cognitive performance support

If you have health problems, in addition to a quality multi-vitamin and pharmaceutical grade fish oil, consider the following options. Always consult your medical provider before using supplements for medical problems.

COGNITIVE SUPPORT (Mental Performance Support)

Cognitive decline is strongly related to oxidation, inflammation, and loss in vascular supply. Agents that are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and enhance circulation hold strong promise in maintaining cognitive function.

Memory loss causes significant suffering for its victims and families. Many of the agents listed below have not been proven to reverse the aging process, nor to prevent memory loss, but show substantial potential to enhance brain cell nutrition. At these dosages, these products seem fairly safe. Always speak with your health provider before adding supplements for cognitive support.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine stabilizes nerve and mitochondrial function and plays a critical antioxidant role inside the cell wall, including within the walls of the mitochondria. Researchers at Stanford University gave 149 patients with early Alzheimer's disease 100 mg of phosphatidylserine three times daily for 12 weeks and noted enhanced memory and cognitive performance. However, another study in the Netherlands found no improvement with the same dosage after 12 weeks. It appears to be safe in dosages up to 600 mg daily. Phosphatidylserine is potentially helpful in enhancing mitochondrial function, and it may be helpful for cognitive performance and depression.

For people with early memory loss, I often recommend many of the following compounds, which are in addition to the multi-vitamin support:

Alpha lipoic acid - 50-100 mg twice daily
Coenzyme Q 10 - 50-100 mg twice daily (200-400 mg daily for Parkinson's disease)
Ginkgo biloba - 60-120 mg twice daily (Discuss risks with your medical provider)
B-12 - 1,000 mcg daily
Acetyl-L-Carnitine - 100-500 mg twice daily
N-Acetyl-Cysteine - 50-200 mg twice daily
Phosphatidylserine - 100-200 mg twice daily
EPA/DHA - 360 mg/240 mg twice daily
Resveratrol* - 10-25 mg twice daily (* as an extract from grape skin and seed)
Vitamin E* - 800-1,200 IU daily (* with mixed tocopherols)