Supplements to Improve Memory: What You Should Know
A recent survey found that more than 170 million Americans take supplements, and the number one reason is to improve health and wellness. But if you ask your primary care doctor which supplements are right for you, you’ll probably get a very short list – if you get any recommendations at all.
One reason is that seemingly harmless, “natural” products can interact with your prescription medication. Many more don’t do what they claim to.
What Might Help
There are, of course, exceptions. Some supplements are safe and do offer health benefits, including brain health benefits. Early research suggests the following may slightly improve memory and cognition in certain people.
- Fish oil
- Some B vitamins
- Cocoa flavanols
- Curcumin
- Huperzine A
- Vinpocetine
- Acetyl-L-carnitine
- Certain forms of choline
Watch Out for Hype
Some proprietary formulas claim to protect or improve memory and cognitive function by supporting key neurotransmitters in the brain. Those formulas also aren’t likely to help, experts say.
And there’s good research to show that some of the most commonly marketed “natural treatments” for memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and related concerns have no clinical benefit. These include:
- Gingko biloba
- Coconut oil
- Tramiprostate
- Coral calcium
Talk to Your Doctor
When you have a doctor who’s really in your corner, you won’t be dismissed for wanting to try supplements to help prevent dementia. It’s a natural desire, and your doctor understands that. Together, you can find something safe and possibly helpful.
Be sure to bring to your appointment a list of every single medication and supplement you take, regularly or not. That way, your doctor will be able to spot potential drug interactions before they happen. For instance, something that seems harmless – like a basic fish oil supplement – could interact with blood-thinning medications and blood pressure drugs.
Finally, don’t forget to ask your doctor about other things you can do to help prevent dementia, such as exercising and following the right diet