Do Memory Supplements Work?
Memory Supplements have become an integral part of our dietary supplements. After all, who wants to forget names, or where the key is? Taking memory supplements is almost a necessity, especially among older adults. There are a number of seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease so it is natural that they lean towards memory supplements. The memory supplements market has risen as a multi-billion dollars market.
Memory supplements are also referred to as nootropics. The billion-dollar question is, do memory supplements (a.k.a. nootropics) work?
Research on Memory Supplements effectiveness:
There are various types of memory supplements. They all carry different substances and they all claim to help improve cognitive power. Additionally, they claim to prevent memory loss and help with age related memory issues.
Dr. Gad Marshall, associate medical director at the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, conducted a study and measured the effectiveness of the memory supplements. He concluded that "There is no solid proof any of them work".
"The FDA doesn't oversee product testing or ingredient accuracy — they just look out for supplements that make health claims related to the treatment of specific diseases," he added. This is the real problem with these supplements or nootropics.
Dr. David Hogan of the University of Calgary also conducted similar studies and concluded almost the same results. According to Dr. Hogan, “Supplements cannot replicate the complexity of natural food and provide all its potential benefits.”
Here are a few supplements that are popular as a memory supplement. Let us look at their effectiveness in the findings of the studies.
Omega-3 Fatty acids:
Omega-3 has been by far the most common memory supplement actually there are three types of Omega-3s.
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid )
- ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
Fish such as salmon and mackerel contain EPA and DHA. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach as well as in Walnut and flax seeds have EPA.
These are Omega-3 fatty acids help build our brain membrane and protect brain cells helping preserve memory. The issue is Omega-3 fatty acids as supplements. Unfortunately, they are not as effective. Doctors suggest taking the source of Omega-3 fatty acids directly rather than taking the supplement of Omega-3s. They suggest taking more of the fish and leafy greens in the diet.
Vitamin B's (B6 B9 B12):
A combination of various vitamin B's does help brain function. The concentration of homocysteine increases the risk of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Vitamin Bs help break down homocysteine and thereby reduce the risk of these diseases.
Vitamin B supplements did not show any major effect in preventing Alzheimer's or dementia. It is important to note that our body cannot store these vitamins so in most cases the supplements having a high concentration of these vitamins will go unused down the drain.
An easy solution to do this problem easy to change diet. Use more of salmon fish, leafy greens, legumes, meat, eggs, and seeds like sunflowers.
Vitamin E:
This is the only vitamin that shows some positive benefits on brain functions. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant which in turn reduces the oxidative effect on blood cells and thereby reducing memory loss.
When taken as a high dosage, Vitamin E showed minor positive effects. A high amount of vitamin E may help but it can cause another challenge. A high amount of vitamin E causes stroke, especially hemorrhagic stroke. It is better to avoid vitamin E supplements.
Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo Biloba is a natural plant from the East. People believe it helps memory loss in a natural way. A large study including older men and women did not find Ginkgo Biloba to be as effective. Ginkgo Biloba did not help reduce dementia according to the study.
If such studies show no significant effect of the memory supplements, is there any hope to help improve mental agility, and reduce memory loss? Let's take a look at the alternatives.
Options for memory Supplements:
Here are some of the alternatives to taking memory supplements that are scientifically proven to help reduce memory loss
Exercise:
Yes, that tried-and-tested exercise is so helpful for our order that we overlook that. According to a study in 2001, the sedentary lifestyle causes approximately 1 million cases of Alzheimer's disease.
There are a number of studies suggesting some form of physical activity such as walking and yoga help in reducing memory loss. Working out works!
Control Blood Pressure:
We consider dementia and Alzheimer's isolated diseases, But they are highly linked to heart disease and stroke. What causes heart disease and stroke? High blood pressure. So, if we tackle the root cause of memory loss, high blood pressure, then we can easily address the main issue.
Workout for the brain:
Just like our body muscles need regular exercise our brain also needs some kind of workout. If you like reading solving crossword puzzles learning new language subject or music you have less to worry about memory loss
In today's hectic lifestyle taking a dietary supplement or a pill is easy. Advertisements cause us to belive memory supplements work and are necessary for us. . Marketing by the major companies to sell more and more memory supplements plays a major role.
If you prefer to take the supplements it is advisable to do your own research also stay current with the latest information about scientific research about the effectiveness of memory supplements. Goes by Define May reveal some new and helpful effects of the supplements.
Until we find that unicorn supplement to help cognitive function and memory loss remember that our diet and habits of exercise will take us a long way, naturally!