|
 Many people are trying to find supplements for memory loss or memory problems. Science, especially herbal medicine, has tried to respond to this need by finding and/or formulating supplements and medicine which can help with people's memory. Of the many supplements out there, it seems that many of the popular one are the ones that need a closer look because they are not all that they seem.
CoEnzyme Q10
Also popular in facial creams for the reduction of wrinkles, CoEnzyme Q10 is known to help boost cellular reactions and activity. It became a possible memory supplement when a study revealed that it may have been able to slow down dementia in Alzheimer patients. However, no research has been done with regard to its use on memory improvement for healthy people, nor has any research been done about how much is a safe amount to take.
Gingko Biloba
Perhaps the most popular of all the memory supplements, Gingko Biloba has been used to help patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. One of the theories is that because the supplement has the ability to improve blood flow in the brain, it can help improve memory because brain cells are better oxygenated and are receiving more nutrients. Unfortunately, studies on Gingko Biloba being used by healthy adults have not shown any promising results. In fact, no memory improvement occurred. Furthermore, the supplement should only be considered after consulting your doctor.
Huperzine A
Used for centuries in Chinese medicine, modern research on Huperzine A has really only been tested the supplement on animals and on patients with Alzheimer's disease, and no research involving healthy individuals has proven to be successful. Like the previous supplements, further study must be done to determine its safety or long-term side effects. Because of this, it is generally not recommended by doctors.
Phosphotidylserine
An essential component of cell membranes, phosphotidylserine has been able to help preserve some of the mental functions of patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. However, studies using the supplement have shown that the improvements only lasted a few months and only with those who had the least severe problems. Apart from the lack of evidence with regard to the supplement, the early phosphotidylserine supplements were derived from cows, but because of the mad cow disease scare, scientists have switched sources and began deriving the compound from cabbage instead. No study has shown that the cabbage based supplement is beneficial.
Vinpocetine
Like Gingko Biloba, Vinpocetine is known to boost blood flow to the brain and therefore may help memory loss or memory problems. One study gave very favorable results, showing significant cognitive improvement among the test subjects. However, this is specific to those patients with memory disorders caused by poor blood flow to the brain. There isn't enough evidence to show that it can help healthy people with memory problems.
Supplements for memory are almost constantly being studied because of memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Despite the results discussed above, scientists remain hopeful that further studies, experiments, and research will reveal the usefulness of suspected memory supplements or a more effective memory supplement or set of supplements. In the meantime, healthy living and vitamins for memory may be the best route to boosting memory skills.
|
