BEER hops are good for the brain, improving concentration and speeding up thought processes, a study has shown.

They were also found to reduce stress levels and improve mood.

The finding comes from a Japanese study of 100 people with failing memories.

Some patients were given placebos and others were given a daily dose of MHBA.

After a series of mental tests and assessments after 12 weeks, saliva and blood samples were tested to analyse the affect on chemicals linked to cognitive function.

Those who took supplements containing bitter hop extracts, displayed better memory recall.

It suggests that the acid found in bitter hops, and known as MHBA, could be used to help combat dementia.

The study found that there was notable improvement in the cognitive function of participants.

The report says: "We observed improved attention and reduced stress after neuropsychological tests in the participants who received MHBA supplements."

What is dementia and are there different types?

Dementia is a general term used to describe the deterioration of a person's mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with their daily life.

It is known for the problems it causes with thinking, reasoning and memory – as these are the areas in the brain that become damaged.

There are two main groups dementia can be split into:

• Cortical, which causes severe memory loss like that seen in Alzheimer's,
• Sub-cortical, which affects thinking speed and activity as seen with Parkinson's disease.

Vascular dementia and Alzheimer's are two of the most common forms and they both cause problems with memory.

Both are rare in those under 65 years old.

Other common forms of dementia are Frontotemporal dementia, mostly diagnosed in those under 65 years old, and dementia with Lewy bodies, where nerve damage gradually gets worse over time causing slowed movement.

Scientists recently discovered a new form of dementia that has often been mistaken for Alzheimer's.

They say it is part of the reason why finding a cure to dementia has failed so far.

"The present study results showed that MHBA supplementation improved mental processing speed, attention, and concentration.

"It reduced mental stress after intellectual work in healthy adults aged 45 to 69 years with Selective Cognitive Decline.

"In particular, early intervention through MHBA supplementation in persons with SCD could be successful in improving cognitive function."

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