Beat those senior moments with parmesan cheese

Worried about those senior moments?  Start eating more parmesan cheese and yoghurt, both rich in a probiotic that can combat memory loss.

The probiotic, LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnoses GG), has reversed cognitive problems in just three months in a group of older people who had been demonstrating early signs of mental decline, which can include problems with memory, speech or judgement.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina tested LGG on a group of 169 participants, aged between 52 and 75, half of whom had no cognitive problems.  The group was either given LGG or a placebo for three months.  

The researchers discovered that those who were demonstrating early cognitive decline also had higher levels of the bacteria, Prevotella, in their gut, which suggests a connection between gut health and mental sharpness.

LGG reduced Prevotella levels in those with mental problems, and their cognitive scores improved by the end of the three months of the study.  

Tests for Prevotella levels in the gut could give an early indicator of cognitive decline when something could still be done about it, the researchers say.  

LGG is also in fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut and is available as a supplement.

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