Cognitive Function (Memory Loss) Treatment   Treatment varies according to either the severity of cognitive impairment, or the underlying health condition or problem that may be causing the condition.  For instance, treatment of underlying health conditions may include; vitamin therapy for nutritional deficiencies, stopping prescription drugs that cause the cognitive impairment, and hormonal supplementation for hormonal imbalances.  Drug therapy may also be implemented to enhance cognitive function.   Lifestyle changes can be made to improve overall health and help prevent or minimize age-associated cognitive impairment.  Some ways to preserve cognitive function include regular exercise, abstaining from smoking, alcohol or drug use, mental exercises, obtaining a nutrient-rich diet, and adequate nutritional supplementation.     Supplements helpful for Cognitive Function   Vinpocetine Vinpocetine, an extract derived from the periwinkle plant (Vinca minor), has been used in Europe for decades to treat brain circulation problems (2).  Numerous studies show that vinpocetine supplementation can be useful in the treatment of cognitive impairments that are related to the aging process, while protecting against the effects of brain aging (2-9).   Glyceryl-phosphorylcholine (GPC) Glyceryl-phosphorylcholine (GPC) is a nutrient precursor to the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  A recent medical review suggests that GPC supplementation may improve short-term memory and cognitive function, and protect against the effects of brain aging (10).   Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) boosts cellular energy production in the mitochondria, the cell's energy powerhouse. One study has found supplemental CoQ10 acts as a brain cell energizer, and may protect against the effects of brain aging (11).   Essential Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) The brain is almost entirely composed of essential fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. Studies have found that DHA is essential for normal brain function, and a deficiency of this nutrient can cause an overall decrease cognitive function (12).  Supplementation with DHAs, such as fish oil, have been reported to improve memory, learning, and overall brain health (12, 13).   Vitamin B Complex Elderly patients are often deficient in essential vitamins, especially in B complex vitamins. Several studies have shown that the supplementation with vitamins B6, B12, and folate (B9), improves cognitive function and memory impairment, and may be effective in treating dementia (14-16).   Antioxidants (Vitamins C, E, and Beta-carotene) Vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene are potent antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage in the body, cognitive function impairments, and the effects of brain aging.  Numerous studies indicate that supplementation with vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene improves cognitive function and may be effective in treating dementia (17-20).   Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a nutritional supplement with similar properties to the brain neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.  One significant mammalian study reported that when older rats were fed ALC, age-associated cognitive impairment and mitochondrial decay in the brain was reversed (21).  Other studies have shown that supplementation with ALC may be equally effective in treating Alzheimer's disease (22-24).   Phosphatidylserine (PS) Phosphatidylserine (PS), an essential component of brain cell membranes, enhances brain cell energy metabolism.  Alzheimer's patients often have abnormal PS.  Studies have shown that supplementation with PS enhances cognitive function and memory, and may be effective treatment in those suffering from Alzheimer's disease (24-26).   Gingko biloba Gingko biloba, a botanical used for centuries for a variety of medicinal applications, has been shown to improve circulation and counteract age-related vascular disorders and dementia.  Numerous studies have found that the oral supplementation with gingko can help protect against the effects of brain aging, enhance cognitive function, memory, and blood flow to the brain.  Gingko biloba may also be an effective nutraceutical in treatment of Alzheimer's disease (27-33).     Learn More About Cognitive Function Introduction to Cognitive Function Cognitive Function Treatment Products helpful for Cognitive Function Go Back Learn More

