Milk Drinkers Up to Age 98 Scored Better on Memory, Brain Function Tests
Regardless of age those who drank at least one glass of milk daily had advantage in mental performance tests
Jan. 30, 2012 Researchers have found that adults up to the age of 98 with higher intakes of milk and milk products scored
significantly higher on memory and other brain function tests than those who drank little to no milk, according to a news release from the
Milk Processor Education Program funded by the nation's milk processors.
Milk drinkers were five times less likely to "fail" the test, compared to non milk drinkers.
Drinking at least one glass of milk each day can not only boost your intake of much-needed key nutrients, but it could
also positively impact your brain and mental performance, according to the study in the International Dairy Journal.
Researchers at the University of Maine put more than 900 men and women ages 23 to 98 through a series of brain tests
including visual-spatial, verbal and working memory tests and tracked the milk consumption habits of the participants.
In the series of eight different measures of mental performance, regardless of age and through all tests, those who drank
at least one glass of milk each day had an advantage.
The highest scores for all eight outcomes were observed for those with the highest intakes of milk and milk products
compared to those with low and infrequent milk intakes.
The benefits persisted even after controlling for other factors that can affect brain health, including cardiovascular
health and other lifestyle and diet factors. In fact, milk drinkers tended to have healthier diets overall, but there was something about milk
intake specifically that offered the brain health advantage, according to the researchers.
In addition to the many established health benefits of milk from bone health to cardiovascular health, the potential to
stave off mental decline may represent a novel benefit with great potential to impact the aging population.
While more research is needed, the scientists suggest some of milk's nutrients may have a direct effect on brain function
and that "easily implemented lifestyle changes that individuals can make present an opportunity to slow or prevent neuropsychological
dysfunction."
New and emerging brain health benefits are just one more reason to start each day with lowfat or fat free milk. Whether
in a latte, in a smoothie, on your favorite cereal, or straight from the glass, milk at breakfast can be a key part of a healthy breakfast
that help sets you up for a successful day. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three glasses of lowfat or fat free milk daily
for adults and each 8-ounce glass contains nine essential nutrients Americans need, including calcium and vitamin D.
Notes:
About the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are
committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board, through MilkPEP, runs the National Milk
Mustache "got milk?" Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information,
go to www.whymilk.com.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Jan. 30, 2012 Researchers have found that adults up to the age of 98 with higher intakes of milk and milk products scored
significantly higher on memory and other brain function tests than those who drank little to no milk, according to a news release from the
Milk Processor Education Program funded by the nation's milk processors.