A study published in The Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology has suggested that the eating habits of those suffering from Alzheimer’s may have an effect on their cognitive abilities.

The research involved two groups of mice being fed two different diets over the course of 5 months. A precious study had shown that foods rich in methionine – an amino acid – were able to increase the symptoms of dementia within mice, and as a result scientists deduced that it may be effective in the increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

The most recent study sought then to determine if the methionine induced effects could be counteracted and even reversed. For 3 months one group of mice was fed a methionine filled diet, whilst the other group ate a healthy, balanced diet. The mice on the methionine diet were then introduced to a healthy menu, and the results were analysed after another 2 months.

The scientists found that the negative effects suffered following the 3 month period eating the amino acid had been reversed. The discovery demonstrated the capability of the brain to counteract the damaging effects it has endured. However, the study is far from conclusive, not least due to the fact that the test subjects were mice.

There is uncertainty regarding the applicability of such results to humans.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research Trust commented on the findings, reminding us that:

“This research is on mice, but the Alzheimer’s Trust is supporting work looking at the effects of this type of diet on people. We look forward to the results but at the moment we don’t yet know if this type of diet could have beneficial effects for people with Alzheimer’s.”

Health insurance comparison site Quoteboffin.co.uk have given their backing to the research findings, insisting that:

“Any investigation into the causes and potential treatments for this disease are crucial, as research is the main tool we have in the battle against Alzheimer’s.”

Another piece of research carried out recently, revealed that people with larger craniums possess better cognitive abilities, including memory and thinking skills. 270 patients were recruited for the trials, the results of which were published in the Neurology journal.

Via EPR Network
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