A group of scientists in Waterford have discovered a blend of nutritious supplements that could slow down the onset of Alzheimer's.
After an 18-month study examining the effects of nutritional compounds in foods such as trout, broccoli and peppers on people suffering from Alzheimer’s.
The researchers from the Nutrition Research Centre of Ireland say that the study has yielded a “statistically significant” finding and have described it as a “breakthrough”.
The studies examined the subject’s responses to two different combos of nutritional supplements.
The first used three supplements called macular carotenoids, while the second used these same supplements plus a specially designed fish oil.
The study was performed on 25 patients and 15 controls.
The conclusion found that the ones who were on the supplement with the fish oil maintained cognitive abilities and quality of life far more than those taking the first combo of supplements.
Participants were “overwhelmingly” identified to have a range of positive cognitive outcomes, including functional benefits in memory, sight and mood.
Cambridge University academic Dr Alan Howard – who pioneered the study – said: “This represents one of the most important medical advancements of the century.
“Alzheimer’s disease is the largest public health crisis we face and drug companies have so far fallen at every hurdle in finding a solution.”
He also suggested that larger studies would now be needed to come to a more comprehensive conclusion.
