Researchers have suggested that baking soda could help reduce the chances of developing dementia by 51%. The study indicates that sodium bicarbonate, commonly used in cooking, may prevent the build-up of harmful acids in the body that can damage brain cells and lead to memory loss. This substance is already utilized as a low-cost drug on the NHS for patients with advanced kidney disease.
The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania, analyzed health records of 122,000 individuals over the age of 50 who had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, a potential early sign of dementia. The findings revealed that those who took baking soda were significantly less likely to develop severe forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Additionally, the study referenced a separate investigation suggesting that the NHS shingles vaccine might reduce dementia risk by up to 20%, based on research from Stanford University. The University of Pennsylvania team has called for further studies to explore the potential cognitive benefits of baking soda, noting that it may influence cognitive function due to its effects on blood acidity.
Dr. Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer's Society emphasized that while drug repurposing is a promising area of research, the current study does not confirm that sodium bicarbonate can prevent or treat dementia. He advised against using baking soda for this purpose without further clinical trials to establish its efficacy. Currently, nearly one million individuals in the UK are affected by dementia, a number expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments.