Cinnamon’s Potential to Enhance Cognitive Health: Discover the Latest Research

Unlock cinnamon’s unique ability to enhance cognitive health with Senior Lifestyle Coach, Molly Rapozo, MS, RDN, CD. Join Molly as she explores promising findings and future direction for brain health and cinnamon research. 

Cinnamon’s Health Benefits: Diverse Practical Functions and Affect on Cognitive Health

Cinnamon is far more than a tasty spice. From culinary arts to aroma therapy, cinnamon offers a diverse array of practical functions.  

In addition to its culinary use, cinnamon may promote longevity and cognitive health through anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties. A unique compound in cinnamon, cinnamaldehyde, is linked to the inhibition of amyloid-beta plaque buildup in the brain (a tell-tale sign of Alzheimer’s).  

These interesting discoveries warrant further research to explore how cinnamon may prevent cognitive decline. 

The Link Between Cinnamon and Cognitive Health: A Meta-Analysis of 40 Studies 

In recent news, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 40 studies to analyze cinnamon’s association with brain health. Ultimately, they verified a statistically significant correlation between cinnamon and improved cognition function (learning and memory). Their research was published in Nutritional Neuroscience. 

Researchers analyzed numerous studies involving cinnamon extract or powder as well as other ingestion modalities. In one clinical study, researchers observed that chewing cinnamon gum for 40 consecutive days benefited cognitive health in adolescents. However, another clinical study identified no significant changes when cinnamon was consumed orally.  

Cinnamon and Brain Health: Conflicting Results from In Vivo Studies

In vivo studies (experiments conducted on people, animals or other living organisms) revealed conflicting results. While most in vivo studies noted a positive association between cinnamon and brain health, one study detected decreased learning and short-term memory.  

Notably, one in-vivo study identified that methanol extract from cinnamon bark may inhibit amyloid-beta production, thus aiding in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. 

As the study progressed, researchers investigated distinct cinnamon components such as eugenol, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde. These analyses revealed cognitive protective effects, including the inhibition of amyloid plaques, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-cell death mechanisms.  

Limitations and Hypotheses Regarding Cinnamon and Cognitive Health Benefits

In an article published by Medical News Today, Senior Lifestyle Coach, Molly Rapozo, MS, RDN, CD noted the limitations of these findings: 

Only two clinical studies were part of this review, and one of the two did not show a positive effect. Most of the literature included were from rodent models. Therefore, more clinical studies are needed. Furthermore, there were many variations among the studies for duration, dosage, and cinnamon components used.

Molly Rapozo, MS, RDN, CD, Senior Lifestyle Coach, Pacific Neuroscience Institute

Due to these variations, Molly hypothesized that the “cinnamon didn’t show a positive effect in one of the clinical studies because the dosage, duration, or cinnamon used wasn’t as impactful as the combination used in the positive study.” 

Elevate Your Brain Health Today with Evidence-Based Strategies 

While these findings are interesting, more research is required to verify the brain health benefits of cinnamon. There are however, numerous evidence-based strategies to elevate your brain health today.  

The Lifestyle Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute offers evidence-based education and training to support memory health, nutrition, stress reduction and fitness. Our personalized classes are available virtually and in-person, as well as group and individual formats.   

Courses are based on decades of research, including Senior Director of the Lifestyle Program, Dr. Karen Miller’s publication in American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, which emphasizes the critical role of memory training and healthy behavior for optimal cognitive wellness.   

Support a healthy brain for brighter days! Click here to learn more.  

How to Enroll in the Lifestyle Program

Virtual and in-person sessions are available. To learn more about participation, contact us: lifestyle@pacificneuro.org | 213-344-2037

Useful Links

• Lifestyle Program
• Pacific Brain Health Center
• Mild Cognitive Impairment

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