Protect Cognitive Function and Stay Safe

A recent survey by the journal Nature found that one in five readers polled on-line — typically, scientists and those in academics who work in challenging fields including physics, biotechnology and other areas of medicine — had taken prescription stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) to improve memory and concentration. Other research indicates that one in four college students take these pills, mostly for help focusing while they study. Of course, people have been using drugs of all kinds — including caffeine — to help them concentrate and/or stay awake in times of need, practically forever. However, these are pharmaceutical drugs that have been studied and approved for the treatment of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and can be assumed to have a modicum of safety if used as prescribed and properly monitored — but not for others who just want to be more focused and competitive. This kind of use is drug abuse and it is dangerous. In addition to troubling side effects such as difficulty sleeping, recreational use of prescription stimulants can potentially lead to heart problems and addiction.

Since everyone sometimes needs a bit of a boost in mental performance or alertness, I asked Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the nonprofit American Botanical Council, and Patricia L. Gerbarg, MD, coauthor of The Rhodiola Revolution and the upcoming How to Use Herbs, Nutrients and Yoga in Mental Health Care, for a rundown on botanical medicines and other dietary supplements that can be used — not abused — to enhance cognitive function.

GINKGO BILOBA

You’ve heard it before, I imagine, but one of the most widely used natural, brain-boosting remedies is the very popular Ginkgo biloba. It is believed that Ginkgo works by increasing blood flow to the brain. An impressive body of research attests to Ginkgo’s benefits, especially in older people with cognitive impairment such as dementia. There is also some evidence that Ginkgo biloba extract can improve memory and concentration in normal, healthy adults, though these findings are less conclusive. Note: Ginkgo may interact dangerously with blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin or warfarin.

BACOPA MONNIERI

Blumenthal also recommends Bacopa monnieri — a creeping herb that commonly grows in marshy areas of countries such as India, Australia and in the tropics, and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural brain booster. This botanical medicine, commonly taken as an extract, possesses potent antioxidant properties that support concentration, learning and memory, and also helps reduce the negative effects of stress. Scientists theorize that it works by improving the efficiency of nerve function in the brain, particularly in the hippocampus — a key site of memory function. For optimal effectiveness, Bacopa monnieri is often combined with Ginkgo biloba.

RHODIOLA ROSEA

Dr. Gerbarg prescribes a variety of nutrients, vitamins and herbs to stimulate antioxidant activity, mitigate the negative impact of chronic stress on the brain, and generally improve cognitive function. One of the botanical medicines she most frequently prescribes is Rhodiola rosea, which she believes packs the most benefits and fewest side effects of the various herbal alternatives. This herb works on the cellular level by maximizing energy production and restocking energy reserves. It helps fight stress and aging… sharpen memory and cognitive function… enhance sexual function and physical performance… and protect against heart disease and bladder cancer.

B VITAMINS

Dr. Gerbarg notes that an adequate intake of B vitamins in general — and vitamin B-12 and folic acid (folate) in particular — are essential to optimal brain and nervous system function. For many Americans, poor dietary habits result in a functional deficiency of B vitamins, leading to symptoms such as a cloudy mind, poor memory and impaired concentration.

At your yearly check-up, ask your doctor to check your blood levels of B vitamins, particularly B-12. For B-12 levels in the low normal range, testing methylmalonic acid is a more sensitive early indicator. If it turns out that you are functionally deficient, your doctor may prescribe sublingual B-12 tablets. Dissolved under the tongue, B-12 is better absorbed than in the capsule form. The most effective forms of B-12 are hydroxycobalamin and methylcobalamin. B-12 should be taken once daily in addition to a multi-B supplement that also includes folate.

DHEA

The hormone DHEA is one of the markers of aging. A decrease in DHEA with the passing years may be associated with age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Dr. Gerbarg told me that she often tests DHEA and DHEAS levels in patients, such as a 60-year-old postmenopausal woman who recently came in complaining of mental fogginess and fatigue. If either is low, Dr. Gerbarg is likely to prescribe 7 KETO DHEA (a type of DHEA that she finds is more effective and causes fewer side effects). Individuals with a history of breast cancer or any hormone sensitive cancer are advised not to take DHEA.

OPTIMIZING COGNITIVE FUNCTION THE NATURAL WAY

It seems obvious to me, but I guess it bears repeating that taking good care of yourself — including getting plenty of exercise to promote circulatory health and sufficient sleep to support mental functioning — is the first step toward performance enhancement. If you still feel like you’d benefit from a boost, have your physician help you choose from the wealth of generally safe and natural treatments available to promote cognitive wellness. No single approach works for everyone, Dr. Gerbarg observes, but by working with a physician trained in the use of natural medicines and supplements, you’ll be able to fine-tune a treatment plan that will achieve optimal results for you. Use high-quality herbal products to attain the best results and minimize adverse reactions.