Mushrooms Boost Brain Health: Eat Them Twice A Week To Prevent Dementia

Health NATURALNEWS With ever-increasing numbers of people dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, people are looking for ways to prevent themselves and their loved ones from having to face these horrific diseases. While traditional, medical treatments have little to offer, there are some natural treatments that have the potential to help protect against cognitive impairment. For instance, consuming more than 300 grams (g) of cooked mushrooms a week can reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), according to a study by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS). The researchers defined 300 g as two portions, about three-quarters of a cup each. This serving size is only a guideline, however, as the researchers pointed out that eating smaller portions may still offer benefits in terms of fighting MCI. According to Assistant Professor Lei Feng, the lead author of the study: “This correlation is surprising and encouraging. It seems that a commonly available single ingredient could have a dramatic effect on cognitive decline.” Identifying the effects of MCI on older adults Mild cognitive impairment is defined as the stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and dementia. MCI involves memory loss or forgetfulness and a deficit in attention, language, and spatial awareness. However, because MCI’s effects are subtle, older adults often attribute them to aging. “People with MCI are still able to carry out their normal daily activities. So, what we had to determine in this study is whether these seniors had poorer performances on standard neuropsychologist tests than other people of the same age and education background,” explained Feng. To get an accurate diagnosis, the team adopted a version of an IQ test called the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. They then interviewed and tested the participants extensively. “The interview takes into account demographic information, medical history, psychological factors, and […]

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