29 July 2023 , 13:00
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Parmesan cheese is often used in pasta dishes for additional flavour and texture, but did you know the kitchen staple could also improve memory in older people?
According to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, probiotics found in the smelly cheese may be key to boosting memory and facilitating healthier brains.
The study, which involved people aged 52 to 75 with mind cognitive impairment, found brain test scores had improved after three months of consuming the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). They also identified a link between mental improvement and changes in the participants' gut microbiome.
What’s more, participants with mild cognitive impairment were found to have a higher number of Prevotella microbes in their gut, which suggests that gut flora and fauna can serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline.
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Parmesan cheese could also improve memory in older people (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The scientists found that Prevotella abundance decreased when the participants with mild cognitive impairment received LGG probiotics, which correlated with better cognitive scores.
Therefore, the findings suggest that manipulation of the gut microbiota by probiotics could lead to healthier brains and improved memory in older adults.
LGG is found in parmesan, yoghurt and fermented food such as kimchi and sauerkraut, and is also available as a supplement.
Mashael Aljumaah, of North Carolina State University, said: “The implication of this finding is quite exciting, as it means that modifying the gut microbiome through probiotics could potentially be a strategy to improve cognitive performance, particularly in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
“This adds a new layer to our understanding of the microbiome brain-gut connection and opens up new avenues for combating cognitive decline associated with ageing.”
The expert highlighted that most research focuses on severe forms of cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, but these conditions are harder to treat as they are more advanced.
Aljumaah added: “In contrast, we focused on mild cognitive impairment, which can include problems with memory, language, or judgement.
“Interventions at this stage of cognitive impairment could slow down or prevent the progression to more severe forms of dementia.
“By identifying specific shifts in the gut microbiome associated with mild cognitive impairment, we're exploring a new frontier in preventive strategies in cognitive health.”
The researcher concluded: “If these findings are replicated in future studies, it suggests the feasibility of using gut microbiome-targeted strategies as a novel approach to support cognitive health.”
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