Misplacing car keys is a minor memory malfunction for most people, but forgetting how to get home signals major memory problems. Adults of all ages dread the symptoms of aging, but short-term memory loss is not something that you can hide with a bottle of hair dye. Many dietary supplements claim to help healthy adults maintain or improve their memory. The Food and Drug Administration notes that you can separate fact from fiction with controlled scientific studies by reputable institutions and experts.
Ginkgo Biloba
The University of Maryland notes that gingko biloba has the distinction of being a dietary supplement with an extensive body of scientific research that supports some of its traditional medicine uses. Current research suggests that it may be effective in the treatment of specific dementias, including Alzheimer's. The flavonoids and terpenoids that it contains are antioxidants, which may reduce the number of free radical cells in the body, including those that may contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's. According to Medline Plus, the human body creates free radical molecules while processing food or as a result of exposure to toxins like tobacco smoke. They can damage DNA and even cause cells to die.
The University of Maryland reports that some studies appear to support the use of ginkgo for cognitive function, but other studies have proven that its potential for prevention of Alzheimer's is no better than a placebo. Medline Plus reports that strong scientific evidence supports the use of gingko for Alzheimer's and multi-infarct dementia--a common memory problem for victims of a series of small strokes that deprive the brain of oxygen and cause irreversible brain cell damage. Studies on gingko's effectiveness for age-related memory loss are inconclusive.
Medline Plus bases its suggested dosing for adults on a standardized extract that contains 24 to 25 percent of ginkgo flavone glycosides. It recommends 80 to 240 mg daily, taken in two to three doses.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
This dietary supplement may improve memory, although researchers have not identified the exact process by which this occurs. It has antioxidant properties, so it has the potential to protect your brain cells from free radicals, according to Dr. Andrew Weill, a prominent promoter of integrative medicine. It also appears to boost energy production in the mitochondria of cells. The mitochondria produce enzymes to convert food into energy and support cell processes. Dr. Weil notes that this increased energy production could translate into additional mental energy to support cognitive processes.
Dr. Weil states that studies have shown that acetyl-L-carnitine increases attention and visual memory in both Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's patients. It also appears to slow cognitive skills decline in the general population. Red meat, including mutton, is a source of acetyl-L-carnitine. If you choose to supplement your normal diet to improve your memory, Dr. Weil recommends a daily dosage of 500 to 1,500 mg.
Phosphatidylserine
New York University's Langone Medical Center reports that clinical trials and double-blind studies support the use of phosphatidylserine, or PS, for some types of memory loss, especially dementia and Alzheimer's. The supplement is a popular therapy for memory loss in the elderly in Europe. Dr. Weil states that human studies indicate that taking this brain cell nutrient may help you improve concentration and reverse age-related memory problems.
The bulk of available research data comes from studies of PS supplements produced from cow brains. Manufacturers abandoned these sources after the incidence of mad cow disease created safety concerns, and currently make PS supplements from soybeans and other plants. Research to-date on plant-based PS supplements has not established benefits similar to those previously produced from cow brains. Although your body produces sufficient PS for normal functioning, NYU says that the initial dosage for memory improvement should be 100 mg up to three times daily.
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