Mushrooms May Help Prevent Cognitive Decline in Elderly

Are you suffering from memory loss? Eating mushrooms can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and keep memory-robbing diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia at bay.

Eating mushrooms may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.//

Older adults who eat mushrooms more than twice a week can halve their risk of losing memory as well as language and attention skills, a key factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease, finds a new study.

Mushroom Types - Edible and Poisonous
Mushrooms are a connoisseur's gastronomic delight loaded with health benefits. Some kinds of mushrooms belong to the medicinal group, a few others are poisonous.

‘Elderly people who eat mushrooms more than twice a week can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and keep memory-robbing diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia at bay.’
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The study, led by a team from the National University of Singapore, found that even one small portion -- three quarters of a cup -- of mushrooms a week may still be beneficial to reduce the chances of mild cognitive impairment.

It also improved their cognitive tests and led to faster processing speed.

"This association is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline," said lead author Lei Feng, Assistant Professor at the varsity.

Are Mushrooms Good or Bad?
Mushrooms are true wonder foods with numerous health benefits. But be warned there are poisonous mushrooms too. Mushrooms are world’s greatest untapped resources of nutrition.

The reason could be a specific compound found in almost all varieties of mushrooms called ergothioneine (ET).

"ET is a unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which humans are unable to synthesise on their own. But it can be obtained from dietary sources, one of the main ones being mushrooms," added Irwin Cheah, researcher from the varsity.

Magic Mushrooms can Lead to New Treatments for Neurological Disorders
The mystery behind what makes magic mushrooms magical has been identified. A cluster of five genes behind the production of psilocybin, which is a compound known to bring about psychedelic effects of the mushrooms.

For the study, the team collected data from more than 600 men and women aged above 60.

Other compounds contained within mushrooms may also be advantageous for decreasing the risk of cognitive decline.

Magic Mushrooms may Trigger Creative Insights Within Brain
While psychedelic drugs do leave one in a dream-like state, they are also beneficial to the brain.

Source-IANS