Does beer hold the key to fighting Alzheimer’s disease?

Hoppy beers, in moderation, could help to reduce dementia, a study suggests.

Researchers from the University of Milano-Bicocca tested four common varieties of hop flower extracts that are found in beer to see how well they would help to prevent brain protein clumping, which can lead to Alzheimer’s.

Hop flower extracts are used in all beers and have natural anti-oxidants that are believed to protect cells in the body. 

In testing, researchers exposed the hops to amyloid proteins and human nerve cells in lab dishes and were able to block amyloid beta proteins from clumping around cells. 

The hop extracts also triggered renewal processes called autophagic pathways – where the body breaks down and reuses old cell parts to increase efficiency.

Tettnang hops, which are used in many different lagers and lighter ales, was the best at clearing clumps of protein.

While the findings in no way suggest that people should drink more beer as alcohol is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, researchers did find that hops could be the basis for foods that lessen the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Hops can also be found in herbal teas and soft drinks.