9 Vitamins & Supplements to Improve Your Memory

Does this describe you: You walk into the living room to get something, only to get there and forget what you needed? You often hear "Yes, you already told me about that" or maybe you thought you told someone, but you never actually verbalized it. Someone tells you their name and then ninety seconds later you say, "Ok, tell me your name again."

Perhaps you're not as young as you used to be, you have more on your plate to keep track of or you have a diagnosed or even undiagnosed medical condition. Whatever the reason, you seem to be plagued with a bad case CRS ? Can't Remember Squat. First and foremost if you haven't had a physical exam in a while, go see your doctor. You'll want to rule out anything serious that may be causing your CRS. Barring any serious findings, you can take some herbs, vitamins and other supplements to help regain some of your memory. The vitamins, herbs and supplements listed below may help.

Essential Fatty Acids, otherwise known as fish oils or EPA-DHA are well known for their anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, DHA is required for normal brain function in adults. Decreases in brain DHA content are associated with age-related cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Studies suggest that Polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes and various other plants may protect against inflammation and cognitive disorders.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also an excellent antioxidant agent in neurodegenerative diseases due to the fact that it can interrupt free radical damage at several points. It has been shown to elevate antioxidants in various brain regions and improves memory. Further, ALA supports healthy blood glucose levels and insulin activity.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant cofactor that has been shown to protect the brain. In addition to being a potent free radical scavenger, CoQ10 has proven to be effective in a wide variety of age-related conditions.

Vitamin E is the primary antioxidant found in all tissues. Low vitamin E levels are consistently associated with an increased risk and occurrence of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In a study of patients with Alzheimer's, treatment with 2000 IU of vitamin E per day for 2 years was beneficial in delaying the primary outcome (time to the occurrence of death, institutionalization, loss of ability to perform activities of daily living, and severe dementia) of disease progression.

Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for dementia in Germany, and it is the only nonprescription substance considered a treatment for dementia in Canada. Ginkgo biloba is one extract readily available. It enhances mental efficiency in elderly patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. It is also shown to improve cognitive function in patients with dementia, to enhance blood flow to the brain, enhances cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Further it is said to enhance memory in young individuals.

Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to reduce the negative effects of stress. Due to the decreased ability to handle stress and the increased levels of glucocorticoids associated with aging and neurodegeneration, herbs with adaptogenic properties may be beneficial. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, holy basil, and brahmi have a positive influence on stress response, mental function, and cognition.

Carotenoids are a class of naturally occurring plant pigments that provide the bright red, orange, and yellow colors of fruits and vegetables. A balanced intake of mixed carotenoids, as found in a healthy diet, provides the best protection against oxidative damage.

Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are needed for proper brain function. Insufficiencies of these nutrients may result in forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, depression, dementia, and mood and sensory changes. One study stated that age-related impairment of cognitive function is likely related to vitamin deficiencies, and is "preventable or reversible with improved vitamins, especially vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate."

Additionally, scientists searching for a cure for Alzheimer's disease have found a potential ally in the herb sage. Checking the writings of herbalists working four centuries ago, scientists in England found a marked improvement in the memory capabilities of Alzheimer's patients who took sage oil extract. The finding was consistent with a discovery by researchers at the Universities' Medicinal Plant Research Center that sage protects a key chemical destroyed in Alzheimer's.

This list is not all inclusive and there could be a number of other factors (environment, diet, disease) that could be the root cause of your CRS. However, starting with a few supplements may help you remember where you left your car keys!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

---

The Worst $$$ I Ever Spent . . . Month after Month!

"They", the "experts" all say how important vitamins are -... Read More

Acne Hormones - Natural Acne Hormone Balancing Treatments for Clear Skin

Can you treat a headache or stomach ache externally, without... Read More

Vitamin Information for Health

Vitamin C may be the most famous vitamin. Tens of... Read More

What are Phytochemicals (Phytonutrients)?

Don't be overwhelmed by this big word, ... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - HMB

HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More

The Myths and Facts of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure

Unverified reports claiming that unprotected, intentional sun exposure is necessary... Read More

Sugar, Vitamin C and Competitive Inhibition

Carboloading of a different variety.Saturday in Tucson before the 1982... Read More

Nutrition Supplementation

Nutrition Supplement ? nutrition.Nutrition supplement is a term familiar to... Read More

9 Vitamins & Supplements to Improve Your Memory

Does this describe you: You walk into the living room... Read More

A Mothers Fish Tale

Sometimes I used to look at my son Shawn and... Read More

Colostrum: Immune Support From Mothers Milk

This complex mixture of nutrient-rich growth factors, immunoglobulins, glycoconjugates and... Read More

Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Products

Currently, there are no known side effects for most hyaluronic... Read More

The Benefits of Whey Protein

The benefits of whey protein are so numerous and apply... Read More

Vitamin C - The Key to Great Health

Vitamin C is important to all animals, including humans, because... Read More

Are Bodybuilding Supplements Really Necessary?

Bodybuilding supplements generally fall under the classification of dietary supplements,... Read More

Ephedra Ban Lifted

April 14,2005 federal judge Tena Campbell of the federal district... Read More

Vitamin - Essential Nutrients for Health

Vitamins are the stars of the nutrition scene. Nutrition, the... Read More

Not all Antioxidants are Created Equal!

The growing numbers of health conscious people today living more... Read More

Supplements, Diet and Exercise for Healthy Aging

Recently a television health expert was discussing the topic, "How... Read More

Discovering MSM

MSM is a wonderful supplement with a low toxicity rating... Read More

Zma Fuel

Zma is a unique combination of vitamins and minerals that... Read More

Eight Glyconutrients

Glyconutrients- the latest development in the health industry. What are... Read More

The Eight Week Cholesterol Challenge

When I first started down this path I was looking... Read More

Vitamin Supplement Ratings ? Proof Of Popularity

Vitamin supplement ratings quite clearly show just how popular nutritional... Read More

Glyconutrients: A Breakthrough Discovery

The science of Glycobiology, touted by the Massachusetts Institute of... Read More

Phytoestrogen - The Role of Phytoestrogens in Breast Development & Health

What exactly are phytoestrogens, and how can we use them... Read More

Reviving Vitamin E Studies That Challenge Claims of Wonder Supplement Also Leave Openings

The last year hasn't been a good one for vitamin... Read More

Too Many Books, Supplements, and Programs

If I read 1 good valid murder mystery book, would... Read More

Mangosteen

Rarely has a fruit that has been so unknown to... Read More

3 Steps to Identify Supplements that Lack Scientific Evidence

You read about a supplement that allegedly "Boosts your mood... Read More

Vitamin Supplements and Your Child

In a perfect world, your children would eat a balanced... Read More

Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Benefits

Extensive research studies show that taking vitamin and mineral supplements... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - L-Arginine

Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that the body cannot... Read More