PsyPost reports:

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that a daily fiber supplement could improve brain function in older adults. Researchers found that in just 12 weeks, participants who took the supplement showed better performance in memory tests that are often used to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. This placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted on twins over the age of 65, offering insight into how gut microbiome interventions could benefit cognitive health in older adults.

As the global population ages, more people are experiencing cognitive decline, which often progresses into dementia. With rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia expected to rise, there is a growing interest in finding ways to preserve cognitive function in older adults. Currently, exercise and a healthy diet are known to slow some of the effects of aging, but many older adults face challenges in sticking to exercise routines.

In recent years, researchers have also started exploring the link between gut health and brain health, known as the gut-brain axis. The gut microbiome—the community of microbes in the digestive system—plays a critical role in overall health. Some research suggests that changes in the gut microbiome could contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, though the exact mechanisms are still being studied. [Continue reading…]