Please support this work by patronizing the quality vendors referenced here and on the Links page when you can.. The Good Various supplements seem to offer benefits for memory improvement and mental clarity. (If mental issues seem stress or anxiety related, consult the Anxiety recommendations, too.) * The Not-So-Good As with other issues, memory loss and lack of mental clarity can have many causes, and some are harder to treat than others. Aging indivuals should consider hormonal issues and supplementation along with traditional mind-boosters. Note that any "brain food" or hormonal supplement can affect mood, and sometimes contribute to irritability, anxiety, or depression.  Issues Blood sugar, stress, fatigue, poor sleep, and low hormone levels are just some of the factors that  influence memory and mental function. A "big picture" approach is important -- e.g., ginkgo probably won't help much if you rarely get a good night's sleep, or breathe poorly. Physical and mental exercise are important -- exercise daily, and engage frequently in activites that challenge your mind. Useful Nutrients Research suggests that many supplements and herbs have a positive impact on memory, mental focus, and learning. Ginkgo, acetyl l-carnitine, and various forms of choline are at the top of the list. Stable blood sugar levels are also important. A blend of brain foods like Neurozyme (below) is a good starting point. Also, as with many conditions, a good multi-vitamin is important (see the Longevity page for suggestions). Research shows that B-vitamins in particular are critical. Nutrient Table The table below summarizes the current research for supplements useful for memory and mental function, and provides one or more links to key research and releated products. As always, this table should be taken only as a general guideline. Anyone embarking on a nutritional/exercise regimen should work with a sympathetic doctor, particularly if medications are also involved. GAIAHEALTH HOME  HEALTH INFORMATION/SEARCH

Item	Notes	Research	Item Link
choline	Long-standing brain food, and a source of brain acetyl-choline. Alpha GPC (Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline) has the strongest recent research for memory improvement.	(coming soon)	alpha GPC citicholine phosphatidyl choline
acetyl l-carnitine/arginate	Increases levels of acetylcholine in the brain and encourages neuron growth (especially the arginate form).	alc survey	acetyl L-carnitine ALC arginate
ginkgo	Long used for memory improvement, and most research shows good results. Recent research suggests synergistic effects when combined with Cat's Claw, rosemary, and gotu kola. ( Neurozyme  contains all of these and several other herbal extracts).Gingko phytosome  is better absorbed.		ginkgo gingko phytosome cat's claw
fish oil	High in brain-food fatty acids DHA and EPA. Get oil that is molecularly distilled or otherwise guaranteed free of PCBs and other pollutants.	fish oil vs. mental decline	fish oil
phosphatidyl serine	Research is somewhat mixed, but PS seems to improve age-related memory loss. Usually sold in a formula that include choline.		P Serine 'complex'
lemon balm (melissa)	Shows benefits for mental clarity, mood, and Alzheimer's disease. Like other members of the mint family (though equally invasive), lemon balm is a good grow-your-own candidate.	- lemon balm and theanine - lemon balm summary	lemon balm leaf LE Natural Stress Relief Formula
DMAE	Research is old and somewhat inconsistent, but many people seem to get memory improvement and an alertness boost from DMAE.		DMAE
vinpocetine	A chemical derived originally from periwinkle. Functions like ginkgo (though perhaps more strongly), increasing blood circulation in the brain.		vinpocetine
green tea	Like other supplements listed here, of benefit in many areas, and a no-brainer as part of ones diet. The physosome variant may be better absorbed.	study	green tea decaf green tea green tea phytosome
full-spectrum E	Recent research suggests that  alpha-tocoperol is not the only important part of Vitamin E. For the brain (and possibly in general), gamma-tocopherol is more important. Always take full-spectrum E. The LEF Booster provides the 'missing parts' along with other nutrients.	gamma E study	gamma E complex LE Super Booster
berry extracts	Not a quick fix, but recent research suggests strong brain-protection benefits from these compounds over the long haul.	animal research	berry green Blueberry extract and pomegranate
memory/brain blends	Some of the components above are easy to group in a sort of "mind multivitamin" several good choices are shown in the links. Mental Clarity is a formula based on the Lions Mane mushroom, by the innovative company New Chapter. Cognitex comes w/wo pregnenelone, a hormone supplement that often helps mental function and sleep.		neurozyme mental clarity  COGNITEX W/NEUROPROTECTION COMPLEX 90 SOFTGELS  COGNITEX W/PREG. & NEUROPROTECTION COMPLEX 90 SOFTGELS

 

* Please note that this information is for educational purposes only and does not represent any form of medical advice. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA. Product discussion here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Users are encouraged to work with a nutritionally-oriented doctor before embracing a nutritional or herbal regime.