Adding this common ingredient to diet can improve memory and reduce Alzheimer’s risk

For years, ways to prevent or slow Alzheimer's disease has been a concern among scientists. AD is the most common form of dementia, which affects 60 to 70% of the 57 million dementia patients globally, as per WHO. Medications for this disease have had limited success. Families of Alzheimer patients often went hopeless. But now a fascinating study has offered a glimmer of hope. The findings concluded that this common ingredient can reduce Alzheimer risk and improve memory.

A new study conducted by the researchers of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have found that adding dietary fiber to meals might help restore balance in the gut, strengthen immunity, and even ease some Alzheimer’s-related symptoms.

Key findings of the study

The study was conducted using an advanced genetic mouse model. Researchers found that Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect the brain, but it also disrupts the gut-immune system. Researchers discovered that feeding the mice high-fiber diet enriched with inulin helped restore gut immune balance. Even though the brain plaques were not consistently reduced, the mice showed fewer signs of frailty, reduced tremors and improved overall health.

How can fiber be a gamechanger for AD?

From detecting the risk of Alzheimer even before symptoms arise to finding solutions through everyday habits, modern day science is doing wonders. Fiber could result in a breakthrough as this study explored a less-explored relation between the gut and Alzheimer’s. Here are some points that explain why fiber matters:

Restores gut-immune balance
According to the study, in Alzheimer’s, immune cells in the gut can migrate towards the inflamed brain. This leads the gut to become weaker. Fiber, especially inulin, can help replenish these gut immune cells.

Supports the Gut-Brain Axis
Fiber nourishes microbes that produce molecules that communicate with the brain. These molecules called short-chain fatty acids communicate with the brain and may protect neurons.

Accessible Intervention
Fiber can be a practical tool for supportive care as it is easy to consume through diet.

Reduces Systemic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a major driver of AD and accelerates neurodegeneration. Fiber can improve gut health, and thus it can dampen inflammatory signals.

Practical tips to add more fiber to diet

• Eat more fiber rich vegetables like carrots, onions and leafy greens.
• Snack on fiber-rich fruits like bananas, apples, berries and oranges.
• Swap refines with whole grains like brown rice, oats, barley, quinoa.
• Legumes like lentils, chickpeas are excellent sources of fiber.
• Incorporate smart snacking instead of processed snacks. Choose nuts and seeds.
• Remember to increase water intake when consuming more fiber.

Although, adding more fibers to the diet is simple, safe and can offer multiple benefits. However, It is important to note that the research conducted by Buck Institute for Research on Aging still requires human clinical trials.