Abnormal protein aggregates in the brain, called “Tau,” are a telltale characteristic of Alzheimer’s. But interestingly enough, this study demonstrated Amino LP7 supplementation may reverse the aforementioned negative effects of a low-protein diet in mice, even with Tau aggregates.

“We have shown that it is possible to overcome this Tau deposition and prevent brain atrophy via supplementation with Amino LP7,” Akihiko Kitamura Ph.D. says. But why?

Based on their findings, it appears Amino LP7 may protect the brain by reducing brain inflammation, as well as preventing kynurenine, an inflammation inducer, from getting into the brain in the first place. Not only does this prevent inflammatory immune cells from attacking existing neurons, but Amino LP7 may also reduce neuronal death, plus improve neuronal connectivity and overall brain function.

It’s not too surprising, given that the brain is a muscle that needs to be worked in order to function optimally. Whether that’s through professional employment or other strategies, Dean Sherzai, M.D., and Ayesha Sherzai, M.D., neurologists and directors of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University, say optimizing executive function and challenging your mind becomes increasingly crucial in your 40s and beyond. 

During an episode of the mindbodygreen podcast, Dean said “it becomes exponentially more important to challenge the brain around your purpose as you get older.” Though the research is focused primarily on the benefits of postponing retirement, don’t stress if you’re under 67 and retired! 

“We say, ‘Don’t retire—rewire. Reconnect,’” Dean said. That could look like “managing a team, book clubs, card games, learning to dance, music, taking classes at any age… It should be about more complex things that you enjoy.” Any and all of which can be taken up whether you’re employed or not—but if your job gives you purpose and keeps you active each day, well, you may want to stick with it for the sake of your brain health. 

Researchers from Harvard University looked at nearly 50,000 women around 48 years old and more than 27,000 men around 51 years old at the start of the study. Over the course of 20 years, participants answered survey questions about their food intake. The data was used to determine how many and what type of flavonoids the participants were consuming on a daily basis. 

The participants were also asked to evaluate their cognitive abilities twice during the study to see how their memory and brain function changed over time. At the end of the trial, researchers found people who ate half a serving of flavonoid-rich foods per day had a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline. 

Of the flavonoids eaten, flavones (found in yellow and orange fruits and veggies) and anthocyanin (found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries) had the most protective properties, lowering cognitive decline by 38% and 24% respectively.