An amino acid supplement reverses mental decline

A simple amino acid supplement could reverse cognitive decline, such as memory loss.

The supplement, D-serine, counteracts the loss of menin, a protein in the hypothalamus that controls inflammation, memory and other aging-related changes.

The hypothalamus, a small region of the brain that regulates metabolism, hormones, body temperature, sleep, and stress responses, could be a key driver in the ageing process, including cognitive decline.

As levels of menin in the brain fall, so normal cognitive processes start to get affected, say researchers from Xiamen University in China.  But the decline can be arrested by supplementing with D-serine, an amino acid that also functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. D-serine helps regulate communication between neurons and is important for learning and memory.

Natural levels start to fall as menin declines, but the process can be reversed by taking supplements or eating a D-serine rich diet, which includes foods such as soybeans, eggs, fish, and nuts.

The positive effects of D-serine supplements have so far been demonstrated only in mice, and the researchers can’t be certain the same improvements would be seen in people.

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