Senior Living News

Can supplements ward off memory disorders or improve cognitive function? The research is complicated, and the answer is both yes and no. Find out more about the role vitamins, minerals and supplements may (or may not) play when it comes to cognitive health below.

Supplements Marketed as Good for the Brain: Are They?

According to WebMD, a quarter of adults over the age of 50 are taking supplements marketed as good for the brain. The obvious desire is to protect cognitive function, such as focus and memory, through the aging process.

But the Food and Drug Administration doesn't require the manufacturers or marketers of these types of supplements to prove they work as they claim. So, the pill that's supposed to keep your memory sharp or improve focus and concentration may not do anything at all.

That's not to say, however, that there's not a relationship between certain vitamins and minerals and brain health. For older adults or those caring for them, it's important to know where the line between good wellness and wasting money on pills is.

Do Certain Vitamins and Minerals Positively Impact Brain Health?

According to information published by Harvard Heath, the research seems to say yes. The MIND diet, DASH diet and Mediterranean diets have all been shown in various studies to positively impact cognitive functions. These diets are full of foods that have lots of vitamin B and E and omega-3 fatty acids.

The takeaway seems to be that those vitamins and minerals are good for brain health, so why wouldn't you take supplements to get in some extra B, E or good fatty acids? The problem is that the research is still out, and scientists don't know for sure if it's a certain combination of these nutrients or certain amounts that have a good impact on brain health.

Here's what researchers do know at this point:

• Vitamin B in multiple forms, including B12, B6 and folic acid (that's B9), do contribute to brain health. But most people can get ample doses of these vitamins by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. If you have a condition that puts you at risk for a vitamin B deficiency or you're at high risk of Alzheimer's, you may want to ask your doctor about the benefits of a supplement.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are important in helping to build cell membranes and potentially protect cells in the brain. But, again, most people can easily get enough of good fatty acids if they eat well. Salmon and other fatty fish, spinach, Brussels sprouts, seeds, nuts and vegetable oils all contain omega-3 fatty acids. Adding more fish like salmon to your diet is one of the best ways of boosting your intake, and getting omega-3 fatty acids from food tends to provide more of a benefit than getting it in supplement form.
• Vitamin E may support brain health due to its antioxidant nature. This is one supplement the research seems to be in favor of. A high dose might help stave off cognitive decline, but it won't stop it completely and isn't a cure of any sort. Most people can get the vitamin E they need normally through healthy eating, so always talk to your health care provider about whether a larger-than-normal dose is a good idea.
• Some studies indicate that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine can increase mental performance, at least temporarily. You can get both these nutrients in green tea, though, so there's no need for a supplement. And it's also important to take them in moderation because too much caffeine can have negative health benefits for the brain and the entire body.
• Ginkgo biloba doesn't seem to provide any sort of prevention for cognitive decline, according to numerous research studies including thousands of individuals. This is despite numerous claims that this natural supplement can work wonders for brain health. The same is true with ginseng.
  
  

Some nutrients that require further study to determine whether they have a positive impact on cognitive health include:

• Curcumin, which is found in turmeric
• CDP-choline, which has been shown to benefit some people with existing memory issues but may or may not help people avoid memory issues
• Combinations of different supplements, which might actually cause more harm than good

If you or someone you know is dealing with a memory or cognitive issue, it's understandable that you would reach for any potential help. But it's important to do your research, listen to your health care providers and avoid investing in products that could be a waste or money or even harmful.

Those looking for future ways to stay healthy and active with a memory diagnosis may want to consider an assisted living community with a memory care level of service. Find out more about memory care at Autumn View Gardens.