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.

---

Take Back Your Life 3

In parts one and two of this series, titled "Take... Read More

Is Citrus Aurantium Really Bad for Your Health?

Once again the "wisdom" of the FDA and the supplement... Read More

Natural Tonics for Health and Wellness

I'm a great believer in natural tonics to strengthen or... Read More

Vitamin Treatment Guide

Vitamins and minerals play a major role in becoming healthy... Read More

Are Bodybuilding Supplements Really Necessary?

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

The Benefits of Whey Protein

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

Evening Primrose Oil and Co-Enzyme Q-10: A Dynamic Supplement Duo for Women

During the past few years, I've become more interested in... Read More

9 Vitamins & Supplements to Improve Your Memory

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

Side Effects of Fish Oil

Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of fatty... Read More

Do Natural Thyroid Boosters Work?

How Well Does Thyrin-ATC and Other Natural Thyroid Products Work?Hypothyroidism... Read More

Vitamin C - The Key to Great Health

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

L-tyrosine and Your Health

L-tyrosine is a protein that the body produces from phenylamine,... Read More

Take Back Your Life 2

In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your... Read More

The History of Hyaluronic Acid Treatments

While HA has dramatically increased in popularity and use within... Read More

Fatigue After WLS: Iron Deficiency May Be the Cause

I've been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just don't... Read More

Creatine Supplementation for Increased Performance and Building Muscle

Creatine is an amino acid that is in meat and... Read More

Herbal Supplement

Herbal Supplement ? what is it?So what is an herbal... Read More

What L Glutamine Powder Can Do For You

L glutamine is an amino acid occurring abundantly within the... Read More

Glucosamine Chondroitin & Arthritis - A Health Supplement

Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering... Read More

Nutritional Supplement

Nutritional Supplement ? what is it?So what is a nutritional... Read More

Mineral Supplement: Minerals in Your Diet!

The food is the raw material for the body. Minerals... Read More

Vitamin Supplement Ratings ? Proof Of Popularity

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

Take Back Your Life

It seems today that for every mood swing, inconvenient behavior,... Read More

More Complete Arthritis Supplement

People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More

The Effects of Creatine Supplements on Your Body

The skeletal muscle component known as creatine is not only... Read More

The Need For Supplementation

When I began to study nutrition, I too believed that... Read More

What is Chromium Picolinate?

Chromium picolinate supplement combines the essential trace mineral Chromium with... Read More

Creatine, Caffeine, and Carbohydrates - Supplements That Work

It would seem that everyone is looking to squeeze the... Read More

Why Should I Take Nutritional Supplements?

Do you ever wonder why the experts keep saying that... Read More

Taurox SB: A Balanced Immune System Leads to Increased Energy

Taurox is an excellent way to find true and healthy... Read More

Garlic Can Kill Superbug - A Health Supplement

The Superbug MRSA which is becoming more common in Hospitals,... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - L-Taurine

Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the... Read More

Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Benefits

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