Memory Loss Health Article

Nutritional supplements

The following nutritional supplements may help restore and maximize memory:

• L-Acetylcarnitine (LAC). Studies have shown that acetylcarnitine can improve memory function in the elderly. It can even reverse memory loss in some patients who have early Alzheimer's disease.
• Phosphatidylserine (100 mg three times per day). Phosphatidylserine probably works by lowering stress hormone levels and increasing the availability of acetylcholine. This supplement may help improve brain function in patients suffering from age-related memory loss.
• Vitamin E (400–800 IU per day). A strong antioxidant, vitamin E protects memory cells from free-radical damage.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil (1 tablespoon per day) and fish oil capsules are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 enriched eggs are available in some places.
• Thiamine (3–8 g per day). Treat a vitamin B₁ deficiency with supplements. Thiamine/vitamin B₁ is a good antioxidant and may also improve mental function in Alzheimer's patients.
• Methylcobalamin (1,000 micrograms twice daily). Methylcobalamine is the preferred supplemental form of cyanocobalamin, or vitamin B₁₂. Many Alzheimer's patients have been found to have a vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.

Herbal therapy

The following herbs may help reverse memory loss and/or improve mental performance:

• Ginkgo biloba extract (24% ginkgo flavonglycosides: 80 mg three times per day) is the herb most well known for its ability to improve memory function. Ginkgo works by improving the circulation of blood to the brain. It is also a strong antioxidant. Therefore, it can slow down memory loss associated with normal aging or due to degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Several studies have demonstrated that ginkgo helps improve thinking and concentration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• Gotu kola (Centella asiatica: 70 mg taken twice daily). This herb helps improve memory by increasing blood circulation to the brain and keeps blood vessels strong and healthy.
• Ginseng. Studies have shown that ginseng can improve memory and enhance learning ability. The recommended dosage of Korean ginseng is 3–9 g per day. Because ginseng may elevate blood pressure, patients with heart disease or high blood pressure should consult with their doctor before using this herb.
• Brahmi (Bacopa monniera. Brahmi is a herb native to India that is used in Ayurvedic medicine and Japanese medicine as a nerve tonic and treatment for insomnia. It appears to improve a person's ability to retain new learning. Brahmi, which is sometimes called bacopa in Western countries, contains two compounds known as bacosides A and B. It is thought that these chemicals help to prevent memory loss by improving the efficiency of impulse transmission between nerve cells in the brain. An Australian study published in 2002 reported on the effects of brahmi on 76 human subjects. It showed that brahmi has a significant effect on people's ability to remember new information, although it does not affect a person's ability to retrieve information that was known prior to the experiment.