Ergothioneine for Memory: Can It Slow Cognitive Decline?

observational-study PMID: 39544014

Ergothioneine for Memory: Can It Slow Cognitive Decline?

Quick Summary: A recent study suggests that taking ergothioneine, a natural compound, might help improve memory and learning in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The research showed that ergothioneine was safe and could potentially slow down the decline in brain health.

What The Research Found

This pilot study looked at whether ergothioneine could help people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that can lead to memory problems. The study found that people taking ergothioneine showed improvements in their ability to learn and remember things. They also had stable levels of a marker in the blood that indicates brain damage, suggesting ergothioneine might protect the brain.

Study Details

Who was studied: 19 adults aged 60 and older who had mild cognitive impairment.
How long: The study lasted for one year (12 months).
What they took: Participants took either 25 mg of ergothioneine in a capsule, three times a week, or a placebo (a dummy pill).

What This Means For You

This research is promising, but it's important to remember it's a small study. If you're concerned about memory loss or cognitive decline, here's what you can take away:

Ergothioneine is safe: The study showed that ergothioneine didn't cause any harmful side effects.
Potential benefits for memory: Ergothioneine might help improve memory and learning.
Talk to your doctor: If you're interested in ergothioneine, discuss it with your doctor. They can help you understand if it's right for you and how it might fit into your overall health plan.

Study Limitations

Small Study: The study only included a small number of people, so more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Dosage Frequency: The study used a dose of 3 times a week, which may not be the optimal frequency.
More Research Needed: While promising, this is just one study. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits of ergothioneine.

Key Findings

The study found that daily supplementation with ergothioneine (25 mg/capsule, 3 times/week) for one year improved learning ability (measured by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test) and stabilized plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels—a biomarker of neuronal damage—in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). No adverse effects on blood counts, kidney, or liver function were observed, confirming its safety. Placebo group showed no cognitive improvements and a significant increase in NfL levels.

Study Design

This was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03641404) conducted over 12 months. A total of 19 participants aged ≥60 years with MCI were enrolled. The study was classified as observational, though its methodology included interventional elements (randomization and controlled dosing).

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 25 mg of ergothioneine per capsule, taken three times per week (total weekly dose: 75 mg). The placebo group received identical capsules without ergothioneine. Compliance was monitored via capsule counts.

Results & Efficacy

Cognitive Performance: Ergothioneine group showed improved learning ability on the RAVLT, while the placebo group did not.
Neurodegeneration Biomarker: NfL levels increased significantly in the placebo group (p < 0.05) but remained stable in the ergothioneine group.
Safety: No changes in renal/liver function or blood counts were observed in either group, consistent with prior safety data.

Limitations

Small sample size (n=19 total) limits statistical power and generalizability.
Dosing frequency: Supplementation only 3x/week may not reflect optimal dosing; daily intake could yield stronger effects.
Short duration: 12 months may