Taking a daily fibre supplement can improve brain function in those aged over 60 in just 12 weeks, a study has found.

The pills can improve performance in memory tests associated with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers at King’s College London.

Dr Mary Ni Lochlainn said she is ‘excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks’, adding: ‘This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our ageing population.

‘Unlocking the secrets of the gut-brain axis could offer new approaches for living more healthily for longer.’

The study, published in Nature Communications, tested two plant fibre supplements – inulin and FOS – which help healthy bacteria grow in the gut. The pills were given to one half of 36 pairs of twins, with the others given a placebo.

Taking a daily fibre supplement can improve brain function in those aged over 60 in just 12 weeks, a study has found (Stock Photo)

Dr Mary Ni Lochlainn said she is ‘excited to see these changes in just 12 weeks’, adding: ‘This holds huge promise for enhancing brain health and memory in our ageing population’ (Stock Photo)

The pills can improve performance in memory tests associated with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers at King’s College London (Stock Photo)

Those taking the pills did better in a Paired Associates Learning test, an early marker for Alzheimer’s, and tests of reaction time and processing speed.

Professor Claire Steves said the pills, which are cheap and available over the counter, ‘could benefit a wide group of people in these cash-strapped times’.