4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid and brain health

1. A method for the treatment or prevention of cognitive decline comprising administering a non-pharmaceutical composition comprising 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid to an individual having or at risk of cognitive decline.

2. Method in accordance with claim 1 , for use in the treatment or prevention of memory loss.

3. Method in accordance with claim 1 for the treatment or prevention of loss of learning capability.

4. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid is obtained from natural sources.

5. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid is obtainable from Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-3865 or Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15700.

6. Method in accordance with claim 5 , wherein the Bifidobacterium breve CNCM I-3865 or Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15700 was heat treated at about 60-180° C.

7. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid in an amount of at least 1 mg per kg of the composition.

8. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered in a daily dose corresponding to between 2 μg and 20 mg of 4-oxo-2-pentenoic acid per kg of body weight.

9. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered orally or enterally.

10. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered to humans or pets.

11. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered to adults.

12. Method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of a food composition, a food additive, a nutraceutical, a drink, a nutritional formulation, a tube feeding formulation, a powdered composition to be reconstituted in milk or water, and a pet food composition.