Does this describe you?
You walk into the living room to get something, only to get there and forget what you needed? You often hear Yes, you already told me about that or possibly you thought you told someone, but you never actually verbalized it. Someone tells you their name and then 90 seconds later you say Ok, tell me your name again.
Perhaps you are not as young as you used to be, you've more on your plate to keep track of or you've a diagnosed or even undiagnosed medical condition. Whatever the reason you seem to be plagued with a bad case CRS - can not Remember short. Most importantly if you have not had a physical exam in a while go see your doctor. You will want to rule out anything serious that may be causing your CRS. Barring any serious findings you can take some vitamins, herbs and other supplements to help regain some of your memory. The herbs, vitamins and supplements listed below may help.
Essential Fatty Acids, otherwise known as fish oils or EPA-DHA are familiar for their anti inflammatory activity. Furthermore DHA is required for normal brain function in adults. Decreases in brain DHA content are associated with age related cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Studies suggest that Polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes and several other plants might protect against inflammation and cognitive disorders.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also an first-class antioxidant agent in neurodegenerative diseases due to the fact that it could interrupt free radical damage at several points. It has been shown to elevate antioxidants in various brain regions and improves memory. Further, ALA supports healthy blood glucose levels and insulin activity.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant co-factor that's been shown to protect the brain. As well being a potent free radical scavenger, CoQ10 has proven to be effective in a wide variety of age-related conditions.
Vitamin E is the primary antioxidant found in all tissues. Low vitamin E levels are systematically associated with an increased risk and occurrence of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In a study of patients with Alzheimer's, treatment with 2000 IU of vitamin E per day for two years was beneficial in delaying the primary outcome (time to the occurrence of death, institutionalization, loss of ability to perform activities of daily living, and severe dementia) of disease progression.
Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for dementia in Germany and it's the only nonprescription substance considered a treatment for dementia in Canada. Ginkgo biloba is one extract readily available. It enhances mental efficiency in elderly patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. It's also shown to improve cognitive function in patients with dementia, to enhance blood flow to the brain enhances cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Further it's said to enhance memory in young persons.
Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to reduce the negative effects of stress. Due to the reduced ability to handle stress and the increased levels of glucocorticoids associated with aging and neurodegeneration, herbs with adaptogenic properties may be beneficial. Ayurvedic herbs such as holy basil, ashwagandha and brahmi have a positive influence on mental function, stress response and cognition.
Carotenoids are a class of naturally occurring plant pigments that provide the orange, bright red and yellow colors of fruits and vegetables. A balanced intake of mixed carotenoids as found in a healthy diet, allows the best protection against oxidative damage.
Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are needed for proper brain function. Insufficiencies of these nutrients might result in forgetfulness, confusion, memory loss, dementia, depression and mood and sensory changes. One study stated that age related impairment of cognitive function is likely related to vitamin deficiencies and is preventable or reversible with improved vitamins especially vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and folate.
Additionally, scientists searching for a cure for Alzheimer's disease have found a potentially in the herb sage. Checking the writings of herbalists working 4 centuries ago scientists in England found a marked improvement in the memory capabilities of Alzheimer's patients who took sage oil extract. The finding was consistent with a discovery by researchers at the Universities Medicinal Plant Research Center that sage protects a key chemical destroyed in Alzheimer's.