New gum could help dementia sufferers

A chewing gum which claims to help memory loss and poor concentration could be used in the treatment of those suffering dementia.

A chewing gum which claims to help memory loss and poor concentration could be used in the treatment of those suffering dementia.

Scientists in Japan haveproven that chewing prevents memory loss in the elderly. Memory Plus gum containsphosphatidyl serine (PS), a nutrient derived from soya lecithin. Alternative practitioners believe the combination of the stimulating action of chewing with PS will improve mental awareness and the powers of concentration.

Nari Sadhuram, animporter of alternative treatments, said: "PS is a relatively expensive nutrient and therefore not the first thing to experiment with for brain function. But if a two to four-week trial produces noticeable results in memory and concentration in a person suffering loss in those areas, then it is worth its weight in gold."