Can Lion's Mane Help With Dementia?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia. This can be extremely disheartening - but the good news is that potential medications and supplements could help alleviate symptoms and even slow down the progression of the disease and protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

Lion’s Mane, known scientifically as Hieracium erinaceus, is one such natural remedy that can potentially help with dementia. While it's not a "cure," it could help improve cognitive function and memory.

But how? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. Read on for the links between Lion’s Mane mushrooms and dementia, including the potential benefits of Lion’s Mane, how to take it, and potential interactions with dementia medication.

 

What Are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

Lion’s Mane mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are widely used for their potential health benefits, including boosting brain health.

These mushrooms have a unique and distinct appearance, with long, shaggy white spines resembling the mane of a lion - hence the name!

Some of the key active compounds in Lion’s Mane mushrooms include:

• Polysaccharides
• Hericerins
• Erinacines
• Erinaceolactones

These bioactive compounds are thought to contribute to the medicinal properties of the mushroom.

 

The Potential Benefits of Lion’s Mane

Now you have a brief understanding of the Lion’s Mane mushroom, let’s explore some of the key benefits. More and more studies are being conducted on the positive effects Lion’s Mane can have on various aspects of health. Some of the potential benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms include:

Supporting Cognitive Function

Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been studied for their potential to support cognitive function, including memory and learning abilities. Ultimately, they can give your brain a boost and improve how it works.

A pilot study from 2023 investigated the effects of 1.8g of Lion’s Mane in 41 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 45. It found that Hericium erinaceus can improve the speed of performance, and reduce stress in healthy adults, ultimately supporting cognitive function. 

Promoting Nerve Growth

When Hericium erinaceus passes the blood-brain barrier, it stimulates enzyme production, releasing nerve growth factor (NGF).

NGF is a protein that plays a key role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of brain cells. Ultimately, Lion’s Mane could help protect against nerve damage and promote brain cell regeneration. 

Protecting Against Neurodegenerative Diseases

Lion’s Mane has neuroprotective properties - which means that the supplement could offer potential benefits in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Some of the compounds in Hericium erinaceus can help to recover and even improve pathological brain conditions such as:

• Depression
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Spinal cord injury

Spiritual Benefits

Lion’s Mane can boost cognitive function and promote overall well-being. It can help to support mental clarity and focus, helping to boost concentration during meditation. This means that it can help you to connect more deeply with your inner self.

Its neuroprotective properties can do wonders for reducing anxiety and stress. These shrooms pack a punch and can leave you feeling calm and peaceful. This creates the perfect environment for spiritual growth and self-reflection.

Many people who take Lion’s Mane mushrooms report that it can heighten intuition and awareness. Incorporating Lion's Mane mushroom into your spiritual practice could lead to mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual enlightenment. Lion’s Mane can really help you reconnect with your spiritual side!

 

 

 

What is Dementia?

Before we explore the benefits of Lion’s Mane for dementia, let’s determine what dementia is. Dementia is a devastating syndrome characterised by a decline in cognitive function. It can interfere with your daily life, and be extremely distressing.

It is not a specific disease - instead, it’s a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities.

The Different Types of Dementia

There are several different types of dementia, each with its own characteristics and underlying causes. Some of the most common types of dementia include:

Alzheimer's disease: This is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. It is characterised by the build-up of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to the progressive loss of cognitive function.

Vascular dementia: This type of dementia occurs when blood flow to the brain is reduced, typically as a result of stroke or other vascular issues. It is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease.

Lewy body dementia: This type of dementia is characterised by abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. It shares some symptoms with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Frontotemporal dementia: This type of dementia is characterised by damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in behaviour, personality, and language.

 

The Benefits of Lion’s Mane for Dementia

Now you understand the ins and outs of Lion’s Mane as well as the different types of dementia, let’s explore the links between Lion’s Mane and dementia - and how Hericium erinaceus may offer potential benefits for those with dementia.

