A-Z cognitive health Articles

Alzheimer’s and dementia are not different entities; rather, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia, the most common type, to be accurate. While there aren't supplements that can treat Alzheimer's, there are supplements that can support cognitive decline and help alleviate the symptoms of this disease. 

It is also important to note that Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) is not a disease of old age. Alzheimer's disease usually affects people over 65. Its symptoms extend beyond normal age-related cognitive decline.

Some people develop Alzheimer's disease in their 40s or 50s. This form is called early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's progresses through pre-demential, early, moderate, and advanced stages. Alzheimer’s does eventually lead to death.

What Are Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Healthcare providers must rule out other dementias, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and other possible causes before diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

Symptoms usually begin with short-term memory loss, often accompanied by fatigue and depression. Initially, AD sufferers have trouble remembering names and frequently lose valuable objects. Symptoms progress to confusion, disorientation, difficulty in speaking and coordinating behaviour, and personality changes, often including both physical and emotional outbursts. 

As the disease further progresses, these individuals will have trouble dressing, bathing and toileting by themselves. Sleep patterns typically change, as they have a hard time distinguishing between day and night. Eventually, AD sufferers lose the ability to carry on a conversation or control movement.

What Causes of Alzheimer’s Dementia?

Brain cell loss and atrophy cause the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. What causes this death? At the moment, we can only speculate. Sadly, research has yet to find any conclusive results. Clinical trials are showing inconsistent and inconclusive results. Some of the more well-developed theories include genetic predisposition, environmental toxicity (aluminum, mercury, silicon, ammonia), autoimmune disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Some aspects of lifestyle, outside of diet, have also warranted further investigation.

Plaques and Tangles

One commonality in almost all Alzheimer’s patients is the observation of plaques and tangles in the brain. Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment, called beta amyloid, that builds up in the spaces between the nerve cells. Tau protein forms twisted fibers called tangles inside brain cells. Plaques and tangles increase significantly in Alzheimer's disease. They usually appear first in memory-related brain regions before spreading.

Natural Changes & SupplementsTo Delay Alzheimer's & Boost Brain Health

Delaying Disease Onset and Progression

Although we need to be very cautious when using the term treatment, there are some promising findings in terms of delaying AD progression. Epidemiological studies have proposed relationships between certain modifiable factors, such as diet, cardiovascular risk, natural health products, or intellectual activities, among others, and a population's likelihood of developing AD.

Diet & Supplements For Brain & Alzheimer's Support

Antioxidants such as ginkgo biloba, vitamins E and C, as well as CoQ10, phosphatidyl serine, DHA and EPA from fish oil, lecithin and vinpocetine, all play an important role in cognitive function and brain health. Making sure to eat a well-rounded diet, rich in these items, or supplementing with these specific nutrients when necessary may help to both protect against the development and/or slow the progression of AD and age-related cognitive decline.

Exercise Your Brain

The way we live our lives and the activities that we do can help to decrease Alzheimer’s risk. Regular and supportive social interaction, as well as exercise, are lifestyle elements that improve quality of life while also reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Cognitive Reserve Theory, the theory that certain activities create a cognitive reserve through greater neural functioning efficiency, which delays the onset of brain diseases and manifestations of dementia, points to some ways in which people can reduce their Alzheimer’s risk. Intellectual pursuits such as playing board games and puzzles, reading and playing musical instruments may reduce risk and support efficient neural functioning. Even learning a second language later in life can be beneficial.

MCT Supplements and Alzheimer’s

One possible cause of degenerating brain function has to do with the nutritional status of the brain itself - more specifically, our brain’s ability to utilize glucose. There is some research to suggest that individuals with Alzheimer’s are no longer able to use glucose as a primary fuel source, and therefore, the brain is literally malnourished and begins to atrophy or die. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s), particularly high in non-hydrogenated virgin coconut oil, are one possible solution. Ketones produced from MCT metabolism may provide brain cells with an alternative energy source to glucose.

