A recent study has revealed that daily protein and prebiotic supplements can enhance memory function in individuals over the age of 60. Conducted by researchers at King’s College London, this pioneering twin study found that participants taking these affordable supplements scored better on cognitive tests, a finding that could have significant implications for addressing age-related cognitive decline.
The research, published in Nature Communications in March 2024, involved 36 pairs of twins aged over 60. Each twin was randomly assigned either a daily prebiotic supplement—comprised of inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)—or a placebo. The results showed that those consuming the prebiotics performed better on a cognitive test three months later, suggesting that these supplements may play a role in improving memory and learning capabilities.
Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In this study, the twins taking the prebiotics exhibited an increase in Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria linked to enhanced cognitive function. Past studies involving mice have indicated that Bifidobacterium can mitigate cognitive deficits by influencing gut-brain communication.
“We are excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks,” said Mary Ni Lochlainn, a geriatric medicine researcher at King’s College London. “This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our aging population. Unlocking the secrets of the gut-brain axis could offer new approaches for living more healthily for longer.”
The findings are particularly noteworthy as they suggest that low-cost prebiotic supplements could be accessible to a wide audience, especially during times of economic strain. “These plant fibers, which are cheap and available over the counter, could benefit a wide group of people,” remarked Claire Steves, another researcher involved in the study.
Despite the promising results regarding cognitive function, the study noted no significant improvements in physical health indicators, such as muscle mass, among participants taking the high-fiber supplements. This discrepancy suggests that while prebiotics may enhance certain cognitive abilities, their impact on other aspects of health may be limited.
Twin studies like this one are invaluable for understanding the interplay between genetics and environmental factors in health. The findings support the notion that cognitive decline may not solely stem from brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease but could also involve other factors, including gut health. The gut’s influence extends to various bodily systems, including the immune system and the central nervous system, highlighting the potential for prebiotics and probiotics to address a range of health issues.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to investigate whether the cognitive benefits observed in this study can be sustained over longer periods and in larger populations. The initial results present a compelling case for the role of diet, particularly the consumption of prebiotics, in maintaining cognitive health as individuals age.
As research continues to explore the connection between gut health and cognitive function, the implications for public health could be profound. The idea of the gut as the body’s “second brain” is gaining traction, and studies like this one further the understanding of how dietary choices can influence mental well-being.
