AGE RELATED COGNITIVE DECLINE

Many experts consider the deterioration of memory and thinking abilities to be a normal result of aging. Individuals suffering from Age Related Cognitive Decline (a.k.a. ARCD) may experience a regression or slump in their language skills, learning and memory capacity, thinking ability, competency, ability to pay attention and concentrate, and other cognitive functions as well.

ARCD appears gradually over time. Normally, cognitive function in aging adults continues constant over several years, with only a minor drop in reaction times and short-term memory. In contrast, people stricken with an illness such as Alzheimer’s disease experience a much faster loss of cognitive function. Such a sudden deterioration of cognitive ability is not considered a part of the normal aging process.

Because many individuals often believe they are experiencing troubles with their memory when, in fact, no actual decline in memory function is taking place, cognitive performance should be assessed and evaluated by a professional.

Nutritional Supplements that may be useful for people with Age Related Cognitive Decline

Acetyl-L-carnitine has been used in a number of clinical trials for the treatment of ARCD. Studies have shown a link between its use and an increase in the general cognitive function of elderly adults. In one particular study a group of elderly people suffering from minor cognitive damage were given 1,500mg of acetyl-L-carnitine each day for 45 days. Results from this study showed a significant difference in mental function, particularly in memory. A similar study found that a dose of 1,500mg of acetyl-L-carnitine taken once a day for 90 days substantially improved reactions to stress, memory function, and mood. Results also found that the beneficial effects of acetyl-L-carnitine continued a minimum of 30 days after the treatment was stopped. Both controlled and uncontrolled clinical studies support these results.

Another chemical that has shown positive effects on the cognitive function, memory and mood of elderly adults is phosphatidylserine, a substance obtained from the brain phospholipids of bovines. In two placebo-controlled trials, a group of elderly patents were given 300mg of phosphatidylserine or a placebo each day. In another trial, ten elderly women who suffered from various depressive disorders were given supplemental phosphatidylserine for 30 days. Results showed a steady improvement in memory performance, symptoms of depression, and behavior. A large study involving 492 elderly patents suffering from mental decline found that those given a 300mg supplement of phosphatidylserine each day improved significantly in both cognitive function and behavior after three and six months.

Vinpocetine has also been shown effective in treating mental dysfunction, particularly dementia. A study conducted on patients with dementia, as a result of various brain diseases, found that symptoms were dramatically improved after being given doses of 30mg and 60mg of vinpocetine each day. In another trial, patients suffering from dementia, due to hardened arteries in the brain, were administered 30mg of vinpocetine each day for one month, and then 15mg of vinpocetine each day for two more months. Results demonstrated substantial improvement in the memory and other cognitive processes of these patients. Other studies have reported similar effects with regards to vinpocetine as a treatment for people suffering from dementia or Age Related Cognitive Decline. However, vinpocetine’s effect on Alzheimer’s patients has not proved beneficial. Results in the US revealed that doses of 30mg-60mg of vinpocetine administered to Alzheimer’s patients each day for one year failed to slow or reverse declining brain function.

It is not uncommon for people age 65 and older to experience a deficiency in pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6. In fact, a study conducted in Finland reported that in contrast to many younger adults, approximately 25% of elderly Finnish and Dutch were lacking adequate amounts of vitamin B6. Another trial, involving a group of geriatric patients, found that using 2mg of pyridoxine each day as a treatment for vitamin B6 deficiency brought about slight improvements in the patients’ mental abilities. Even so, the study was unable to find a direct link between the patients’ mental acuteness and the amounts of vitamin B6 found in their blood or body cells.

A vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults is also common; and studies have shown that supplemental vitamin B12 may help increase the cognitive abilities of elderly people diagnosed with this deficiency.

Herbs that may be useful for people with Age Related Cognitive Decline

Many clinical trials have discovered supplemental ginkgo to be an effective and safe treatment for ARCD.

Also an isolated alkaloid derived from the Chinese medicinal herb huperzia (Huperzia serrata), Huperzine A has been shown effective in treating a number of geriatric patients afflicted by various memory disorders.

One study found that 100mcg-150mcg of huperzine A, administered two to three times each day for a period of four to six weeks, was more effective than the drug piracetam at improving minor memory loss related to ARCD.

Supporting Literature

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