Scientists linked memory loss and a lack of certain substances
It turns out that a poor diet can contribute to age-related memory loss. However, the situation can be reversed.In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists confirmed a link between a flavonoid-deficient diet and age-related memory loss. What's more, biologists found that if diet is corrected, the pathological process can be reversed. This confirms the theory that in old age, as in childhood, the brain needs special nutrition. The goal is to prevent cognitive decline.
Flavonoids are substances of plant origin. Getting into the human body with food, they activate enzymes. Among other things, they are known for their antioxidant properties.
The study involved 3,562 healthy adults, with an average age of 71. Participants were randomly selected to take either a placebo or a supplement containing 500 mg of flavanols, including 80 mg of epicatechins. Scientists have increasingly linked them to brain function, metabolism, maintenance of muscle mass and cardiovascular health.
Memory tests were repeated every 12 months for three years. Urinalysis also confirmed that flavanol levels were consistent with baseline study data and accurately reflected the cohort taking the supplements.
At the end of the first year, those who reported a flavanol deficient diet and received the supplement had a 10.5% improvement in memory scores compared to those who took the placebo and a 16% improvement from their baseline memory scores. The improvements persisted over the three-year study. Participants who did not have nutritional deficiencies did not significantly benefit from the supplements.
The study is based on a 15-year study by biologists who examined the relationship between changes in the dentate gyrus -- a special area at the epicenter of learning and memory, the hippocampus -- and age-related memory loss, and how flavanols can improve executive function.
Flavanols are found in many plant foods, including leafy green vegetables, berries, apples, onions, citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, tea and chocolate. Although the amount varies depending on quality, 20 g of dark chocolate contains about 35 mg of flavanols, and a medium-sized apple contains 10 mg. The daily recommended dose is 500 mg.
While the study confirmed the researchers' hypothesis that a lower intake of flavanols may lead to a decline in age-related memory function, the researchers stress that more experiments are needed to prove a causal relationship.
The study is published in the journal PNAS.