Researchers in Korea tested whether a combination of nutritional drinks and silkworm pills could help older adults with early memory problems. Sixty-two people over 50 with mild cognitive impairment took either the supplement combination or a placebo for 12 weeks. The results showed a small improvement in delayed memory (the ability to remember things after a delay) in the supplement group, but other thinking skills didn’t improve. While the findings are interesting, the researchers say more studies are needed to understand how well this treatment really works and why.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether taking nutritional supplements combined with silkworm pills could help improve memory and thinking skills in older adults experiencing early memory loss.
  • Who participated: 62 Korean adults aged 50 and older (average age 71) who had mild memory problems but not full dementia. About half were women. They were split into two groups: one received the supplement combination, and the other received a placebo (fake treatment).
  • Key finding: After 12 weeks, people taking the supplement combination showed a small improvement in delayed memory (remembering things after a delay) compared to the placebo group. However, other types of thinking skills like attention and language didn’t improve significantly.
  • What it means for you: This supplement combination may help with one specific type of memory, but it’s not a proven treatment yet. If you’re experiencing memory problems, talk to your doctor before trying new supplements. More research is needed to confirm these results and understand if the benefits are real or just by chance.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the best ways to test if a treatment works. Researchers randomly assigned 62 older adults with mild memory problems into two groups. One group received nutritional drinks plus silkworm pills once daily for 12 weeks, while the other group received look-alike placebo versions (fake pills and drinks with basic nutrients). Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real treatment until the study ended, which helps prevent bias. Everyone also received nutrition education based on the MIND diet (a diet designed to support brain health) at weeks 0, 3, 6, and 9.

Using a placebo control group is important because it helps researchers know whether any improvements are from the actual treatment or just from people expecting to feel better. The random assignment and blinding (keeping people from knowing which group they’re in) make the results more trustworthy. Testing memory and thinking skills with a standardized test (K-RBANS) ensures everyone is measured the same way.

This study has several strengths: it used a proper control group, randomly assigned participants, and was blinded. However, the sample size was relatively small (only 62 people), which means the results might not apply to everyone. The study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits would continue longer. The improvement in delayed memory was small, and other cognitive measures didn’t improve, which suggests the overall effect may be limited.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that delayed memory (the ability to remember information after a time delay) improved slightly more in the supplement group compared to the placebo group after 12 weeks. The supplement group’s delayed memory score went from 65.9 to 70.5 points, while the placebo group’s score stayed relatively stable. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to have happened by chance alone. However, this improvement was modest in size. Other types of thinking skills tested—like attention, language, and immediate memory—did not show significant improvements in either group. The total cognitive score also did not improve significantly.

Researchers also measured several other outcomes to understand how the supplements might work. These included changes in nutrient intake, blood test results related to nutrition, overall nutritional quality scores, and how well people followed the MIND diet. None of these secondary measures showed significant differences between the supplement group and the placebo group. This suggests that the improvement in delayed memory may not be explained by better nutrition or blood nutrient levels, which raises questions about how the supplements might actually be helping.

Previous research has suggested that certain nutrients and dietary patterns (like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which the MIND diet is based on) may support brain health. Silkworm pupae have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but scientific evidence for their effects on memory is limited. This study adds to a small body of research on silkworm supplements, but the mixed results (improvement in only one memory type) suggest that more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions about their effectiveness.

Several important limitations should be considered: The study was small with only 62 participants, which limits how much we can generalize the findings. The 12-week duration is relatively short—we don’t know if benefits would last longer or if they would fade over time. The improvement in delayed memory was small, and it’s unclear if this would be noticeable in daily life. The fact that other cognitive measures didn’t improve raises questions about whether the delayed memory improvement is truly meaningful. We don’t know which component (the nutritional supplement or the silkworm pill) was responsible for the effect, or if it was the combination. The study was conducted in Korea with Korean participants, so results may not apply to other populations.

The Bottom Line

Based on this single study, we cannot confidently recommend this supplement combination as a treatment for memory problems. The evidence is weak to moderate at best. If you’re experiencing memory problems, the most evidence-based approaches remain: staying mentally active, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet (like the Mediterranean or MIND diet), getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and maintaining social connections. If you’re considering supplements, discuss them with your doctor first, as they can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for everyone.

This research is most relevant to older adults (50+) experiencing early memory problems who are looking for additional treatment options. It may also interest family members of people with mild cognitive impairment. Healthcare providers treating memory problems should be aware of this research but should not yet recommend this specific combination based on one small study. People without memory problems don’t need to worry about this supplement. Anyone with serious memory concerns should see a doctor for proper evaluation.

In this study, the small improvement in delayed memory appeared after 12 weeks of daily use. However, this doesn’t mean everyone would see results in that timeframe, or that the improvement would continue beyond 12 weeks. Realistic expectations are that if this supplement does help, benefits would likely take several weeks to appear, and the improvement would probably be modest rather than dramatic.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track delayed memory performance weekly using simple memory tests (like remembering a list of 10 words after a 20-minute delay). Record the number of words remembered each week to see if there’s a trend over 12 weeks. Also note any subjective improvements in remembering conversations or daily events.
  • If using this supplement combination, pair it with the MIND diet recommendations: eat more leafy greens, berries, nuts, fish, and whole grains while reducing red meat and processed foods. Use the app to log daily supplement intake and track adherence to the diet recommendations provided in the study.
  • Set up monthly check-ins to assess overall cognitive function using simple self-assessments (like noticing if you’re forgetting names, appointments, or conversations less frequently). Track energy levels and any side effects. After 12 weeks, compare your baseline memory performance to current performance. If no improvement is noticed after 12 weeks, discuss with your doctor whether to continue.

This research describes a single 12-week study with modest results in one specific type of memory. These findings should not be considered definitive proof that this supplement combination works. If you have concerns about memory loss or cognitive decline, consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and personalized recommendations. Supplements are not regulated the same way as medications and may interact with other drugs or health conditions. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you’re considering or taking. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.