A study shows that eating refined diets lacking fiber for just three days can impair memory in aging rats, especially affecting the amygdala, with low fiber and butyrate levels linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive deficits, highlighting the importance of dietary fiber for brain health in older adults.
Lifelong social housing in rats preserves memory and cognitive flexibility during aging by enhancing hippocampal activity and neural balance, highlighting social connection as a key factor in protecting brain health in old age.
A twin study conducted by researchers at King's College London suggests that taking daily protein and prebiotic supplements, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), can improve memory test scores in people over 60. The supplements were also linked to changes in the gut microbiome, particularly an increase in beneficial Bifidobacterium. This finding holds promise for enhancing brain health and memory in the aging population, and supports the growing evidence of the close relationship between the gut and the brain. While the study shows potential for treating cognitive decline, further research is needed to determine the sustained effects and broader applicability of these supplements.
A study tracking the sleep and cognitive function of nearly 350 people over two decades found that getting just 1% less deep sleep each year increases the risk of dementia by 27%. Deep sleep, which occurs mostly in the first three hours of the night, supports the aging brain by facilitating the clearance of metabolic waste, including proteins that aggregate in Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining or enhancing deep sleep could potentially reduce the risk of dementia.
Neuroscientist Professor Adam Brickman, who studies the aging brain at Columbia University, has started taking multivitamins after his own research showed that older adults may derive subtle memory benefits from them. While multivitamins are generally considered useless, recent studies, including Brickman's own, suggest that they may have a small but real impact on memory in aging brains. The studies showed that older adults who took a daily multivitamin performed better on memory tests compared to those who took a placebo. However, the memory improvement was marginal and did not treat cognitive diseases. Brickman believes that the benefit of multivitamins is significant enough to influence his own choices, but he emphasizes that nutrient-rich food should still be the primary source of vitamins for everyone.
Chronic constipation has been found to be associated with cognitive decline and could be a risk factor for dementia, according to a study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. Researchers discovered that individuals with constipation showed signs of an "older" brain compared to those with regular bowel movements. These individuals also performed worse on memory and thinking tests, equivalent to three years of aging. While the study does not prove that constipation causes the aging brain to deteriorate faster, it adds to the growing evidence connecting gut health to brain health. Experts emphasize the importance of discussing gut health, particularly constipation, with older patients, as addressing these issues may help reduce the risk of dementia.
A study published in Nature Aging found that a single injection of the klotho protein led to modest improvements in cognitive function in older monkeys, with effects lasting for two weeks. Klotho, a protein produced by the kidney, has been linked to health and lifespan. The protein represents a promising avenue for researching the rejuvenation of brain function in older adults, as cognitive decline from aging is a pressing biomedical problem. The study's findings suggest that klotho injections could potentially improve working memory in humans, although further research is needed to determine optimal dosing and long-term effects.
A study published in Nature Aging found that a single injection of the klotho protein led to modest improvements in cognitive function in older monkeys, with effects lasting for two weeks. Klotho, a protein produced by the kidney, has been linked to health and lifespan. The protein represents a promising avenue for researching the rejuvenation of brain function in older adults, as cognitive decline from aging is a pressing biomedical problem. The study raises the possibility of using klotho injections to improve cognitive function in humans, although further research is needed to determine optimal dosing.
A study published in Nature Aging has found that a single injection of the klotho protein led to modest improvements in cognitive function in older monkeys, with effects lasting for two weeks. Klotho, a protein produced by the kidney, has been linked to health and lifespan. Previous studies have shown that higher levels of klotho are associated with better cognitive performance in humans and mice. The researchers believe that klotho represents a promising avenue for researching the rejuvenation of brain function in older adults and are planning to test lower doses in human clinical trials.
Running, particularly in middle age, can rewire aging brains and preserve memory functions by increasing the survival and modifying the network of adult-born neurons born during early adulthood, according to a study by Florida Atlantic University and CINVESTAV. Long-term running significantly increases the number of adult-born neurons and enhances their connection to the neural network, preserving memory functions. Chronic exercise starting in young adulthood and continued through middle age helps maintain memory function during aging, emphasizing the need for exercise in daily routines.
Two breakthroughs have been made in the field of dementia research. One is a new drug that could potentially slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and the other is a cognitive training program that has shown promising results in improving memory and cognitive function in older adults. With six million people in the US suffering from Alzheimer's disease and many more experiencing cognitive impairment, these breakthroughs offer hope for better treatment and management of these conditions.