Mushrooms can fight Alzheimer’s, dementia

Mushrooms can enhance nerve growth in the brain and can cut or delay development of age-related illnesses such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.

In a new study, experts claim both diseases will affect close to 42 million by 2020, worldwide.

Instances of Alzheimer’s and dementia in the south of India has been found to be 14 per cent, according to a 10year-study that was carried out in the region.

Neurologists say the study has revealed that certain edible and medicinal mushrooms have bioactive compounds that offer neuro-protective and cognitive benefits, to protect against brain inflammation, which is a major contributor of neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr Rama Krishna, a senior neurologist said: “The degeneration due to ageing is seen in those above 65. India has 7.4% of senior citizens with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The diseases are on the rise and food sources play an important role in controlling the degeneration.”

Current medication is only having a symptomatic effect on the diseases. “We have to look at dementia and Alzheimer’s on a wider spectrum as patients come with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and cardiac diseases. In this condition, there is an overdose of medicines and those which are given by neurologists also have side-effects. So the treatment requires a medication regime which should ensure that healthy body parts are not damaged,” a senior doctor said.

The study found that certain edible and medicinal mushrooms have bioactive compounds that offer neuro-protective and cognitive benefits