Lorna Vanderhaeghe – BrainSmart (60 Caps)

Acetyl-L-carnitine has extensive research showing it can protect brain cells, restore flagging energy, stimulate brain cells prompting them to grow new connections to other neurons and much more. But where acetyl-L-carnitine is most important is in combating brain aging and the prevention of dementia. Studies of Alzheimer’s sufferers have reported improvements in memory compared to patients receiving a placebo. One study showed that when acetyl-L-carnitine was added to the typical drugs for Alzheimer’s (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors), a variety of functional and behavioral parameters were improved by over 50% when compared to the drugs alone. Stanford University researchers stated that acetyl-L-carnitine slows the progression of Alzheimer’s. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (the gold standard) using acetyl-L-carnitine in 500 mg to 2000 mg doses for a three month duration provided a significant improvement in symptoms and the longer the nutrient was taken, the more improvements were noted. Other studies showed acetyl-L-carnitine improved hearing, increased energy, improved age-related macular degeneration of the eyes, improved heart function and reduced fatigue. Acetyl-L-carnitine should be part of everyone’s dementia/Alzheimer’s prevention program. Acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid in combination are known as the dynamic duo in anti-aging compounds today.
Anti-Aging Super Alpha-Lipoic AcidFound in every cell in the body, alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off infection and disease, protect organs from damage and prevent premature aging. Lipoic acid supplements contain 50 percent R-lipoic acid and 50 percent alpha lipoic acid. There is controversy as to which form is better absorbed; BRAINsmart contains both forms to ensure optimal absorption. Alpha lipoic acid also helps turn glucose into energy in the cells, making it an important treatment for diabetes and prediabetes. It is also the only recognized natural treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy. Alpha lipoic acid has also been studied for post-stroke treatment due to its protective effect on the brain and nervous tissue. Type 3 diabetes is a newly discovered form of brain diabetes that causes increased brain aging. The combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid are super- stars at improving overall brain function thereby reducing memory decline.

Memory Enhancement with Blueberry Extract

Blueberries became news when old rats who were fed blueberries became young again. Scientists have found that blueberries—one of the richest sources of anthocyanins—improve memory in humans as well. Research showed that the group taking blueberry had a significant improvement on learning and memory tests. Twelve weeks of daily blueberry consumption improved the scores of two different cognitive tests involving memory in older adults. The study’s authors suggested blueberries could slow or postpone the onset of aging-related memory problems. In another study involving 48 obese participants with pre-diabetes, the consumption of blueberries for eight weeks lowered blood pressure and reduced bad LDL cholesterol.

Curcumin Brain Protector

Curcumin, the yellow pigment in the curry spice turmeric, was originally researched for Alzheimer’s disease because studies found there is a much lower incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer’s in India than in North America. Researchers investigated the association between the curry consumption and cognitive level in 1010 Asians between 60 and 93 years of age. They found that those who ate curry foods performed better on a standard test (MMSE) of cognitive function than those who never or rarely ate curry. The process that Alzheimer’s disease degrades the nerve cells in the brain is through inflammation in glial cells in the brain, the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, metal toxicity and oxidative damage. Several studies have found that curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory in the brain, that it can break down plaques, improve memory and memory decline and it is a powerful antioxidant. The research will continue but it is compelling enough at this point to add curcumin to your brain protecting program.