Top Supplements for Memory

Your brain is one of your most valuable resources. Poor memory can not only cause problems in the day-to-day world but may increase your risk of developing memory problems as you age. Studies show that certain supplements and diet changes can make a huge difference in how effective your memory is for both short-term memory and long-term memory recall.

Read on to learn more about the top supplements for memory, including stand-alone nutrients and the top supplement blends for memory.

Stand-Alone Supplements

The following nutrients and herbs have been shown to improve focus, clarity of thought, and boost mood. Additionally, research has shown that regular intake of these ingredients can slow cognitive decline and reduce your risk of developing cognitive problems, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

DHA

DHA is billed as the "brain nutrient." This fatty acid is one of the most essential forms of omega 3 fatty acid and is crucial for proper brain function. Omega 3 is essential for developing language skills, regulating emotions, creating memories, and sustaining attention. DHA is also used in all brain communication. Low DHA levels are linked with higher rates of ADHD, depression, anger, memory loss, and psychiatric disorders. Research suggests that about 70 percent of Americans are deficient in DHA (found mainly in fish) and increasing DHA intake will benefit almost everyone.

Citicoline

Citicoline is a compound necessary for the proper function of all of the body's cells. This ingredient is especially beneficial for memory and boosting brain performance. The supplement increases blood flow to the brain, builds brain membranes, increases brain energy, and increases brain plasticity. Studies have found that increasing citicoline intake can improve concentration, memory, focus, and attention. For years, citicoline supplements have been used in Europe as a treatment for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and dementia.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an ingredient found in Chinese club moss. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat memory problems. Huperzine A has been shown to improve memory, reduce inflammation in the brain, and increase blood flow to the brain. The compound also protects the brain against plaque and free-radical damage. In China, Huperzine A is approved as a medicine for memory diseases like Alzheimer's.

Curcumin

Curcumin is an active ingredient in the bright yellow spice turmeric. Turmeric has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years to cure inflammation, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. In the brain, curcumin's biggest benefits come from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's because they prevent the buildup of plaque. Curcumin also boosts serotonin and dopamine, which boost mood and reduces depression risk. Some studies have found that curcumin is as effective as some anti-depressants.

ALC (Acetyl-l-carnitine)

ALC is a natural amino acid and antioxidant. The biggest benefit of this acid is its ability to remove oxidants in the brain, reducing the risk of developing memory problems related to aging. ALC is also able to reduce depression and improve mood. Studies have found that supplementing with ALC improves mental clarity, brain processing power, focus ability, memory, and acts as an anti-aging agent in the brain.

Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC is a synthetic version of choline, found in eggs. Choline is necessary for memory and learning. Supplementing with choline (or alpha GPC) has been shown in studies to improve memory, learning ability, and to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a compound derived from periwinkle. This herbal supplement is available over-the-counter in the United States and is an effective remedy for memory, reaction time, and mental well being. The compound increases blood flow to the brain, protects against free-radical damage, decreases inflammation, and balances neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a type of phospholipid found in every part of the body's cell membranes. This lipid is found in high concentrations in the brain. PS acts as the brain's gatekeeper and regulates what nutrients enter the brain and what waste is eliminated from the brain. Studies have found that boosting the intake of PS will improve memory, concentration, learning ability, and cognition. It is used to reduce dementia symptoms and reduce ADHD symptoms.

Memory Supplement Blends

While it is helpful to know what supplements are beneficial for memory, it is difficult (and expensive and impractical) to take 10 different supplements for memory each day. In addition to a daily dose of omega 3 (which is readily available in the form of fish oil capsules), these memory-boosting supplement blends offer many of the ingredients necessary for boosting cognitive power within a single capsule.

The following supplement blends are some of the most popular and highly-rated memory supplement blends on the market. A supplement blend allows you the freedom to pick ingredients targeted for memory but reduces the expense associated with creating your own supplement blends.

Cyntol

Cyntol is a vitamin and supplement blend that contains many of the beneficial brain nutrients outlined above. The goal of this supplement is to boost memory, cognitive power, and slow cognitive decline associated with aging.

Mind Rise

Mind Rise is a memory supplement formula designed to boost mood, support the memory, regulate neurotransmitter levels, increase blood flow to the brain, and otherwise boost cognitive function.

Ingredients in Mind Rise

• Bacopa
• DMAE
• St John's wort
• Ginkgo biloba
• L-Glutamine
• Huperzine A
• Phosphatidylserine
• Acetyl-l-carnitine

Neuro Peak

Neuro Peak, just like the name suggests, is designed to maximize brain power and memory. The herbal blend is designed to boost current mental balance and memory while preventing future problems.

