Nutrient Mix Shows Promise in Improving Memory

Posted on Jan. 15, 2010, 6 a.m. in Amino Acids | Brain and Mental Performance | Fatty Acids, Lipids & Oils |

In that in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, patients typically suffer a major loss of the brain connections necessary for memory and information processing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT; Massachusetts, USA) researchers have formulated a combination of three naturally occurring precursors to the fatty molecules that make up brain cell membranes (uridine, choline and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA), along with selected co-factors (including B vitamins, phosopholipids and antioxidants), in an effort to promote growth of brain synapses.  When administered to a group of 225 study participants for 12 weeks, 40% of the subjects displayed marked improvements in tests of verbal memory (as compared to 24% of controls).  Further, as noted by the team:  “Supplementation … improved memory (delayed verbal recall) in mild [Alzheimer’s Disease] patients.”

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Philip Scheltens, Patrick J.G.H. Kamphuis, Frans R.J. Verhey, Marcel G.M. Olde Rikkert, Richard J. Wurtman, David Wilkinson, Jos W.R. Twisk, Alexander Kurz. “Efficacy of a medical food in mild Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, controlled trial.”  Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, January 2010, Vol. 6, Issue 1, Pages 1-10.e1.

  

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