Heavy Metal Detox

Some believe that certain metals or environmental toxins may play a huge role in AD development and progression. Aluminum and Mercury are among a number of brain “toxins’ that have been receiving a lot of attention. 

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your exposure. Avoid using aluminum in cooking and food preparation (foil, utensils, cookware), cut out ‘pop’ or cola, especially from aluminum cans. Read labels and be cautious of antiperspirants and antacids that contain significant levels of aluminum. People with mercury dental fillings may choose to discuss mercury exposure with their healthcare provider. Evidence linking mercury exposure to Alzheimer's disease remains inconclusive.

Twice a year, give your body a break with a 2-3 week heavy metal detox, which includes eating organic to reduce toxin exposure. Take a look at our article on heavy metal toxicity for more information and methods of treatment.

What is Ginkgo Biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is the oldest known tree species on earth with an estimated age of more than 200 million years. A ginkgo tree can live up to 1000 years. The medicinal seeds are found only in the inedible fruit of the female trees. Ginkgo is the most frequently prescribed medicinal herb in Europe. It makes sense that the oldest known tree is used for concerns that become more prevalent as we age.

Key Benefits & Uses of Ginkgo

Ginkgo is used to increase blood flow to the whole body but especially to the brain and extremities. The active components are flavone glycosides and potent antioxidant molecules. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. Ginkgo’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to vessels all over the body, including those in the brain. It has anti-aging properties because as an antioxidant it protects the body against environmental pollutants and other substances that lead to aging.

Ginkgo increases circulation by making the blood flow freely, thus enhancing oxygen delivery and waste removal from cells. It may also improve the communication between brain and nerve cells. Ginkgo is used by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, impotence, cold hands and feet and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs). Students have also used it as a memory enhancer.

Shopping For Quality Ginkgo Biloba Supplements

Ginkgo is commonly purchased as an encapsulated herb or tincture. Ginkgo products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of active compounds they contain. Ginkgo can be found in combination products for memory, eye health, cardiovascular health and sexual functioning. These trees are widely cultivated for their leaves and seeds so there is no concern with the ecological impact of ginkgo use. Interestingly they are also planted in cities because they can tolerate the harsh urban environment.

Ginkgo contains components that have blood-thinning properties. Ginkgo biloba supplements should be used with caution by individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure and individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, or anti-hypertensives. For the same reason, Ginkgo supplements should be discontinued before surgery or dental work. Ginkgo can alter the effectiveness of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of anti-depressant.

Some amino acids can be manufactured in the body from other amino acids and are thus called non-essential. Glycine is one of these amino acids because it can be formed from choline or serine and threonine. Let's explore its role in the body and how it benefits your health. 

What Is Glycine?

Glycine is a part of creatine, which transforms adenosine diphosphate, ADP, into adenosine triphosphate, ATP. When ATP is broken down, energy is released and this powers all of your body's processes, including muscle contractions. Creatine also helps to construct your genetic material, DNA and RNA.

Glycine's Role In The Body

This amino is used to synthesize other amino acids, bile acids (for fat digestion) and connective tissue (for healing the skin). 

It is often added to commercial antacids because of its ability to decrease stomach acidity. As a neurotransmitter, a brain chemical that regulates the electrical conduction of the brain, glycine stops brain cells from overfiring. Thus it relaxes the mind and body. 

Top Health Benefits of Glycine Supplements

This amino can be supplemented to help with the following health concerns: 

• Hyperactivity
• Bipolar Disorder
• Epilepsy
• Muscle Weakness
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Fatigue 
• Poor Wound Healing

Shopping For Quality Glycine Supplements

It is usually supplemented as L-glycine which can be found in capsules, tablets or cream. The cream can be applied topically for wound healing. 

It is best absorbed when taken between meals. It can also convert into serine if vitamins B3, B6 and folic acid are present.

Important Considerations When Taking An Amino Acid Supplement

If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, take it with an amino acid complex to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

A balance of glycine is needed for optimal health and energy enhancement. Too much can cause fatigue.

