In regards to brain/memory/cognitive function?

Question

Help! I am trying to do research on what the best non-pharmaceutical supplements/vitamins are for assistance with brain function/memory/cognitive function. I've found so many links that are just advertisements, and would love some help finding some legitimate resources.

Answer 1

This site looks like a good place to start:

Advanced Cognitive Enhancers (brain function, memory, learning, intelligence)

Pregnenolone and mental function

Brain Survival Strategies and Enhancement Nutritional Protocols to Protect and Extend Mental Function

Binaural Beat Audio Technology for (relaxation, meditation, stress reduction, pain management, improved sleep quality, decrease in sleep requirements, super learning, enhanced creativity and intuition, remote viewing, telepathy, and out-of-body experience and lucid dreaming.)

Memory Enhancement and Cognitive Function

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) and Alpha-Lipoic Acid Improve Energy and Memory

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC): Rejuvenating Effects

Galantamine A Unique Nutrient for Preserving Memory and Cognitive Function

Ginkgo Reverses Memory Loss in Rats with Experimental Alzheimer's

Lipoic Acid Benefits Alzheimer's Patients

Lithium's Potential Role in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease (protect against premature cell death) lithium orotate much safer and more bioavailable

Huperzine-A Natural Club Moss Extract Shows Promise for Enhancing Memory and Alertness

Phosphatidylserine The Remarkable Brain Cell Nutrient

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Boosts Effectiveness of Alzheimer's Treatments

DMAE and PABA An Alternative to Gerovital (GH3), the Romanian Youth Drug

DMAE: Cognitive-Enhancing Life-Extending Nutrient

ADD & ADHD Natural Control of ADD & ADHD

Stress and depression may cause some forms of memory loss

Idebenone and Cognition Enhancement

Vinpocetine: Cognitive Enhancer’s Role Expands to Incontinence and Epilepsy

Vinpocetine A Superior Cerebral Metabolic Enhancer and Neuroprotector

Brain - Mind Enhancing Nutrients Nootropics and Smart Drugs Huperzine A, phosphatidylserine, acetyl-l-carnitine, Ginkgo Biloba, DMAE, Choline, Pyroglutamic acid, Ribonucleic acid

http://brain.web-us.com/advanced_cognitive_enhancers.htm

Then perhaps this one:

Cognitive Function
by Heather Granato

Learning, memory and reasoning are all important aspects of brain function that fall under the general heading of cognitive function. While they are taken for granted on a daily basis, failings in these areas are often the first signs of degeneration associated with aging and/or disease. Interrelated changes in brain chemistry and cellular function underlie the cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative conditions.

There are several neurodegenerative conditions that affect cognitive function, including Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

Parkinson’s symptoms can include dementia, memory loss, impaired coordination and confusion. It affects more than 1.5 million Americans, according to the American Parkinson Disease Foundation. Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder with early symptoms including cognitive failings, with progression to diminished memory and concentration and loss of motor control; it afflicts approximately 250,000 Americans, according to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

The general term dementia covers several forms, including multiinfarct dementia and subcortical dementia, and is also a symptom of other degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Multi-infarct dementia, known as vascular dementia, is characterized by confusion, loss of memory and heightened emotion, and is a common cause of dementia in the elderly.
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/468/468_512cognitive.html

Answer 2

Well, I use Ginko Biloba. Supposed to be helpful. Not sure at my age. But it also helps with circulation, and that is important to brain function.

Answer 3

Well it depends on the individual as i have seen from the answers you have already been given, how about trying the b group or a womans supplement?????

Answer 4

Omega 3 does just about everything, and I think I remember reading that it helps memory (both long term and short term) but you might want to double check on that

Answer 5

ginko biloba is supposed to be the best herbal for that, according to Prevention magazine, they didn't recommend any one particular brand.

Answer 6

Stick to the more 'legit' sites to do your research in:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/hp.asp
http://webmd.com

Answer 7

Gingko and fish oils will sort you out!