Recent studies have highlighted the potential cognitive benefits of taking a daily fiber supplement in older adults, showing significant improvements in brain function in just 12 weeks.
The study, conducted by a team of researchers including Mary Née Loughran, involved twins over the age of 65 and found that a simple, inexpensive fiber supplement could improve performance on memory tests often used to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings demonstrate the broader impact of gut health on cognitive function and suggest that the gut microbiota may play an important role in maintaining brain health as we age.
Study design and results
The researchers looked at the effects of prebiotic fibres such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are known to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Thirty-six pairs of twins were enrolled in the study, with one twin receiving a placebo and the other receiving a fibre supplement daily for three months.
This double-blind, randomized controlled trial ensured that the results were not influenced by placebo effects or bias. Participants were monitored remotely through video calls, online questionnaires, and a battery of cognitive tests, including the Paired Associates Learning Test.
These tests are particularly sensitive to early detection of cognitive decline and are often used in Alzheimer’s disease research. Results showed that the group taking the fiber supplement performed significantly better and made fewer errors on these tests compared to the placebo group. “Such positive results in just 12 weeks hold great promise for improving brain health and memory in an ageing population,” the researchers commented.
The role of the gut microbiome in brain health
One of the study’s main findings was that subjects who took the fiber supplement experienced significant changes in the composition of their gut microbiota. The supplement led to an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, which are known to have a positive impact on health. “The fiber supplement led to significant changes in the composition of the subjects’ gut microbiota,” the study said, highlighting an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria.
The researchers believe that these changes in the gut microbiome may have contributed to the observed cognitive improvements.
“The gut-brain axis, a complex communication network linking the gut and the brain, plays a key role in regulating various bodily functions, including mood and cognitive processes. This study suggests that enhancing gut health through dietary intervention may support brain health and delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.”
Future research and its implications
The promising results of this study highlight that dietary fiber may support cognitive health in older adults through its effects on the gut microbiome. The study design also demonstrated the feasibility of conducting such studies remotely, which is particularly beneficial for targeting older adults who may have mobility or health limitations.
The researchers plan to continue their study by investigating whether these cognitive gains persist over the longer term and in a larger, more diverse population. They also want to explore other dietary interventions that may have a similar effect on the gut-brain axis.
“We hope that better understanding the gut-brain connection will lead to new approaches to help people live longer, healthier lives,” the researchers said, highlighting the broader implications for public health and ageing.
This study opens the door to new preventive strategies against cognitive decline and may provide a simple, affordable way to improve quality of life for older adults.
