Probiotics for cognitive health and healthy aging

The focus on healthy aging is becoming increasingly significant in the US as life expectancy continues to rise.

The population of people aged 65 and over in the US is predicted to almost double over the next three decades – increasing from 48 million to 88 million by 2050.¹ Older adults are one the fastest growing groups in the country. By 2030, Baby Boomers will be aged 65 or older, meaning one in every five US residents will be at retirement age.²

Older adults require more healthcare services than younger demographics; the majority of older adults have at least one chronic condition that requires care.³ Older adults also vary in their demographic characteristics, which can lead to varying requirements for health services.³

The ageing process comes with a range of health risks, including increased susceptibility to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, with instances of dementia increasing, particularly as aging populations grow.⁴ Cognitive health is an important aspect of aging.

The importance of cognitive function

As people are living longer, there is concern that they may spend a significant proportion of their lives suffering age-related diseases. This includes cognitive decline which can be particularly challenging, both personally and economically.⁵

Cognitive health is crucial to maintaining independence and quality of life, as it enables individuals to manage daily tasks and adapt to changes or challenges. Approximately two in three Americans experience some level of cognitive impairment around 70 years old.⁶

Cognitive decline can be influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. Once cognitive health begins to decline, individuals can lose sense of self, independence, and quality of life – underscoring the importance of preventive care and healthy habits.

Understanding memory function

An important aspect of cognitive health is memory function as it serves as the foundation for learning and personal identity. There are three recognised phases to memory function:⁶

Encoding This is the first step in memory formation, where sensory input – such as visual or auditory information – is transformed into a neural representation the brain can store. Engaging multiple senses, such as smell and touch, can enhance this process.
Consolidation During this stage, encoded information is stabilized and stored in long-term memory. Factors such as adequate sleep and stress management are essential for this process, as they support the brain’s ability to strengthen neural pathways.
Retrieval This involves accessing stored memories and relies on activating specific neural pathways. Familiarity with the material and contextual cues can improve retrieval.

Cognitive health and memory are closely interconnected. An active, stimulated mind strengthens memory processes, while regular use of memory – through activities like puzzles or learning new skills – promotes overall cognitive resilience.

Probiotics for cognitive health

As Americans increasingly become aware of the benefits of healthy aging, and prioritize their cognitive health, innovative solutions in the biotics space are being developed to offer tailored support to individuals and support more fulfilling lives into older age.

The global increase in sales of probiotics-based products, such as supplements and in functional foods, is estimated to reach $75 billion by 2025.⁷ This exponential growth continues to attract interest from supplement and food manufacturers when developing new products with probiotics.

Alongside this, research into the gut-brain axis – a bidirectional network connecting the brain and central nervous system and the gut – continues to expand. The gut microbiota is said to play a key role this connection by producing neurotransmitters which impact mood and cognitive function.

The gut-brain axis also suggested to regulate inflammation and stress signal, influencing wider cognitive and physical health by linking gut health to brain function.

Research exploring the relationship between the gut and the brain suggests that the gut microbiota can influence cognitive health and support positive cognitive outcomes.⁸ Alongside this, clinical evidence increasingly suggests that certain strains of probiotics can promote health benefits, helping to support gut health and wider health effects, such as cognitive health and memory function.

When probiotics are incorporated into a healthy diet, for example via nutritional supplements and functional food, some specific strains have been shown to support gastrointestinal wellbeing and in turn, lead to improvements in cognitive function.

Spotlight On: A unique probiotic strain

Bifodobacterium breve MCC1274 is a unique probiotic strain developed by Morinaga Milk by focusing on the link between the gut and the brain.

The cutting-edge product won Ingredient of the Year: Cognitive Function at the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards in 2023. It has clinically proven effects in reaching the gut and working on the brain to maintain memory function, which is part of cognitive function that declines with age in middle-aged adults.

Its dedicated efficacy in cognitive health to support optimal brain function, especially memory function, thereby supports healthy aging at a time where is it most needed on a global level.

In this Spotlight On, in partnership with Morinaga Milk, the panel will explore healthy aging in relation to brain function and share the latest research on the role of MCC1274 in cognitive health.

Experts from Morinaga Milk, regulatory and consumer insights will discuss the potential mechanisms through which probiotics interact with the brain and influence cognitive processes, and learn how they can add outstanding value in the evolving functional food and supplements market.

You will deepen your understanding into ways in which to educate consumers about the differences between the various biotics in order to establish a common terminology.

Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve into the fascinating world of probiotics and explore the remarkable benefits of MCC1274 in enhancing cognitive health.

Register here for ‘Probiotics for cognitive health in an ageing world’ and join us on 27 February at 3pm SGT to learn more about this unique probiotic strain.

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