Gotu kola is an herb that helps to benefit the healing of damaged tissues. It is not related to the kola nut and does not contain caffeine. Gotu kola stimulates the production of connective tissue including keratin; the material that your body uses to repair breaks in the skin.

Main Health Benefits of Gotu Kola 

As mentioned, Gotu Kola has great benefits for the skin, while it can help repair the skin barrier, when applied topically it can also:

• Treat Wounds
• Fight Skin Infection
• Alleviate Psoriasis Symptoms
• Heal Surgical Wounds

Key Constituents Found in Gotu Kola

Gotu kola has some antioxidant properties. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. Gotu kola’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore, reduce damage to the skin and vascular system. This makes gotu kola a good herb for conditions of vein laxity and poor circulation such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Gotu kola also increases the levels of antioxidants that are found in the liver. These molecules help the body to process and excrete toxins. Finally, gotu kola increases circulation and has been used to aid memory, alleviate fatigue and increase libido.

Gotu Kola Supplement Options

Gotu kola is commonly purchased as tea, encapsulated herb or tincture. Gotu kola products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of active compounds they contain. Gotu kola can be found in combination products for memory, sexual functioning and vein support. Topically tea, creams and salves can be used to help heal wounds or treat skin conditions.

Potential Contraindications & Cautions 

Individuals taking sedatives or anti-anxiety medication, because gotu kola may add to their effect, should use gotu kola supplements with caution. Gotu kola should not be used during activities that require alertness. Gotu kola should not be used in pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage. Topical application of gotu kola may cause contact dermatitis.

Many call Muira puama, “Viagra of the Amazon” and locals call it, “potency wood” because it can improve erectile function and prevent sexual disorders in both men and women. Let's explore the advantages of muira puama supplements and how to use them. 

What is Muira Puama?

Muira puama, also known as ptychopetalum, is a small Amazonian tree native to Brazil.

Traditionally, Brazilian natives made a decoction (strong boiled tea) out of the root and bark to use as an energy tonic, andaphrodisiac and to increase sexual vitality.

Key Benefits & Uses of Muira Puama Supplements

While there have only been a handful of studies done on muira puama, it does have a long history of use by natives of the Amazon rainforest to improve sexual function. Many alternative doctors and herbalists prescribe it to strengthen erections, to improve orgasm in women and to improve libido. It's also an energy tonic with calming action, which enhances the ability to cope with stress and exhaustion. Stress and exhaustion are often one of the underlying causes of low libido.

Muira puama has also been used to treat menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), arthritis, joint pain and paralysis. It has also been used to enhance athletic performance because it is thought to have testosterone-like effects, however, this has not been proven.

Understand How It Works

While the exact mechanism of action for muira puama is unknown, researchers believe that it increases blood flow to the pelvic area, which aids in erections in men and increases sensation and orgasm in women. Studies on rabbits show relaxation of erectile tissue, which allows increased blood flow into the penis. Other studies on rats showed muira puama improved memory retrieval and protected brain tissue. It also improves alertness and high doses can cause insomnia.

Selecting Quality Muira Puama Supplements: Varieties & Formats

Like most herbs, you will find muira puama available as dried bulk herb, encapsulated dried herb, tincture and liquid extract. The traditional way to use it is to use 1 tsp of dried herb for each cup of water, bring it to a boil and then simmerfor 15-30 minutes and drink 1-2 cups daily. You can also take 2-4ml of the tincture daily or 1-2ml of the liquid extract 2 times a day. Tincture or liquid extract is the most effective way to take muira puama. Take herbs on an empty stomach for better absorption.

Sage is a shrub that comes from the Mediterranean region. It's now well known as a culinary herb; raw, cooked or dried, and is used as a medicinal tea. It's commercially grown in the US, Canada, Argentina, Germany and France, but wild sage grows almost everywhere in the Greece.

If you've ever traveled the Greek Islands you recognize the aroma of this herb baking in the hot sun and the beautiful subtle flavour of wild sage which infuses all Greek honey.

What Is Sage?

