Brain and Memory
Keep a Life-Long Healthy Brain and Memory
There are multiple factors that influence brain and
memory health. Simple nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, chronic
inflammation, vascular disease and even stress are risk factors for memory
changes and brain diseases.
Taking steps to prevent or slow memory loss is an important consideration for
those people who are using anti-aging and longevity measures. Simple lifestyle,
dietary and supplement measures can help ensure clear-thinking and good memory
well into old age.Top
Brain and Memory Supplements and Herbs
Multiple Vitamin/Mineral Formula.
The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.)
is typically deficient in essential vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. To
compound this problem, older people are at even greater risk for nutrient
deficiency because they tend to eat less, although their requirements for
certain vitamins, such as B6, actually rise with age. Older people often also
have problems with efficient absorption of nutrients from food because of low
gastric acid function. Even healthy older
people often have deficiencies of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid, 3 "B
complex" vitamins essential for brain and memory health.
Vitamins and certain minerals are involved in biochemical processes
throughout the body and are necessary for protecting cognitive function. The B
vitamins are especially important for normal brains and nervous system function
and help the brain manufacture chemicals (neurotransmitters) that affect mood.
Filling in the "gaps" in diet with an optimal vitamin/mineral formula such as
Maxi Multi is one of the most important steps you
can take toward preserving good brain health and sharp memory.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC),
a derivative of the amino acid L-carnitine, is a vitamin-like compound that
transports fatty acids ("fuel") into cells. It has been approved in Europe as a
"drug" to treat heart and neurological disease. It also acts as a powerful
antioxidant in the brain. The acetyl form of L-carnitine (ALC) was found to be
substantially more active than L-carnitine in brain cells.
CoQ10 is a
naturally-occurring antioxidant produced in the human body. It is vitally
involved in energy production. CoQ10 functions as an "energizer" to
mitochondria, the body's energy producing units. Mitochondria, which produce
about 95% of the body's energy, require CoQ10 to "spark" their production of
energy units (ATP). Muscles, and the heart in particular, have high requirements
for CoQ10.
CoQ10 is essential to the functioning of the
mitochondria and many age-related diseases have been linked to lower
mitochondrial function. Since CoQ10 production typically declines by about 50%
with age, most longevity specialists consider it one of the most important
anti-aging nutrients to supplement.
DHEA
is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal
glands. It is a precursor (“master hormone”) for many other steroid hormones
including male and female sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and
corticosteroids. DHEA levels often decline dramatically with age.
Low DHEA levels in the brain and blood are thought to contribute to many of the
problems associated with aging including age-related memory and mental decline,
decreased strength and muscle mass, lowered immune system response, heart
disease and atherosclerosis, and age-related weight gain.
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol),
found in highest concentrations in anchovies and sardines, is also produced in
small amounts in the human brain. DMAE is a precursor to the neurotransmitters
choline and acetylcholine, although DMAE crosses the blood-brain barrier faster
than choline. Once inside brain cells, DMAE is converted to phosphatidylcholine,
a substance used for maintenance and repair of cells, especially brain cells.
Studies have shown DMAE to be useful for improved memory and short-term
concentration and in
Alzheimer’s dementia.
Essential
Fatty Acids (EFA's). Omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA), has attracted significant attention for its ability to boost brain
function. DHA is found in very high concentrations in cell membranes and is
required by developing infant brains. Studies have shown that DHA helps protect
brain cells by suppressing a neurotoxic substance called amyloid-beta (beta
amyloid is a substance found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients).
Ginkgo
is one of the most well-studied herbs for age-related memory changes. It is also
a potent antioxidant. Ginkgo increases circulation to small-diameter blood
vessels (such as those in the brain and extremities) and inhibits platelet
aggregation (decreases blood "stickiness"). Ginkgo also has anti-allergy
effects. Ginkgo is one of the best-selling natural remedies worldwide. Many
alternative physicians and researchers feel that ginkgo should be part of the
Longevity Protocol for everyone over age 50.
Ginseng (Panax
spp.) Panax ginseng was considered the “Herb of Emperors” in ancient China, and
only the emperor was allowed to use ginseng. This was because the potent effects
of ginseng were felt to be “too precious” for the common man.
Modern research has confirmed ginseng’s amazing powers. Ginseng improves
immunity through a wide variety of mechanisms. It stimulates DNA synthesis and
is useful for anti-aging and chronic disease. Studies have shown that ginseng
improves both physical and mental stamina. “It’s not just for the emperor any
more!”
Huperizine
or Chinese Club moss, contains a substance (Huperizine A) which prevents the
breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter
necessary for memory function. The most promising drugs for Alzheimer’s disease
work in the same manner, although Huperizine appears to have a more precise
mechanism whereby it protects acetylcholine. Huperizine may be useful for both
Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimer's memory loss.
Melatonin,
a hormone manufactured by the pineal gland, is best-known as an aid for
insomnia. Beyond it's use as a sleep aid, melatonin is also a powerful
antioxidant that crosses the blood/brain barrier and helps protect the central
nervous system against injury, disease, and aging. Melatonin levels decrease
with age, and this reduction in melatonin levels results in many age-related
concerns and complaints: sleep difficulties, an increased susceptibility to
stress-related diseases, reduced immunity, and increased susceptibility to
damage and disease caused by free radicals. Many researchers consider melatonin
to be one of the most powerful anti-aging substances available.
Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
(estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, pregnenelone) Both women and men appear
to benefit from natural hormone replacement therapy after age 40. By "natural,"
I mean using hormones that are identical to what the body manufactures and in
amounts that a healthy body produces in early adulthood. This is a very
different type of hormone replacement from the semi-synthetic forms and doses
used in conventional medicine.
Male hormones: testing and replacement
Female hormones: testing and replacement
Thyroid.
Low thyroid function impairs memory and thinking. A test should be performed to
determine thyroid function and natural supplements or thyroid replacement
therapy should be started if thyroid levels are low.
Vinpocetin is derived from the periwinkle
plant. More than 100 studies have shown that vinpocetin increases cerebral
circulation (blood supply to the brain) AND improves brain energy production
(ATP) and oxygen use. The potential benefits of vinpocetin include treatment of
stroke, inner ear problems that result in dizziness, hearing loss, vision loss,
neurological disorders, memory loss.
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