When it comes to your health, the best defense really is a good offense. And that’s especially true when it comes to brain health.
Because keeping your brain sharp, and firing on all cylinders, is key to enjoying a long, happy life filled with memories.
Get started by committing to regular exercise, at least three days a week. And be sure to stick to a healthy, lower carb diet with plenty of fresh produce, whole grains, whole fat diary and lean meats.
Protect your memory with Alzheimer’s supplements
But then, if you really want to “Alzheimer’s proof” your brain, consider some brain-friendly nutrients too.
Following are our top five picks for brain-boosting Alzheimer’s supplements…
1. Acetyl-l-carnitine:
Studies have linked acetyl-l-carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid, to a healthier, sharper brain. The micronutrient easily crosses the blood brain barrier. And once inside it helps protect the cells, or neurons, in your brain.
A meta-analysis of 21 different studies found the amino acid helps protect the brain against age-related impairment. And studies stretching back to the 1980s have found the powerful antioxidant can help slow the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, even after diagnosis.
2. Alpha Lipoic Acid:
Alpha lipoic acid, or ALA, is a supplement version of lipoic acid, a compound your body naturally produces in small amounts of on its own.
Your cells require lipoic acid to make energy. But what makes it especially important for brain health is its antioxidant properties. ALA fights free-radical damage, and reduces the inflammation associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
In a study published in the Journal of Neurodegenerative Diseases, researchers found that ALA therapy could slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients down to a crawl. Volunteers with Alzheimer’s taking the supplement even had significant improvements on several cognitive tests.
And in another study of Alzheimer’s patients, ALA stabilized volunteer’s cognitive function. In fact, according to researchers, in some folks the supplement dramatically slowed the progression of the disease.
In other words, ALA has earned its spot on our list of top Alzheimer’s supplements.
3. Bacopa Monnieri:
For generations people all over the world who practice traditional medicine have treasured Bacopa Monnieri as a natural brain booster. And modern medicine is finally catching up.
Several studies have found the herb can help improve memory, word recall, concentration, and the ability to learn and retain new information in seniors.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry Bacopa Monnieri helped folks suffering with age-related memory impairments.
After taking the supplement for 12 weeks, the researchers reported the volunteer’s had significant improvements in…
- mental control
- logical memory
- learning ability
In another double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study the herb enhanced cognitive performance in a group of elderly folks. Memory and word recall were improved.
4. DHA:
Fish is the original brain food. And DHA, found in fish oil, is especially good for your brain. Which is why it found a spot on our list of Alzheimer’s supplements.
Studies have found the fatty acid helps boost cognitive function in healthy brains, as well as help people who have already started having “senior moments.”
In animal studies DHA improved learning and memory in senior animals. And the fatty acid reduced the beta amyloid plaques and tau tangles that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a DHA supplement improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults. And in another study, researchers found the fatty acids in fish are associated with enhanced cognitive function and speed in folks 45 and older.
5. Phosphatidylserine:
Alzheimer’s disease causes brain cells to weaken and die. But phosphatidylserine, or PS, can help keep those same cells strong and healthy, reducing symptoms or even reversing them.
Experts recommend…
- 100 mg a day if you’re still perfectly healthy,
- 200 mg daily if you’ve noticed you’ve started to slip a bit as you get older
- 300 mg a day if you’ve already received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
While some studies have reported results with 400 mg a day.
Don’t wait for the diagnosis no one wants. Alzheimer’s proof your brain with these Alzheimer’s supplements, starting today!
Healthier Talk
We believe that everyone has good ideas about how best to care for our loved ones and ourselves. Many of our contributors are doctors that have spent their life’s work invested in the health and well being of the human body and mind. Some have spent their lives tirelessly researching health and the human body, developing new vitamins and products dedicated to making people healthier.
Others are ordinary people that have natural family cures passed down from generations, or discovered an inexpensive home remedy out of necessity or even by accident.
So Healthier Talk not only offers professional advice and solutions, but also provides much sought after natural family cures and at-home remedies, right at your fingertips!
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