Lion’s Mane Could Improve Memory

Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, especially in the early stages of the disease. There have been several Lion’s Mane dementia studies that have investigated the effects of lion’s mane mushroom extract on memory function.

People have been studying this Lion’s Mane a lot recently, and scientists are particularly interested in the use of Lion’s mane for memory.

In a previous study, researchers gave mice Hericium erinaceus to eat and found that it made them more interested in new things and better at remembering new objects. In the most recent study, however, they gave the mushroom to normal mice for 2 months and then tested if it affected their memory of where things are.

They found that the mushroom made the mice move around more - but didn't really change how well they remembered where things were.

So, while Hericium erinaceus seems to help with recognising new things, it doesn't appear to affect the ability to remember where things are placed.

Lion’s Mane Has Neuroprotective Properties

One of the key characteristics of dementia is the progressive loss of nerve cells in the brain. Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been shown to possess neuroprotective properties, which means they may help protect against the loss of nerve cells, and preserve cognitive function.

This is thought to be due to the ability of Lion’s Mane mushrooms to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that supports the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells.

Studies on animals and humans suggest that Lion's Mane Mushroom might improve brain health by increasing nerve growth factor levels. This could make Lion’s Mane a true contender for treating Alzheimer's and other brain conditions. While more research is needed, this natural fungi shows promise for helping with cognitive problems! 

Lion’s Mane Promotes Neurogenesis

In addition to protecting existing nerve cells, Lion’s Mane mushrooms may also promote nerve cell growth. This is a process known as neurogenesis.

This is a particularly promising potential benefit for those with dementia, as it suggests that Lion’s Mane mushrooms may help to repair and regenerate damaged brain tissue.

Preliminary studies suggest that Lion’s Mane mushrooms may indeed promote neurogenesis in the brain, which could be a game changer.

 

Lion’s Mane and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been studied specifically for their potential benefits in this condition.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms could help reduce the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, which are a key feature of Alzheimer's disease.

The exciting news is that Lion’s Mane mushrooms could help to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and preserve cognitive function by reducing the buildup of these plaques.

 

How to Take Lion’s Mane for Dementia

If you or a loved one is considering trying Lion’s Mane mushrooms for dementia, it’s important to use them properly to maximise their potential benefits.

You can enjoy this wonder shroom in various forms, including fresh, dried or powdered. However, the easiest way to take Lion’s Mane is via a convenient and easy-to-take supplement.

Dosage recommendations can vary depending on factors such as:

• The form of Lion’s Mane
• Your age
• Your weight
• Your overall health

If you’re taking Lion’s Mane for the first time, consider starting with a lower dose to reduce the risk of any potential side effects.

We recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

 

Potential Drug Interactions with Dementia Medication

While Lion’s Mane mushrooms are generally considered safe for most people, they may interact with certain medications, including those used to treat dementia and other cognitive disorders.

Lion’s Mane mushrooms may have blood-thinning effects and could potentially interact with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin.

Additionally, Lion’s Mane mushrooms may interact with medications that affect the central nervous system, including sedatives and antidepressants.

If you are taking medication for dementia or any other condition, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before using Lion’s Mane mushrooms or any other supplements to avoid potential interactions or adverse effects.

 

Buy High-Quality Lion’s Mane Today

If you’re looking to take Lion’s Mane for dementia, look no further than TwentyTwo. We are proud to offer high-quality Hieracium erinaceus supplements that are:

• 100% natural
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Alcohol-free
• Grown and made in the UK

Likewise, our Lion’s Mane capsules contain no filler - just like nature intended! There is just one ingredient - 100% pure Lion’s Mane fruiting body - so you know exactly what you’re taking.

Our supplements are high-strength and truly pack a punch - just two of our Lion’s Mane capsules contain the equivalent of 1800 mg raw mushrooms.

With further research and clinical trials, Lion’s Mane mushrooms could be a promising natural remedy for supporting cognitive health and improving the quality of life for those with dementia.

Achieve more, feel better and live healthier with the power of nature behind you with TwentyTwo.