Researchers screened 210 mushroom species from Japan to find those that could prevent harmful protein clumping in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. They identified a purified fraction from the mushroom Elfvingia applanata that was more effective than a known anti-Alzheimer’s compound at stopping these protein clumps from forming. The extract also protected nerve cells from damage in laboratory tests. This finding suggests mushrooms could potentially be developed into a functional food to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.