Ingredients in Neuro Peak

• Huperzine A
• Phosphatidylserine
• Acetyl-l-carnitine
• Bacopa
• DMAE
• St John's wort
• Ginkgo biloba
• L-Glutamine

Neuro Clarity

Neuro Clarity is a supplement blend that is designed to increase focus, reduce sluggish mental energy, improve memory, and increase concentration power. The supplement blend contains helpful ingredients that are designed to protect your current and future memory.

Ingredients in Neuro Clarity

• St John's wort
• Ginkgo biloba

Mind and Memory Matrix

Mind and Memory Matrix is a blend of herbs and supplements designed to reverse the brain damage caused by aging, poor diet, and environmental factors. The supplement blend aims to give the brain what it needs to function optimally.

Ingredients in Mind and Memory Matrix

• Ginkgo biloba
• DMAE
• Bacopa
• Huperzine A
• Eleuthero
• Vinpocetine
• Phosphatidylcholine

Beautiful Mind

Beautiful Mind is an herbal supplement formula designed to support memory and focus over the long term. The formula is particularly aimed at supplying necessary brain-boosting nutrients that are often lacking from modern diets.

Ingredients in Beautiful Mind

• Ginkgo biloba
• Bacopa
• Acetyl-L Carnitine
• DMAE
• Glutamine
• Vinpocetine
• Huperzine A
• Phosphatidylserine
• St John's wort

Balanced Brain

Balanced Brain is an herbal formula for memory designed by food chemists and nutritionists. The ingredients in Balanced Brain are designed to reduce brain fog, forgetfulness, improve circulation in the brain, boost nerve cell health, reduce brain oxidation, and fight cognitive decline.

Ingredients in Balanced Brain

• DMAE
• St John's wort
• Ginkgo biloba
• Bacopa
• Vinpocetine
• Huperzine A
• Phosphatidylserine

Focus 5

Focus 5 is an herbal memory formula specifically designed to reduce stress and worry. The brain supplement is designed to focus the mind and improve memory so you have fewer "senior moments" no matter how old you are.

Ingredients in Focus 5

• Caffeine
• Choline
• Taurine
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12

Brain Health

Brain Health is a supplement blend designed to protect the brain against age-related memory loss and cognitive decline. The formula is listed as a supplement that can fight brain fog, improve attention, and offer sustained mental energy.

Ingredients in Brain Health

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• ALA
• GABA
• Ginkgo biloba
• Bacopa
• DMAE
• Eleuthero
• Vinpocetine
• Huperzine A
• Phosphatidylcholine

Neuromax

Neuromax is a memory supplement blend that pledges to help reduce the frustrations caused by poor memory, such as forgetting names, trouble focusing, or always feeling like you have a foggy brain. The ingredients in Neuromax offer natural supplements to "wake up" the brain and help you focus and think clearly no matter your age.

Ingredients in Neuromax

• Ginkgo biloba
• DMAE
• L-glutamine
• St John's wort
• Huperzine A
• N-Acetyl-Carnitine
• Vinpocetine
• Bacopa
• Phosphatidylserine

Supplements Can't Replace a Healthy Lifestyle

While supplements to improve brain power and reduce memory decline can help, they are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. According to researchers, about 40 percent of Americans are deficient in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium. These nutrients are also essential for cognitive health (as well as overall health) and if you are not getting these nutrients through diet (and sunlight), your mental health will suffer.

Additionally, you cannot rely on supplements to make up for a low-quality lifestyle and diet. The biggest boost you can give to your brain is to eat a diet filled with vegetables and quality fats, reduce junk food intake, sleep at least eight hours a night, and exercise regularly (most health experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise three to four times a week).

A healthy lifestyle will go a long way toward making your supplements more effective and preventing many of the problems that lead to poor memory in the first place. How Memory

Supplements Support the Brain

Supplements can make a huge difference in your overall quality of life, particularly if you are lacking in an essential nutrient. Brain-boosting and memory-supporting supplements will protect the brain against aging, improve mood, increase concentration, and support a healthy memory. Use the guide illustrated above to select a brain-boosting supplement blend that will support your healthy lifestyle and benefit the part of memory that you need to succeed.

For example, if you have memory problems related to stress or an overloaded plate, look for a memory supplement containing bacopa. Finding a supplement that contains ingredients you actually need will go a long way toward improving the cognitive function of your brain no matter your current age.