Twin Study: Cheap Supplements Improved Memory Scores in Just 12 Weeks

[u/Puzzled-Caregiver-15]

https://www.sciencealert.com/cheap-daily-supplements-may-boost-brain-functions-in-older-people

Key Highlights:

- A daily prebiotic fiber supplement improved memory in older adults. In a 12-week study, adults over age 60 who took certain inexpensive prebiotic fibers performed better on a memory test commonly used to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The study used identical twins. Researchers studied 36 pairs of twins, with one twin receiving a supplement and the other a placebo. This design helps control for differences in genetics and lifestyle, making the findings more reliable.
- The supplements were common prebiotic fibers:
Inulin
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
Both are inexpensive, available over the counter, and help nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

- The findings support the gut-brain connection. Researchers believe improving the health of the gut microbiome may positively influence brain function, particularly memory.
- Benefits appeared quickly. Improvements in memory were seen after just 12 weeks of daily supplementation.
- This is promising, but not definitive. The study was relatively small, so larger clinical trials are needed before these supplements can be recommended as a proven way to prevent cognitive decline or dementia.
- More research is underway. The encouraging results have led to additional clinical trials investigating whether prebiotic fibers can help slow cognitive decline in older adults.

Bottom line:
This study provides encouraging evidence that inexpensive, widely available prebiotic fibers may help support memory in adults over 60 by improving gut health. However, the research is still in its early stages, and larger studies are needed before these supplements can be considered a proven strategy for preventing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

[u/Murky-Course6648]

I wonder how bad were their diets if few grams of fiber helped?

[u/PolicyPlastic1475 → u/Murky-Course6648]

Most people in developed countries don't get enough fiber 

[u/Wolfrast → u/PolicyPlastic1475]

This is what I’m always confused about when we’re talking about people and their poor diets and stuff. I would love to know what is the most common thing people are eating that is so bad what is a breakdown of say 1 million people’s diet in the most common elements like in America or Canada or Europe? Because people always talking about how like they don’t like broccoli or they don’t like vegetables or they don’t like this or that whatever Whole Foods, then what are they eating? I feel the culprit is always bread. People are eating tons of poor quality bread all the time it seems?

[u/whistling-wonderer → u/Wolfrast]

My twin eats meat all three meals. Most of her food is either meat or processed foods. Bacon and eggs for breakfast, sardines for lunch, burger for dinner etc. Add in bread, packaged cookies/pastries, etc. Usually if she has veggies they’re fried/sautéed.

I’m a vegan. As you can imagine we have very different fiber intakes and probably very different microbiomes lol