A
brain-boosting milkshake that is said to reduce symptoms of early Alzheimer's
has gone on sale in the UK today. The drink contains a mix of ‘memory boosting’
nutrients including those found in breast milk and herring. The ‘medical food’
comes after a decade of research into a formula food that might improve the
brain function of people in the early stages of the disease.
The makers of Souvenaid claim it can help reduce the symptoms of early Alzheimer's
Souvenaid,
taken as a 125ml once-a-day drink, has ingredients that work together to boost
brain cells important for memory. It contains omega 3 fatty acids, the nutrient
found in fish, which is known to be good for the brain, with a daily dose
equivalent to eating three or four herrings. The drink also contains two other
compounds normally present in the blood - uridine, which is produced by the
liver and kidneys and found in breast milk, and choline found in meat, nuts and
eggs - B vitamins and other nutrients.
It will
be available over-the-counter in pharmacies and online at £3.49 for a daily
dose - adding up to almost £1,300 a year - and consumers have to confirm they
have consulted a doctor or other health professional. Studies originally
carried out by researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggest it
helps improve memory performance after six months in people with mild
Alzheimer’s who are not taking drugs. However, a study on people with moderate
Alzheimer’s who were on prescribed medication found no improvement.
Some have welcomed Souvenaid for
providing a new dietary aid to improve the health of early Alzheimer’s
patients, but critics warned it was an expensive option that was less effective
than drugs. Around 800,000 people in the UK live with dementia, of which
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. The loss of connections in the
brain called synapses which help relay information is one of the key features
of early Alzheimer’s. The three main compounds in Souvenaid are needed by brain
nerve cells to make phospholipids, the primary component of cell membranes that
form synapses.
Dr David Wilkinson, Consultant in
Old Age Psychiatry, said ‘Alzheimer’s disease is not part and parcel of aging
but a serious and progressive disease of the brain which prevents us from being
able to retain new memories. ‘As we age, our bodies become less efficient at
processing essential nutrients, meaning that we need to increase our intake of
food to absorb the same amount of nutrients in order to maintain a healthy
body. In the same way, we need the right nutrients for our brains to keep them
healthy. ‘Alzheimer’s disease sufferers often find it very difficult to get
everything they need through diet alone and the nutritional intervention by the
use of Souvenaid is a new area of research offering promising results for the
management of early Alzheimer’s disease.’
The Alzheimer's Society has warned the milkshake 'is a lot less effective than current drugs available for people in the early stages of dementia'
Products marketed as food for
special medical purposes do not have to go through the same EU regulatory
process as drugs. But they have to prove they are ‘safe and beneficial and effective
in meeting the particular nutritional requirements of the persons for whom they
are intended’ and must be taken under medical supervision. People buying
Souvenaid, which comes in two flavours vanilla and strawberry, are being urged
to speak with a doctor, specialist nurse, dietitian or pharmacist first.
Professor Clive Ballard, director
of research at the Alzheimer’s Society charity, said ‘People shouldn’t get
excited that an off-the-shelf drink is going to transform the lives of people
with dementia. ‘While past studies of this product have showed some benefits
for memory, there is no evidence that it has an effect on other aspects of
thinking or everyday life and there was also no benefit on other symptoms of
dementia. ‘This is likely to cost about £1000 a year and is a lot less
effective than current drugs available for people in the early stages of
dementia. ‘For many older people with dementia where finances might be tight,
people are probably much better off putting their money towards good quality
care or taking part in exercise. ‘One in three people over 65 will develop
dementia. It’s vital we continue to fund research into new treatments to enable
people to live well with the condition.’
Barbara Stephens, chief executive
of Dementia UK charity, said ‘A diagnosis of dementia is devastating both for
those with the condition and their families and carers. ‘Early stage intervention is important for
maximising choices and enabling people with dementia and their carers to lead
healthier lives for longer.’ Souvenaid is made by Nutricia, the medical foods
division of Danone Research.
Source: Daily Mail UK
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