Many look to brain vitamins as a possible way to improve cognitive functioning. These supplements are thought to give the brain the important nutrients it needs to stay healthy. One of the most common claims about brain vitamins is that they can help with memory. This topic is essential to understand for seniors, loved ones, and 24-hour home care aides as more and more supplements hit the market.
Understanding Memory
Memory is a complicated mental process that includes storing, retrieving, and encoding information. It depends on how well different parts of the brain, neurotransmitters, and cellular systems work together. Memory can be affected by aging, worry, and other things, but it can also be affected by the availability of key nutrients. When loved ones and 24-hour home care aid notice memory issues, it’s only natural to wonder what might help.
Vitamins That Are Good For the Brain
A few vitamins, in particular, are thought to be beneficial for cognitive functioning. They help the body make energy, protect itself from free radicals, and make neurotransmitters, which are important for the brain to work well. More information about each of them is below.
Memory and B Vitamins: B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, are often linked to better memory. Vitamin B12 is needed to make myelin, a protective coating around nerve cells. Seniors might have trouble thinking if they don’t get enough of it. However, the effect of B vitamin supplements on memory in people who don’t have a deficiency is still unclear.
Vitamin E and Cognitive Function: Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant qualities and ability to protect cells from oxidative damage. Some studies have found that giving vitamin E to older people, especially those with mild cognitive impairment, may help them think and remember things better. However, more study is needed to connect vitamin E and memory.
Vitamin C and Cognition: Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that helps keep the brain healthy by eliminating dangerous free radicals. Even though not getting enough vitamin C can hurt brain function, there isn’t much evidence that giving healthy people extra vitamin C helps them remember things better. However, getting enough vitamin C through a varied diet is important for the health of the brain as a whole.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Brain Performance: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and performance, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a big part of the membranes of brain cells and is very important for how neurons talk to each other. Studies have shown that Omega-3 supplements may help people, especially older adults, remember things and think more clearly. Again, more studies must be completed to confirm these results and determine the best dose.
Can Brain Vitamins Boost Memory?
Even though brain vitamins are often sold as memory boosts, more scientific evidence is needed. In the meantime, seniors need to eat a well-balanced diet full of vital nutrients, work out regularly, and do other healthy things to keep their brains healthy and their minds working well. And, since the vitamins listed above have multiple benefits beyond the purported boost in memory, it might not hurt to focus on them.
Before seniors add any supplements, they need to talk with their medical team to ensure there won’t be any reactions to their prescribed medications or their health conditions. Additionally, loved ones and their 24-hour home care aides can help them with lifestyle changes that support memory retention.
Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-brain-supplements-work/
https://www.webmd.com/brain/ss/slideshow-brain-supplements
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/05/26/1178225715/can-multivitamins-improve-memory-a-new-study-shows-intriguing-results
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/daily-multivitamin-may-improve-cognition-older-adults
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Walpole MA, please contact the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today. (508) 906-5572
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