Brain Health Tips

Brain Health–Tips and Supplements to Help Prevent Memory Loss*

Brain health and memory loss aren’t things we tend to think about or do anything about until it hits us or someone we love.

My mother was recently diagnosed with early dementia. When I learned of this, I discovered some alarming statistics. In the US, Alzheimer’s disease (a form of dementia) affects approximately 10% of those over 65 years of age. That statistic jumps up to 50% for those 85 years and older! And these statistics don’t include other forms of dementia.

Watching my mom’s steady progression of forgetfulness and confusion has been challenging. Fortunately, we are seeing occasional and incremental improvements in her memory. It’s impossible to determine what’s been working, but we’re hopeful that a few of the supplements we’ve been giving her having been helping.*

Turmeric

Turmeric is a fantastic herb–an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant–and is commonly used in curries.* Interestingly, studies indicate that Alzheimer’s is less prevalent in India than elsewhere, leading some to attribute this result to the country’s consumption of turmeric.* Many also say that it helps relieve arthritis.* Turmeric is absorbed best by the body when consumed with pepper and fat.

Try adding dashes of turmeric to soups and stir fries. For a more concentrated dose, try these supplements which also contain pepper to increase bio-availability:

Fish Oil

Our brains are made of nearly 60% fat. I can’t help but wonder about the impact of all those years of eating a low fat diet may have had in contributing to my mom’s dementia. Essential fatty acids are critical for brain health, but our bodies can’t make them; they must be consumed.

American diets tend to be deficient in omega-3s, which are important for cognitive function, including focus. Sources of omega-3s that you might add to your diet are fatty fish twice per week (such as mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon) or incorporating vegetarian sources daily–such as walnuts, ground flaxseeds (keep refrigerated after opening) and chia seeds.

The product my mom has been using is Nordic Naturals’ ProOmega liquid, which has a heightened concentration of DHA and EPA for those who need high intensity support.* They have a variety of high quality products in liquid and capsule forms. Family Acupuncture patients get 15% off and FREE shipping by entering practitioner code 106250.

If you have any questions about what supplement might be right for you, please let us know!

*Disclaimer: Specific results are not guaranteed. Results may vary from person to person.