sessions, including exercises like squats, calf raises, and bicep curls. However, the research did not reveal any significant changes in muscle mass or chair rise times by the study’s conclusion. Researchers suggested that the duration of the study may have been insufficient to detect variations in muscle development.
