Multi-Gene Test May Predict Dementia: Try these Memory Boosting Foods

Would you have imagined that one can predict who will suffer from dementia or cognitive decline? Not really, right? According to a study published in the journal Annals of Neurology, a new test that combines the effects of over two dozen gene mutations, which individually lead to only a small increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, can predict who all will suffer from dementia or cognitive decline. As per the researchers, the method is better than testing only for the well-known genetic variant APOE E4.

The polygenic hazard score (PHS) was a test developed by the research team that provided risk estimates for the remaining 85 to 90 percent of people who do not carry at least one copy of APOE E4 but still have a few combination of other genetic variants that put them under the risk of Alzheimer's. The study looked at five years of data on 1,081 participants who did not suffer from dementia. The PHS test could predict how long it would take for them to progress Alzheimer's dementia even after taking in account whether they were carriers of APOE E4.

The results revealed that even those who didn't carry a copy of APOE E4 variant, a higher PHS was associated with a higher level of amyloid plaque, which is a protein aggregate that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease in the brain.

"Beyond APOE E4 by itself, our polygenic hazard score can identify cognitively normal and mildly impaired older folks who are at greatest risk for developing Alzheimer's-associated clinical decline over time," said Chin Hong Tan, postdoctoral scholar at University of California, San Francisco in the US.

It is imperative to include foods that can help boost your memory to prevent or delay Alzheimer's dementia. Here are some of the memory boosting foods that you could include in your diet:

1. Green Tea

Researchers have found that green tea is an exceptional herbal drink for the brain. Its chemical properties affect the production of brain cells, further improving memory and learning. The study by University in China found the organic chemical EGCG, a key property of green tea that helps against age-related degenerative diseases.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are well-known superfoods that are a rich source of antioxidants and vitamin C. A study by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences found that blueberries can help reverse ageing and improve memory.

3. Chocolate and Red Wine

As per a study conducted by Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin in Germany, red wine and dark chocolate can boost your memory. Both of them are good sources of resveratrol that assists in maintaining sharp memory.

4. Milk

A study conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center found a link between milk consumption and the levels of naturally occurring antioxidant glutathione in the brain in elderly. The findings revealed that milk could improve the functions of the brain.

With Inputs from PTI