- Researchers investigated the effects of the bodybuilding supplement HMB on Alzheimer’s disease markers in mice.
- HMB improved cognitive ability and reduced the buildup of amyloid plaques in mouse models of Alzheimer’s.
- Further studies are needed to see how these findings may apply to humans.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative condition worldwide and the most
Research is ongoing to develop treatments and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s. There is currently no cure for the condition.
One study found that a bodybuilding protein supplement called β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyric acid (HMB) may protect against age-related cognitive decline in rats. HMB is available as an over-the-counter supplement and is generally considered safe to use.
Understanding more about how HMB affects cognitive decline could aid the development of Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention strategies.
Recently, researchers examined the effects of HMB on mouse models of Alzheimer’s.
The study was published in
The researchers began by studying the effects of adding HMB to cultured mouse hippocampal neurons. The hippocampus is an area of the brain linked to memory formation and retrieval. It is among the first areas of the brain that are damaged in Alzheimer’s.
Ultimately, the researchers found that HMB significantly increased the density of dendritic spines—small protrusions from neurons that help them communicate with each other. Larger and more dense dendritic spines indicate better functioning neuronal circuits.
They further found that HMB increased levels of various neurotrophic factors that are known to aid neuronal function. These included BDNF—known to stimulate the growth and differentiation of neurons and synapses, and…
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