Short-term memory loss affects all of us on occasion. Unfortunately, more than five million people in the United States are living with permanent memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. This and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's, are characterized by permanent cognitive decline and memory loss. Cognitive care necessitates getting the right vitamins and nutrients through nutrition to help improve short-term memory and perhaps ward off impending permanent decline.
Vitamin B3
Researchers at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale use Vitamin B3, or niacin, to treat traumatic brain injuries that affect short-term memory. Nicotinamide, a form of B3, is experimentally given to brain-injured rats. When given immediately after injury, nicotinamide seems to have a protective effect on the brain. Niacin, a water-soluble B vitamin, is responsible for producing the enzymes NAD and NADP in the body. Niacin may also play a significant role in cell signaling and repair of DNA damage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Deficiency of B3 is seen in alcoholics and people with malabsorption diseases. This deficiency is characterized by cognitive decline, dementia, memory loss and psychosis. B3 is found in red meat, legumes, fortified cereals, tuna and salmon.
Omega-3-Fatty Acids
Omega-3-fatty acids may play a role in short-term memory, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Omega-3-fatty acids are essential for synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, notes ScienceDaily. The brain has the highest concentration of lipids in the body and omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in vision and nervous system function, including memory. Omega-3s are found in salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans and tofu.
Co-Q-10
Disruption of short-term memory, motor, cognitive and verbal skills can also be caused by Huntington's disease; according to HDLighthouse.org, a Huntington's-dedicated web site, coenzyme Q-10 studies have shown that this supplement reduces brain injury in mouse models. In large clinical trials of Huntington's patients, Co-Q-10 demonstrated beneficial trends by improving symptoms of Huntington's. Co-Q-10 is found in fresh sardines and mackerel, beef, lamb, pork and eggs. Vegetable sources of Co-Q-10 include spinach, broccoli, peanuts, wheat germ and whole grains.
Folate and Vitamin B12
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, some studies have shown that elderly patients with short-term memory decline were also deficient in folate and vitamin B12. The Institute notes that a deficiency in these two vitamins can increase levels of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The highest levels of folate and B12 are found in lean meat, legumes, leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.
