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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI

10.3906/sag-1810-204

Abstract

Background/aim: Memory is a mechanism for coding, storing, and recalling information. Weak memory and learning disability are common psychological problems in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4 weeks of frankincense consumption on explicit motor memory and serum BDNF in the elderly.Materials and methods: Twenty elderly men (mean age of 60.2 ± 1.7 years) were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (n = 12) and placebo (n = 8). The first blood samples were collected 24 h before the pretest. Then both groups participated in a 4-week exercise program based on the protocol of exercising motor memory. During this period, the experimental group received 500-mg frankincense pills two times a day. The second blood sample collection and acquisition test were conducted following the last session of the exercise program. A retention test and a third blood sampling were performed 2 weeks after the last training session. Mixed analysis of variance (2 × 3) for repeated measures was used to analyze the data.Results: Intergroup comparisons showed that frankincense had a significant effect on the acquisition and retention of explicit motor memory. No difference was observed in serum BDNF between the experimental and placebo groups.Conclusion: This study revealed that 4 weeks of frankincense consumption facilitates the acquisition and retention of motor memory in older men with moderate mental status.

Keywords

Frankincense, explicit motor memory, BDNF, elderly

First Page

1033

Last Page

1040

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