As you age, it’s important to take the steps necessary to help preserve brain health. Practicing good habits, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and getting the appropriate amount of exercise has been shown to be beneficial at lower the risk of Alzheimer’s. Some studies have shown that in addition to practicing these life habits, taking memory loss supplements may also be beneficial.
Some studies have actually shown that memory loss supplements may be effective in delaying or preventing memory loss due to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, but how do you know which ones are beneficial?
Here are the three most common types of memory loss supplements to consider.
B Vitamins
First up on our list of the three types of memory loss supplements are B vitamins. We all know that getting the daily recommended daily allowance of vitamins is essential. As you age, you become more susceptible to vitamin deficiencies, especially B12. Therefore, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor and have your B-12 levels tested, especially if you are aged 50 and over.
The good news is that your body typically gets the recommended allowance of B vitamins through your diet; however, if you tend to limit your intake of red meat or green leafy vegetables, you may not be getting an appropriate amount of B vitamins. In this situation, it’s important to talk with your medical provider for a recommendation of the best supplement for your needs, including the daily dosage you’ll need to replace the amount you need.
Fish Oil
Studies have shown that memory loss supplements containing fish oil provide positive results for those who are already experiencing memory loss through early-stage dementia. It may be beneficial for improving verbal fluency as well as short-term memory recall. If you don’t eat fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel at least a couple of times each week, you’re not getting enough fish oil, so a supplement may make a significant difference.
Curcumin
Last on the list of three types of memory loss supplements is Curcumin. Curcumin is a compound that is found in turmeric, which is what gives turmeric the orange color. Not only has curcumin been found to be extremely beneficial for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but it may also be beneficial for memory and thinking.
Studies have shown that adults between the ages of 50-90 with memory issues had marked improvements in their thinking and memory abilities while consuming a supplement that contained curcumin.
Adding a dash of turmeric to food each day can provide exceptional benefits, but those who don’t like the spiciness of turmeric should consider talking with their medical provider about taking a daily supplement that contains curcumin.
Final Thoughts on Types of Memory Loss Supplements
There are many benefits that come with taking memory loss supplements, especially the three types of memory loss supplements we discussed above. But before you begin a daily regimen of taking them, it’s important to talk with your medical provider. They will make sure that the supplements you are considering will not interfere with any prescription medications you may be taking and to ensure you are taking the correct dosage for your needs.
Along with talking to a medical provider, it’s also important to do your homework and make sure you only take quality supplements. For instance, the supplements shouldn’t contain artificial fillers, such as artificial coloring or titanium dioxide.
Finally, make sure the supplements you are considering have been tested and backed by a third-party lab, and be sure to read the container to understand what the capsules are made of, which should be made with vegetable cellulose to dissolve properly.