• C15:0, an essential fat found in grass fed dairy like kefir, protects against neurodegeneration by strengthening cell membranes, protecting mitochondria, and displacing harmful linoleic acid
• Iron accumulation in the brain accelerates Alzheimer’s progression through oxidative damage and ferroptosis; regular blood donation reduces iron overload
• Daily strategies such as optimizing beneficial gut bacteria, eliminating vegetable oils from your diet, and avoiding gluten offer protection against cognitive decline and neurodegeneration

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that gradually erodes memory, language, decision-making, and behavior. Over time, it strips away independence and identity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it accounts for 60% to 70% of all dementia cases.1 By 2050, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is expected to hit more than 150 million globally.2

Alzheimer’s usually starts with simple forgetfulness like misplacing keys, repeating questions, or losing track of conversations. But as it worsens, it leads to disorientation, mood swings, personality changes, and eventually a total loss of autonomy.3 Inflammation, oxidative stress, damaged mitochondria, and gut-brain problems all play a role in its development.4

That understanding has led researchers to explore new strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of this condition. For instance, a recent systematic review published in the journal Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative5 found that kefir, a probiotic-rich fermented milk drink, could be a promising tool for supporting Alzheimer’s management.

How Kefir Helps Prevent and Slow Alzheimer’s Disease

The featured study6 examined kefir’s potential as a complementary treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The review included seven studies spanning invertebrates, rodents, and humans, and focused on kefir’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Here’s what the findings revealed:

• Kefir reduced amyloid plaques and tau tangles — The researchers observed that kefir lowered the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins, a proposed hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (although recent scientific retractions over data manipulation have raised questions about the impact of this protein). Reductions in tau proteins were also noted. Both of these proteins are believed to be involved in the cognitive decline and neuronal death that occurs in Alzheimer’s.

•Cognitive function improved across species — Improvements in memory and behavior were seen in rodents, while fruit fly models demonstrated increased survival and enhanced motor coordination. Kefir supplementation led to a 28% improvement in global cognition and a 66% increase in immediate memory performance, with delayed memory improving by 62%.

•Kefir lowered oxidative stress and preserved neurons — Markers of oxidative damage, like ROS, nitrotyrosine, and iNOS, were reduced after kefir treatment in rodents. Neurons in regions such as the hippocampus and cortex were also better preserved.

•Inflammation and neuronal damage decreased — Kefir reduced inflammatory markers such as NF-κB and caspase-3, which are linked to neuronal apoptosis. It also suppressed key inflammatory pathways (TLR4, MYD88, NLRP3) and reduced proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8, IL-12).

•Immune balance and gut health improved — Studies showed kefir modulated immune responses and restored intestinal mucosal integrity.

•Kefir enhanced insulin signaling in the brain — Some rodent models showed increased levels of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) in the hippocampus and better regulation of insulin receptors. These changes support neuron function and reduce amyloid buildup.

•Kefir’s unique bioactive compounds drive effects — Kefir contains peptides that block acetylcholinesterase (the same mechanism used by many AD drugs) and reduce oxidative protein damage. Kefiran, a complex carbohydrate found in kefir, also modulates inflammation and gut microbiota. These features make it a promising neuroprotective agent.

•Long-term use may sustain cognitive protection — Beyond short-term studies, kefir’s ability to regulate neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and GABA) and promote brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) suggests ongoing benefits with continuous use.

•Inflammation dropped sharply — Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines decreased significantly following kefir supplementation. Cytokine ratios also improved, which indicates a shift from proinflammatory to more balanced immune response, which reduces amyloid buildup and protects