The actual benefits in preventing age-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's are now in question. Memory supplements may be the answer.

As people age, memory supplements are needed to fight the effects that aging have, such as the increased risk of memory decline, which develops cognitive dysfunctions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. It is a condition where a person develops a brain fog that interferes with one's ability to concentrate of do a chore. And similar to a fog, it comes and goes. It is therefore recurrent.

Thankfully, modern science have already identified the causative factors of memory decline such as chemical imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and environmental and food pollutants. They even discovered substances that can help repair and slow down the damage to the brain. These substances are found many of today's memory supplements. Memory enhancement through supplementation has shown a great potential to minimizing the decline of brain functions.

Many of the discovered helpful brain substances are found in memory supplements. The substances include B vitamins, selenium, phosphatidylserine, Alpha lipoic acid, omega 3 fatty acids and many more. Vitamin B complex takes several vitamins, which include B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12, that were discovered to be beneficial in building protection for neurons in the brain. These vitamins also help break down an amino acid called homocysteine, which is toxic to the nerve cells. It also promotes healthy production of red blood cells, which carry more oxygen in the brain. Also, the main sources of vitamin B complex include soybeans, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, melons and berries, which are hosts for other healthful benefits.

The other group of memory enhancing substances is the antioxidants. Vitamins C, E and beta carotene are known to protect the brain cells from the damage caused by free radicals. A good memory supplement should contain these vitamins, but it would be better if you get them from its natural sources such as citrus fruits, berries, sweet potatoes, spinach and green tea.

Omega 3 fatty acids are technically not vitamins but it is a good nutrient for memory enhancement and brain protection. You will never find this in any form of multivitamins, as it is often made available as a separate supplement. When most fats are bad for the health, omega-3 fatty acids are one of the few good fats that protect the brain against inflammation and against the damaging effects of high cholesterol. Cold water fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon and herring are good sources of this good fat.

Natural memory enhancing substances are also seen in some exotic herbs. Herbs like ginkgo biloba, billberry, gotu kola, hawthorn berry and Siberian ginseng carry substances that improve oxygen flow and neuron functions, which does not necessarily cure cognitive dysfunction but improve memory.

While memory enhancers can be provided in the form of doctor's prescribed medication, many are interested to know about its natural alternatives. Such type of supplements is made from the herbs and fruits that were found to carry many of the memory enhancing substances. Similar to over-the-counter supplements, natural memory enhancers and supplements are made from a vast array of ingredients that work synergistically to prevent memory decline and gradually improve memory.

With the concern on the side-effects of memory enhancers, other forms of memory supplements have been made available. Either way, it is best to consult your physician before starting any memory supplement regimen.

Return from Memory Supplements to Home Page