From students hoping to improve their grades to seniors seeking to prevent Alzheimer's disease, there is an increasing interest in dietary supplements to enhance memory. Current research provides promising evidence that certain supplements may be successful in not only improving memory but also in preventing memory loss.
Omega-3s
Laboratory evidence that omega-3s enhance memory was reported in the April 2006 issue of Nature. Omega-3s are fatty acids that control inflammation and protect cells. Researchers discovered that omega-3s stimulate growth of neurons in the brain, which enhance the brain's ability to store, retrieve and process information. Fernando Gómez-Pinilla, a UCLA researcher states: "Omega-3 fatty acids support synaptic plasticity and seem to positively affect the expression of several molecules related to learning and memory that are found on synapses." The most popular omega-3 supplements are fish oil and flaxseed oil.
Huperzine A
Small studies examining the efficacy of huperzine A, a moss extract used for centuries in Chinese medicine, show promise of protecting further memory loss from Alzheimers disease. In a study conducted at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, huperzine A was found to be as effective as prescription Alzheimer's medications. This study was confined to patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine
Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine is a nutrient in the choline family. GPC is clinically effective in increasing production of crucial brain neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine. In a study involving young adult males ages 19 to 38, attention and immediate recall improved after taking a daily dose of 1200 mg of GPC. In a study reported in the April 1993 issue of Drugs & Aging, Alzheimer's patients taking 1200 mg a day of CPC experienced an increase in not only attention and recall but also in mood.
Ginkgo Biloba
Often referred to as the brain herb, ginkgo biloba is an extract from the world's oldest tree. A novel UCLA study using positron-emission tomography to measure brain activity on subjects taking ginkgo biloba revealed an overall improvement in recall and better brain function. It is important to note that recent studies challenge the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba and improved memory. If you choose to take ginkgo biloba, Dr. Andrew Weil suggests that you take 60 to 120 mg twice a day with food. Dr. Weil also advises that any positive effect on memory may take at least six to eight weeks.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, is a popular spice in India. Alzheimer's disease affects only 1 percent of Indians, compared to 10 percent of Americans. Curcumin is the main biologically active compound in turmeric. In a UCLA study measuring the benefits of curcumin, Dr. Milan Fiala reports: "Curcumin improved ingestion of amyloid beta by immune cells in 50 percent of patients with Alzheimer's disease. These initial findings demonstrate that curcumin may help boost the immune system of specific Alzheimer's disease patients."
References
- "Science Daily": Scientists Learn How Food Affects The Brain: Omega 3 Especially Important
- PubMed.gov: Clinical efficacy and safety of huperzine Alpha in treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer disease
- "Drugs Aging": Multicentre study of l-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine vs ST200 among patients with probable senile dementia of Alzheimer's type; L. Parnetti; April 1993
- Brain Research Institute UCLA
- "Science Daily": Chemical Found In Curry May Help Immune System Clear Amyloid Plaques Found In Alzheimer's Disease
