Age related memory decline

It is estimated that up to one third of adults will experience a gradual decline in cognitive function known as mild cognitive impairment as they age. Less severe than dementia, mild cognitive impairment is defined as cognitive defects that do not interfere with daily living. It may include slower thinking, a reduced ability to learn, and impaired memory. While many conventional physicians view these defects as an inevitable consequence of aging, newer research has uncovered possible reasons for mild cognitive impairment and has also identified potential therapies that may enable people to battle age-related mental decline more effectively than ever before. Minimizing cognitive defects will become even more important as the average life span continues to lengthen and hundreds of thousands of people head into their 80s and 90s, when the risk for cognitive decline is greatest.

Glyceryl phosphoryl Choline. Glyceryl phosphoryl Choline (GPC) is a form of Choline that is naturally present in all the body's cells. Among aging adults, the rationale for GPC therapy goes back to the hypothesis, developed more than 30 years ago, that declining levels of acetylcholine—and a concurrent decrease in the number of neurons that are its intended target—are responsible for a range of cognitive deficits. Acetylcholine is an essential neurotransmitter involved in muscle control, sleep, and cognition. Research has shown that GPC is a precursor of acetylcholine that is safe and well tolerated. A review of 13 published studies, involving more than 4000 participants, found that patients taking GPC exhibited neurological improvement and relief of clinical symptoms of chronic cerebral deterioration that was clearly superior to placebo and equal or superior to that obtained with prescription drugs.

Phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine facilitates the efficient transport of glucose into brain cells and boosts the production of acetylcholine. It is sold in Europe and Japan as a prescription drug but is available in the United States as a dietary supplement. European studies have shown enhancement in cognitive function when Phosphatidylserine is administered to patients in various stages of dementia. Phosphatidylserine has also been shown to attenuate many neuronal effects of aging and to restore normal memory in a variety of tasks in animal models.

Vinpocetine. Vinpocetine, derived from the periwinkle plant, has been shown to enhance circulation and oxygen utilization in the brain, increase the brain's tolerance for diminished blood flow, and inhibit abnormal platelet aggregation that can interfere with circulation or cause a stroke. Improvement of cerebral circulation was observed after Vinpocetine was administered, and after one month of Vinpocetine treatment, psychological tests showed an improvement in memory. In a clinical trial, Vinpocetine produced a significant cognitive improvement in older patients with chronic cerebral dysfunction.

Blueberry extract. Numerous studies have shown that fruit extracts, which are rich in polyphenols, have the ability to reverse and slow age-related brain deterioration. Among these, blueberry extract seems especially effective.

Ashwagandha. Derived from an Indian herb, ashwagandha has been studied for its ability to rebuild damaged neural networks and restore memory. Several have shown that ashwagandha can increase the growth of dendrites in the brain.

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