On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Health And Fitness Skills
Here’s what you need to know about supplements claiming to boost brainpower, based on science and expert insights.
Popular Supplements
- Fish Oils (Omega-3s): While omega-3-rich diets (like salmon) may lower dementia risk, supplements don’t show similar benefits.
- B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folate): Studies find no impact on cognitive decline or brain function, even in those with dementia.
- Ginkgo Biloba: A major 2012 study found no difference in Alzheimer’s rates between ginkgo users and placebo groups.
Branded Memory Boosters
- Custom blends often lack supporting evidence and are not recommended by experts.
Lack of Oversight
- Memory supplement claims, such as improving or boosting cognition, are often unsubstantiated.
- Manufacturers aren’t required to prove effectiveness before marketing these products.
Risks
- Some supplements contain undisclosed ingredients or interact dangerously with medications (e.g., ginkgo and blood thinners).
- “Memory-enhancing” ads sometimes make illegal disease-treatment claims (e.g., preventing Alzheimer’s).
Instead of relying on supplements, focus on proven strategies:
Do a Brain Workout
- Activities like learning a new language or practicing memory exercises can enhance reasoning and slow decline.
- Avoid relying on commercial "brain games," as studies don’t support their efficacy.
Exercise Your Body
- Physical activities such as walking, yoga, tai chi, or weightlifting may help delay cognitive decline.
- Sedentary lifestyles are linked to over 1 million Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S.
Manage Blood Pressure
- Keeping blood pressure in check reduces risks of heart disease, stroke, and related memory loss.
Memory supplements generally lack solid evidence for effectiveness and may pose risks. Instead, focus on healthy habits like mental stimulation, physical activity, and managing cardiovascular health to support your brain as you age.
