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Green tea has tons of health benefits and a recent study has shown that it could also help people with Down’s syndrome.
Scientists and doctors who conducted a year-long clinical trial revealed that a treatment using green tea resulted in improved scores in behavior and memory tests among those with the condition. The study was reported in The Lancet Neurology.
Epigallocatechin gallate, a compound present in green tea, was proven to alter the way neurons in the brain connect with one another based on brains scans taken.
Eighty-four young adults who took part in the study were divided into two groups. The first group was asked to drink decaffeinated green tea supplement with 45 percent Epigallocatechin gallate and get weekly online cognitive training. The second group received the same training but was given a placebo.
The participants then took cognitive tests after three, six, and 12 months.
Results showed that there was little to no change in most categories. However, the group which had green tea scored significantly better in terms of adaptive behavior, ability to remember patterns, and verbal recall.
They also showed improvement over time.
The study’s senior author Mara Dierssen said it was the first time “that a treatment has shown efficacy in the cognitive improvement of persons with this syndrome.”
Despite the significance of their findings, Dierssen warned that it should not be interpreted as a cure.
“But it may be a tool to improve these individuals’ quality of life,” Mara added.
