A 66% Memory Improvement… in Alzheimer’s Patients?!

Most people associate Alzheimer’s with memory loss. But the toll it takes goes far beyond.

Alzheimer’s patients face increasing difficulty with speaking and making simple decisions, not to mention significant personality changes.

And that’s the shortlist.

But if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, there ARE ways to put the brakes on the disease and sometimes even improve symptoms.

In fact, a recent study identified a healthy drink that can improve memory tests in Alzheimer’s patients by an incredible 66 percent.

We now know that gut health impacts more than just digestion.

A growing body of research shows it significantly affects your brain through the gut-brain axis—a  communication pathway that impacts your mood, emotions, and brain function.

One of the best ways to boost gut health (and everything connected to it) is by increasing beneficial bacteria. You can do this by taking probiotics or by eating more fermented foods.

With that in mind, researchers wanted to find out if a fermented milk drink called kefir—which is rich in beneficial probiotics—could make a difference to those already battling the disease.

Participants with Alzheimer’s took a kefir supplement (2 mL per kilogram of weight) every day for 90 days.

At the end of the study, they had experienced a:

• 66 percent improvement in memory tests
• 28 percent improvement in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores

As an added benefit, they had improvements in markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, two underlying issues that impact the development and progression of Alzheimer’s.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen kefir’s remarkable ability to boost brain health. Earlier animal studies found that the probiotic beverage helps reduce neuroinflammation and the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques.

These days, you can purchase kefir at just about any grocery store. It can be enjoyed plain, added to smoothies, or used as a base for overnight oats.

Alzheimer’s or not, kefir represents a simple way to boost your overall gut health—plus all the brain benefits that come along with it.

Beyond kefir, there are several other ways to nurture your gut microbiome and support brain health at the same time.

Incorporating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential fuel for beneficial bacteria. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi offer additional probiotic benefits. And don’t forget the importance of limiting processed foods and sugar, which can disrupt gut balance.

Whether you’re concerned about Alzheimer’s or simply want to optimize your overall health, taking steps to improve your gut health today could pay off in better brain health tomorrow.

P.S. Predict dementia a DECADE early?! Here’s how…

View Sources

Tanure, Y. C. B., Mafra, A. C. M., Guimarães, B. L. M., Magalhães, R. C., (2025). Potential benefits of kefir and its compounds on Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review. Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative, 10, 100115