The condiment that could stave off cognitive decline in the over 60s
Dr Hilary lists the early symptoms of dementia
It is widely accepted that as we age certain aspects of our cognitive abilities will start to decline.
A small amount of memory loss is considered normal, and it can also be affected by factors such as stress, tiredness and illness.
However, more frequent and serious memory loss, coupled with other changes, could be a sign of dementia.
Although there is no known cure for dementia, there are treatments out there to help ease symptoms.
In recent years there has also been research into lifestyle habits that could boost your brain health with some foods and exercise routines found to be beneficial.
READ MORE ‘Number one best food’ to boost brain health, according to Dr Eric Berg
Now a new study has revealed a popular Japanese condiment could help stave off cognitive decline in adults over the age of 60.
The research, published in the journal Nutrients, found that wasabi could improve memory, performance and processing skills in older people.
Specifically, one of the spice’s active ingredients called 6-methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC) was linked to these benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
As part of the study, conducted by researchers from various universities in Japan, participants were split into two groups.
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The participants were aged between 60 and 80 years of age, and had no history of diabetes, mental disorders, cardiac disease, or cranial nerve disease.
One group was given a wasabi supplement while the other took a placebo every day for 12 weeks.
The wasabi capsule was made up of 100 milligrams (mg) of wasabi extract powder, which contains 0.8mg of 6-MSITC.
Researchers used standardised cognitive assessments to test the participants’ processing speed, attention, short-term memory, working memory, episodic memory, executive functions, and visual–spatial abilities.
The results found that the group taking the wasabi supplements showed “significantly” better performances in episodic and working memory as compared to the placebo group.
Episodic memory refers to memory of everyday events and working memory is the ability to keep information active in your mind for short periods of time.
However, no significant improvements were observed in any of the other cognitive domains.
The study concluded: “6-MSITC is the main bioactive compound of wasabi.
“We investigated the benefits of 6-MSITC intake on cognitive health in older adults.
“The current randomised controlled trial revealed that an intake of 0.8 mg of 6-MSITC for 12 weeks significantly improved memory functioning, including episodic and working memory, compared to the placebo group, but we did not find any significant improvements in other cognitive functions.
“This study is the first to demonstrate that 6-MSITC has a benefit on memory functioning in healthy older adults.”
Wasabi paste is made from the wasabi vegetable, or Japanese horseradish, and is commonly eaten as a condiment with sushi.
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