Nutritional drink could have memory benefits for people with Alzheimer's, study claims
Published 18 July 2012
A nutritional drink could have a beneficial effect on the memory of people with mild Alzheimer’s according to research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
A 48-week trial of the Souvenaid medical food - produced by yoghurt makers Danone - also indicated that it was safe and well-tolerated by participants.
The trial, which involved 238 people with mild Alzheimer's found that people who took 125ml of Souvenaid a day for 48 weeks had significant improvements in memory score.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'People shouldn't get excited that an off-the-shelf drink is going to transform the lives of people with dementia. While this study showed some benefits for memory, there's no evidence it has any effect on other symptoms such as activities of daily living. It would also cost people a princely sum to stock up on the quantities used in the trials.
'People would be much better off putting the money they would spend on this drink towards gym membership or a few games of tennis. Regular exercise is a far more effective way of reducing cognitive decline. One in three people over 65 will develop dementia. It's vital we continue to fund research into new treatments.'
Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society
