Miraculous Japanese herb reduces cognitive decline
A study found that wasabi, a popular Japanese herb, may help prevent cognitive decline in adults over the age of 60.
It is widely accepted that cognitive abilities begin to decline as we age. While a small amount of memory loss is considered normal, factors such as stress, fatigue and illness can also affect cognitive status.
But more frequent and severe memory loss, along with other changes, may be a sign of dementia. Although there is no known cure for dementia, there are treatments to help relieve symptoms.
Research published in the journal Nutrients found that wasabi may improve memory, performance and processing skills in older people.
THEIR MENTAL PERFORMANCE INCREASED
Within the scope of the research conducted by researchers from various universities in Japan, participants were divided into two groups.
Participants were between 60 and 80 years old and had no history of diabetes, mental illness, heart disease or cranial nerve disease. One group was given a wasabi supplement, while the other was given a placebo every day for 12 weeks.
Researchers used standardized cognitive assessments to test participants’ processing speed, attention, short-term memory, working memory, episodic memory, executive function and visual-spatial abilities.
The results found that the group taking wasabi supplements performed “significantly” better in episodic and working memory compared to the placebo group.
