Immune Systems Advisor

One key focus of research on mushrooms is their potential effects on dementia, a disease that can have a severe impact on a person’s cognitive and behavioral response, reducing his or her ability to lead a normal life. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. In March, the Alzheimer’s Association of the United States released data indicating that there are about 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and above suffering from Alzheimer’s, and that without many breakthroughs in prevention, mitigation, or treatment, this number could reach 13.8 million by 2060. Evidence has suggested that mushrooms, which are a rich source of the potent antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione as well as vitamin D, may have neuroprotective properties. A 2022 study  analysed data from older adults aged ≥ 60 years from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mushroom intake was measured using up to two 24-h dietary recalls and was categorised into three groups (lowest, ...