THE ESSENTIAL
- After age 65, the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease increases. It affects 15% of people over the age of 80.
- Soluble fiber, found in foods such as oats and legumes, is important for “healthy” bacteria that live in the gut.
In recent years, porridge has become the star of breakfast. This dish, called “porridge” in French, consists of oatmeal, rich in dietary fiber, mixed with water or milk. It is appreciated both for its taste and its health benefits. According to a recent study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscienceconsuming porridge every morning would prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Fiber intake
To reach this conclusion, scientists at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, recruited 3,739 people, aged 40 to 64, in good health. Between 1985 and 1999, participants completed a questionnaire on their food consumption, more specifically on their fiber intake. They were then followed from 1999 to 2020. During this period, they noted whether the volunteers had developed dementia requiring care. “Disabling dementia was classified into two categories: with or without a history of stroke”, the authors said.
A 26% reduction in risk
During a follow-up of approximately 19.7 years, 670 cases of disabling dementia were recorded. According to the results, the daily consumption of dietary fibre, in particular soluble fibre, was inversely associated with the risk of disabling dementia. Clearly, the researchers indicated that consuming porridge every day might reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 26%.
“The mechanisms are currently unknown, but they might involve the interactions that take place between the gut and the brain. One possibility is that soluble fiber regulates the composition of gut bacteria. This composition might affect neuroinflammation, which plays a role in the onset of dementia.It is also possible that dietary fiber may reduce other risk factors for dementia, such as weight, blood pressure, lipids and glucose levels. are in their infancy, and it is important to confirm this association in other populations”, explained Professor Kazumasa Yamagishi, lead author of the study, in a statement.
