Research indicates that combining prebiotics with protein powder might lower the risk of dementia. In this study conducted in the UK, 36 pairs of twins, all over the age of 60, participated. They were given protein powder, but only half of them received a prebiotic, a supplement that can help good bacteria grow in the gut.
After a span of three months, the results were interesting. The twins who took both the protein and the prebiotic performed better on cognitive tests compared to those who only had the protein. They also made fewer errors on tasks aimed at identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, which impacts about seven million Americans.
Dr. Mary Ni Lochlainn, the lead researcher and a geriatric specialist at King’s College London, expressed her excitement about the outcome, noting significant improvements in just 12 weeks. This suggests a lot of potential for enhancing brain health and memory among older adults.
The researchers theorize that the prebiotic may have utilized the gut-brain axis, promoting beneficial bacteria growth in the intestines that could reduce inflammation in the brain and enhance cognitive function.
For years, the gut-brain axis—a network connecting the digestive system to the nervous system—has been regarded as an important link between gut health and mental health. Some experts have posited that the myriad microbes residing in the gut could potentially affect mood and cognition.
Using twins for this study minimizes the genetic variability that could influence the results. However, it is worth noting that the sample size was small, so further research with a larger group would be necessary to verify these findings.
Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic explain that the gut-brain axis might help explain common sensations like “gut feelings” or having “butterflies” in the stomach. They also suggest that a balanced gut microbiome could enhance brain function. There are indications that an unbalanced microbiome might raise the risk for conditions like autism in children, as well as depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Still, experts remain cautious, pointing out that a lot of existing research is still in its early stages. This particular study was published in the journal Nature Communications, where participants were given a protein powder known as BCAA, typically used to support muscle growth.
Half of the participants also received the prebiotic inulin and fructooligosaccharides, components that are often found in plants. These prebiotic supplements are quite accessible, costing around $3 per pill.
The twins taking both the protein and prebiotic scored higher on cognitive assessments designed to detect early Alzheimer’s signs. Stool sample analyses revealed that those receiving prebiotics had increased levels of Bifidobacterium, a type of healthy bacteria beneficial for immune function and digestion.
The research team concluded that simple and affordable gut microbiome interventions could enhance cognition in older adults. Yet, they also highlighted that these results only apply to healthy adults and not those already diagnosed with dementia.
Doctors from Johns Hopkins have described a “second brain” in the gut, formed by an extensive network of nerve cells lining the digestive tract. While these cells don’t think like those in the brain, they seem to relay signals that can affect mood.
Some studies have linked gastrointestinal issues to changes in mood, particularly in patients with irritable bowel disease. Notably, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that can severely impact daily life, gradually impairing memory, speech, and self-care abilities.
The number of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s is increasing, with projections indicating nearly 13 million cases in the U.S. by 2050, nearly double the current figure. Symptoms can include forgetting names or familiar objects and unexpected emotional changes.
While there isn’t a definitive cure yet, there are medications available that may slow the disease’s progression. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unclear, but researchers suggest it might be linked to protein accumulations in the brain or vascular damage.
Additionally, participants in the study also engaged in weight-lifting sessions twice a week, performing exercises like squats and calf raises. Ultimately, no significant differences in muscle growth or chair rise times were noted at the study’s conclusion. Researchers speculated that the duration might have been too short to detect any changes in muscle mass.