Search by Health Condition: --- Select a Condition --- Acid Reflux Acne AIDS and HIV Aging Allergies Alzheimers Anemia Angina Arthritis (OA) Arthritis (RA) Asthma ADHD Autism Bad Breath Breast Cancer Burns Candidiasis Carpal Tunnel Celiac Disease Cellulitis Cerebral Palsy Cervical Dysplasia Cholesterol Chronic Bronchitis CFS Cognitive Function Colds and Flu Cold Sores CHF Constipation Chronic Cough Crohns Disease Cystic Fibrosis Depression Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diarrhea Diverticular Disease Downs Syndrome Eating Disorders Eczema Emphysema Endometriosis Epilepsy Erectile Dysfunction Fatigue Fibroids Fibromyalgia FLU Gallstones Glaucoma Gout Halitosis Hair Loss Heartburn Hemorrhoids Herpes Simplex Herpes Zoster Hyperlipidemia Hypertension Hyperthyroidism Hypoglycemia Hypothyroidism Impotence Influenza Insomnia IBS Kidney Stones Liver Disease Lupus Macular Degeneration Menopause Migraines Mononucleosis Multiple Sclerosis Obesity Ocular Health Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Otitis Media Pancreatitis Pain Parkinsons PID PUD Periodontal Disease PMS Pneumonia Prostate Health Psoriasis Raynauds disease RLS RA SAD Shingles Sinusitis Stress TMJD Tuberculosis Ulcerative Colitis UTI Vaginitis Varicose veins Vertigo Vitiligo Search by Supplement: --- Select a Supplement--- 5-HTP ALC Alanine Aloe Vera Alpha GPC ALA American Ginseng Amino Acids Androstenedione Arabinoxylane Arginine Arnica Artichoke Ashwagandha Asparagine Aspartic Acid Astragalus Bacopa Barberry Bee Pollen Bee Propolis Beta Glucan Beta Carotene Betaine HCL Bifidobacterium Bilberry Biotin Bitter Melon Black Cohosh Bladderwrack Boron Boswellia BCAAs Brewers Yeast Bromelain Burdock Calcium Calendula Carnosine Cartilage Cascara Sagrada Cats Claw Cayenne CMO Chamomile Chasteberry Chitosan Chloride Choline Chondroitin Chromium Citrulline Coenzyme Q10 Coleus Colostrum Comfrey CLA Copper Cordyceps Cranberry Creatine Cyclo Cysteine Cystine Dandelion Leaf Dandelion Root Deer Antler Velvet DHEA Devils Claw Digestive Enzymes DMAE DMG DHA Dong Quai Echinacea EPA Elder Eleuthero English Ivy Ephedra Eucalyptus Evening Primrose Feverfew Fiber Fish Oil Flaxseed Fluoride Folic Acid FOS GABA GLA Gamma oryzanol Garcinia Garlic Ginger Gingko Glucosamine Glutamic Acid Glutamine Glutathione Glycine Goldenseal Gotu Kola Grapefruit Seed Grape Seed Extract Green Tea Guggul Gymnema Hawthorn Histidine Hops Horse Chestnut Horsetail Huperzine A Inositol Iodine Iron Isoleucine Kava Lactobacillus Acidophilus Larch Arabinogalactan L-Carnitine L Dopa Lemon Balm Leucine Lecithin Licorice Lutein Lycopene Lysine Magnesium Malic acid Manganese Mastic Melatonin Methionine MSM Milk Thistle Minerals Molybdenum NAC NADH Noni Olive Leaf Omega 3 Omega 6 Oregano Panax ginseng Passion Flower Pau Darco Peppermint Oil Phellodendron Phenylalanine Phosphatidylcholine Phosphatidylserine Phosphorus Phyllanthus Picrorrhiza Policosanol Potassium Proline Psyllium Pygeum Pyruvate Quercetin Red Clover Reshi Rhodiola Rosacea SAM-E Saw Palmetto Schisandra Selenium Serine Shiitake Silicon Sodium Soy Isoflavones Spirulina Sterols Stinging Nettle St Johns Wort Sulfur Taurine Tea Tree Oil Theanine Threonine Tocotrienols Tryptophan Turmeric Tylophora Tyrosine Uva Ursi Valerian Valine Vanadium Vinpocetine Vitamin A Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Yarrow Zeaxanthin Zinc Subscribe to our Newsletter:   Free health information emailed to you daily.   Name: Email: Sponsors:

Copyright  - All Rights Reserved - www.supplementnews.org DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this page should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.

Recommended Resources | Link to Us | Health Blog