Healthy Aging and Memory

Whoever we are and where ever we live a sure sign that the years are creeping up on you are when you find a progressive memory decline and reduced mental awareness. While being often dismissed as “just part of normal aging”, there are things we can do with natural solutions and natural medicine to keep this decline to a minimum. Here are some solutions that most people can implement.

As we age there is a complex interaction between your genetic composition, the levels of chemical messengers and biosignals, their receptor affinity (cell to cell communication) and the extent of oxidative damage to your neural networks These factors have prompted the discovery of cellular energetics and the role of the mitochondria (energy powerhouse of the cell) in conserving brain plasticity, the term used to define the brain’s lifelong capacity to carry out this job.

From cellular energetics research it appears that the natural improvement of cognitive may involve:

• Nutritional support for brain energetics and mitochondrial function – such as with Co-enzymeQ10 or the Metabolic Kit, Acetyl-L-carnitine, Lipoic acid and Vitamin E.
• Enhancing cell to cell communication and neurotransmitter function with phosphatidylserine, acetyl- L-carnitine, Brahmi and choline/ lecithin.
• Providing anti-oxidant support to reduce free radical damage to neural pathways – such as with coenzymeQ10, ginkgo and gotu kola.
• Improving vascular function and oxygenation of brain tissue with ginkgo and omega-3 fatty acids.

The key nutrients involved in restoring brain energetics and cellular function and boosting your

memory and brain function are as follows:

• Phosphatidylserine: Phosphatidylserine (PS) has extensive evidence for its use in age-related cognitive decline, showing that supplemental PS effectively improves memory, learning, concentration and other cognitive measures consistently. The effective maintenance dose for PS in children and adults is 100 gm a day. For memory loss, dosages up to 300 mg a day may be taken.
• CoenzymeQ10: CoenzymeQ10 is a potent anti-oxidant. It also prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter involved in maintaining alertness, memory and concentration. Best effects were noted when used in combination with Vitamin E. The dosage recommendations for improving cognitive performance range from 100 – 300 mg/day. The Metabolic Kit will give you the best option of Coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 should be used with caution when on warfarin medication.
• Acetyl-L-carnitine: An extensive amount of research has been carried out on acetyl-L-carnitine and its potential benefits in treating cognitive related disorders. Evidence indicates that acetyl-L-carnitine maybe more useful during the early stages of memory loss rather than the more advanced stages of cognitive decline. The dosage for ranges from 1-3 gm/ day for a period of 3-12 months. Not to be used during pregnancy.
• Brahmi: A traditional Indian herb with extensive use for nearly 4000 years, Bacopa monieri has been used widely for its profound effects on improving cognitive performance. The bacosides in Brahmi improve the memory by enhancing nerve-impulse transmission. Alongside its effects on memory enhancement, Brahmi aids in reducing mental fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, headaches and irritability. In school children it can be used to improve learning capabilities and memory function.
• Choline: Nerve circuits in the brain rely greatly on the production of acetylcholine (Ach). Choline aids in the production of Ach, thus improving the effectiveness for transmitting messages. Choline is commonly sourced from lecithin.
• Ginkgo: Gingko works by improving blood and oxygen supply to the brain. Ginkgo should not be used in combination with aspirin and warfarin therapy.
• Gotu kola: Gotu kola has been documented to improve intelligence due to its actions on the central nervous system. It does this by limiting free radical damage and reducing oxidative stress.
• Barijodeel and Cerebrum Compositum: These two Homeopathic combination remedies are able to enhance memory, concentration and mental alertness. They are suitable for conditions from the aging process with memory and vertigo problems. They enhance cognitive and cerebral functions which tend to decline with age, including memory, learning and voluntary skills and concentration.
• DHA: The role of omega 3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, in nervous tissue is well known. Low levels of DHA have been associated with structural and functional decline in brain tissue and Alzheimer’s disease. DHA supplementation, when intake is inadequate, may help delay the onset of age related memory decline. Krill Oil Capsules in combination with Cod Liver oil Capsules will give you the best results and should be your first choice if available.

We can retain optimal brain function by avoiding alcohol, heavy metals and legal & illegal drugs. Use of nutritional supplements and changing your food choice to Stoneage Nutrition will provide a support network for the aging brain and controlling stress is the most effective preventive action.

Minimising exposure to environmental toxins, including cigarette smoke and other harmful chemicals, reduces the potential for oxidative damage on your brain.

Stress Management is fundamental for keeping your brain healthy and sharp! How you respond to stress will impact on your mental function and can cause disturbances in your neurotransmitter function and hormonal balance. Research shows that mothers with extreme mental stress in pregnancy will double the risk of having children with learning difficulties later in life.

To keep the blood flow to the brain and encourage the growth of new brain cells it is essential to exercise. Exercising will not only improve your muscular system and muscle Coordination but is also the key for a healthy brain function.

Exercising your brain (yes you can exercise more than just physically) will also keep it in top shape. Learning new things, i.e. languages, completing an academic course by studying again, reading new things, playing music instruments will keep your brain sharp.

Nutritionally; reduce the level of cholesterol, saturated and trans fats; increase levels of phyto nutrients including tomato, broccoli, garlic, melons, blueberries, red beans and flax seeds; eat more fish such as sardines tuna, salmon and herring; eat more foods high in anti-oxidants such as berries, brussel sprouts, broccoli, beetroot, oranges, grapes, cherries and capsicum; consume anti-oxidant rich drinks such as green tea. To cover this perfectly just go and change to Stoneage Nutrition and this will cover it all.