Sage is a small perennial evergreen which has been used medicinally by ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians for thousands of years. Egyptians used it as a fertility aid, while Greeks used it for its ability to stop bleeding and clean wounds, ulcers and snakebites. This herb was a sacred for Romans, harvested for solemn ceremony.

Health Benefits of Sage

Congestion Relief

Research has shown that sage possesses astringent properties. As such, it is now widely used to treat hemorrhoids, blood or phlegm in the urine, excessive breast milk or fluid in the abdomen (ascites). This is because as an astringent, this herb dries excess or accumulated mucus and fluid. It is commonly used for colds, nasal congestion and fever to help dry excess mucus your body produces to expel infection.

Anti-Viral & Anti-Inflammatory Support

Research has also shown Sage fights infection by killing bacteria, fungus and viruses. Due to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects, it can compliment and support the immune system when dealing with any infection. Research using this herb for the treatment of Herpes has shown reduction in size, number, severity and time between outbreaks of both genital and oral cold sores. Studies using sage have also demonstrated a reduction in pain associated with sore throat. This is because this herb also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Cognitive Health

Sage has been shown to have positive effects on memory and research is showing it has promise in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Menopause Support

In North America, sage is taken as a dietary supplement to treat hot flashes, night sweats, and estrogen loss, as well as a tonic for fighting fatigue and nervous exhaustion, thus making it a common supplement for women suffering menopausal symptoms.

Sage tea also has an effect on mood. This is helpful in many conditions, especially menopause when altered hormones can affect mood. This also applies to teen hormonal changes and hormonal conditions like PMS. Sage tea also has an effect on boosting your mental alertness and helps reduce anxiety.

Metabolism Booster

Some new research suggests this tea may even boost your metabolism which helps with weight loss. For best results drink this tea within an hour of waking either on an empty stomach or with your breakfast.

Using Sage Supplements

The typical dose for dried sage leaf is 4-6 grams/day in capsule form. As a liquid extract (1:2) 2-5 ml/day is recommended. As a tea, you can mix it with green tea for added flavour and health benefits. Sage tea can be drunk as often as you like – either hot or iced. There are no safety issues or contraindications with the use of this herb. But due to a lack of research it is not recommended in pregnancy or lactation (unless it is used during weaning period to dry up milk supply).

Tyrosine is considered a non-essential amino acid, meaning that your body can make it from another amino acid, phenylalanine. That being said, it can also be found in a variety of foods, including wheat germ, oats, cheese and other dairy products, pork, turkey, chicken, and other wild game. Tyrosine or L-tyrosine can also be taken as a supplement. PKU is a condition in which individuals cannot make this amino acid from phenylalanine; in these cases, supplementation is necessary.

Medicinal Uses For Tyrosine

Neurotransmitter Effects

One of the more important medicinal uses of this amino acid comes from its ability to be converted to the following neurotransmitters: dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play an integral role in memory, attention and problem solving, depression and mood, as well as our stress response. Studies have shown that tyrosine, most likely due to its ability to increase the levels of the aforementioned neurotransmitters, may have the ability to fight fatigue and improve memory and mental functioning, particularly under the influence of environmental stressors, including sleep deprivation due to stress. It has also been shown to calm anxiety and help to improve mood and outlook.

Thyroid Support

Tyrosine is also involved in the synthesis of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. It is commonly recommended that individuals suffering from thyroid dysfunction supplement with this amino acid to increase metabolic activity and help to alleviate hypothyroid symptoms. As a substance that increases or up-regulates norepinephrine, this amino acid can also cause relatively quick and significant increases in energy, especially useful for individuals suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.

Tyrosine Supplement Varieties

Tyrosine can be found in capsule form, either alone or in combination with other amino-acids, or supplements formulated to support thyroid, mood, energy and attention. This amino acid is considered safe at high doses. Some research has shown it has been associated with increased blood pressure in some individuals. If you have moderately high blood pressure or are at risk for high blood pressure, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before supplementing with tyrosine and have your blood pressure checked regularly.