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We have identified the key factors to look for in a top-notch cognitive health supplement and how you can spot the scams.
If you are noticing more frequent brain fog, memory lapses, and "senior moments" lately, the underlying cause may be more than just the distractions of a busy schedule or a few nights of poor-quality sleep. Age-related cognitive decline may be to blame.
A gradual decline in cognitive ability is a natural consequence of getting older, and new studies have indicated this begins to occur in the early to mid 40s. To store and retrieve new information, the brain relies on acetylcholine, which plays an essential role in forming neural connections. Unfortunately, as we age, production of this key neurotransmitter decreases, limiting the brain's ability to create new short-term memories. This is why you might be able to easily recall people or events from decades ago, but it can be a struggle to remember where you parked your car or where you left your keys.
No one can stop the progression of time. However, a combination of a healthy lifestyle and a well-rounded cognitive health supplement can keep your mind sharp and help recapture the focus, concentration, and mental clarity you had years ago.
How Can You Tell a Good Memory Supplement from a Bad One?
Recent studies have indicated that approximately 40% of people will struggle with age-related memory lapses at some point during their lifetime, especially over age 65. In addition, our reliance on electronic devices rather than our brains to remember names, dates, and numbers is only making the situation worse. Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that public demand for cognitive enhancement products is growing rapidly.
And yet, not all supplements are created equal. The fast-growing market for brain-boosting supplements has lured many companies to release ineffective supplements containing questionable ingredients with little or no proof of efficacy. That's why our staff decided to review all the most popular mind and memory formulas today and evaluate them for safety and effectiveness.
We will show you what to look for, what to avoid, and which products we determined to be the best.
In our analysis, we noticed a number of companies making exaggerated claims about the cognitive improvements you can realize by using their products, not all of which are likely. What kind of results can you realistically expect from a brain supplement?
When Will You See Results?
The ingredients in most cognitive health products can provide some noticeable improvements within 30 days. However, it may take additional time to restore optimal acetylcholine production and maximize your brain's ability to forge new neural pathways.
Research suggests that 3 months of daily use helps significantly increase the likelihood of lasting improvement. Here is a reasonable timeline to expect:
Month 1: You may feel less forgetful and more focused as you experience less frequent "senior moments."
Month 2: You may notice that your short-term memory feels considerably sharper with greater capacity and faster recall.
Month 3: Peak cognitive potential is reached. You may experience long-lasting improvement in memory retention, greater concentration and alertness, and a renewed confidence in your mind.
Tip: For best results, focus on consistency. Adding an effective memory supplement to your daily routine for at least 3 months promotes exponential improvement, as each dose builds on the benefits of the last.
So, what characteristics distinguish top-tier mind and memory products from the rest of the pack?
The 5 Must-Have Ingredients for a Good Memory Supplement
Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC naturally occurs in the body as a precursor to acetylcholine, one of the key neurotransmitters in the brain's neural network. As a supplement, this compound rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps promote the synthesis of acetylcholine. In addition, alpha GPC encourages the development of cell membranes in the cerebral cortex, or "gray matter," for improved mental processing.
Huperzine A
Huperzine A has been shown to increase bioavailable levels of acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, acetylcholinesterase. This fosters an ideal environment to form new neural connections and improve memory retention. Note that while huperzine A is extracted from huperzia serrata, they are not the same ingredient. Look for supplements that specifically contain huperzine A.
Hericium Erinaceus
Used for thousands of years by Buddhist monks to increase focus during meditation, hericium erinaceus helps improve cognition by enhancing activity of choline acetyltransferase, which is responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine in the body. This brain-boosting mushroom also helps promote production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining and regenerating neurons.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its positive influence on memory and focus. Studies indicate the bacoside compounds contained in this potent plant cross the blood-brain barrier and, like huperzine A, help boost levels of acetylcholine by limiting its breakdown by acetylcholinesterase. In this way, bacopa monnieri helps generate new neural pathways.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, one of the world's oldest tree species, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine for its neuroprotective effects. Its root bark and leaves are rich in ginkgolide compounds, which help promote higher concentrations of acetylcholine in key regions of the brain responsible for decision-making and short-term memory recall. They are also beneficial for cerebral blood circulation.
Perhaps even more important, there are certain red flags to be wary of when evaluating a cognitive enhancement supplement.
Warning Signs of Potential Scams
Lack of Clinical Studies
Be wary of companies that cite the clinical efficacy of individual ingredients within a product rather than the effectiveness of the product as a whole. The highest indicator of quality in a supplement is the commission of a placebo-controlled clinical study for safety and effectiveness by an independent third party. This is of particular importance when assessing the claims of a brain supplement, as participants can be evaluated for quantifiable performance improvements on a standardized cognitive test. You expect the same high standard of research and testing before trusting a medication, so why wouldn't you do the same before trusting a supplement?
Unproven Ingredients
There are very few natural ingredients for cognitive enhancement that are both potent and safe for consumption. Other herbs and compounds billed as nootropics have little clinical evidence to back their effectiveness. Watch out for supplements that include an extensive list of ingredients to create the illusion of comprehensive support. More is not necessarily better when it comes to your health. Some of the supplements we reviewed contained more than 10 unique ingredients!
James Eckburg
