Treating Dementia w/ Lion's Mane
Lion’s Mane has been the focus of studies examining the medicinal properties of its bioactive compounds and its benefits.
In a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial, Lion’s Mane consumption was seen to improve brain power scores in elderly Japanese men and women who had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI can involve problems with memory, language, thinking, and judgment. It is considered to be an intermediate stage between the normal mental decline seen with aging and the more serious brain function deficits seen in dementia’s, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Early clinical trials with one type of polysaccharide found in Lion’s Mane known as beta-glucans show that they have an immune-strengthening effect while being safe to consume, with minimal or no side effects. This is very beneficial for cancer patients, whose immune system is weakened by their disease and by toxic therapies such as chemo and radiation therapy.
Lion’s Mane has also been shown to protect and promote healthy nerve cells in the brain, nervous system and boosting mood and concentration.
Keeping the brain healthy, bio-active compounds known as hericenones and erinacines in Lion’s Mane have been shown to activate a protein peptide in our bodies known as Nerve Growth Factor. NGF vital for the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells in our brain and nervous system.
These naturally occurring Lion’s Mane compounds trigger a process known as re-myelination, which keeps neurons healthy and maintains their ability to conduct electrical signals.
This ability of Lion’s Mane to protect, heal, and regenerate nerve cells will one day make it very useful for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, muscular dystrophy, senility, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions.
Supporting memory and cognition – In testing, Lion’s Mane helped prevent damage to short-term and visual recognition memory.
Both of these types of memories are specifically lost in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. These results suggest that Lion’s Mane may be used to slow down and prevent these memory deficits from happening at all.
Boosting mood & concentration – Lion’s Mane also makes us feel good by reducing levels of anxiety, depression and improving the ability to concentrate. Lion’s Mane can support our mental agility, mood, and concentration as we age.
