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Clinical Updates (55)
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Strawberries for Memory?
Can daily consumption of two cups of strawberries improve memory and cognition in older men and women? See what a new study found in our answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Cocoa for Memory
Cocoa flavanols have been shown in some studies to provide a cardiovascular benefit and, in older individuals, memory improvement. A recent study in younger men and women showed that daily use of a cocoa extract had little effect on memory and no cardiovascular benefit, although it did improve mental fatigue shortly after taking the extract. Learn more about the effects of cocoa, dosage, and see our tests and reviews of cocoa products in the Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate, Extracts, Nibs, & Supplements Review >>
Matcha Green Tea for Memory & Cognition?
Can drinking matcha green tea enhance memory or have other cognitive benefits? Find out what a recent study showed in the Memory and Cognition section of the Green Tea Review.
Ginkgo for Memory and Cognition?
A branded ginkgo biloba extract improved a measure of cognition in men and women with self-reported memory impairment -- but did not improve memory. Get the details, plus more about the evidence for ginkgo and our tests of products, in the Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Review >>
Dark Chocolate for Memory?
Studies show that chocolate high in flavanols can improve cognition in people with cognitive decline. Can it also boost memory in people who are cognitively healthy? Find out in the Memory section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powders Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolates and cocoa powders.
Concern Over Memory Supplement Quality
Many supplements with phosphatidylserine – promoted for memory enhancement -- do not contain their listed amounts of this ingredient, according to a new report. Get details and learn what clinical studies show with phosphatidylserine in our updated answer to the question: Do either phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylcholine help with memory and cognition?
Fish Oil to Improve Cognition?
See the results of the most recent study of fish oil to improve memory and cognition in the Memory Enhancement section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for fish oil.
Resveratrol for Memory?
A new study suggests that resveratrol may improve aspects of memory, as well as glucose control, in overweight individuals. For more information about the study and dosage, as well as our tests and comparisons of resveratrol supplements, see the update to the Resveratrol Supplements Review >>
Turmeric for Memory
A new study shows a modest benefit of turmeric on short-term memory among older individuals with pre-diabetes. Details about the study and dosage used, as well as results of our tests of popular products, are found in the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >>
Do B Vitamins Boost Memory?
This week, a study was reported in the media suggesting that taking vitamin B-12 and folic acid does not help with memory. But a closer look at this and related studies shows a benefit for some people. Get the details, plus our tests and comparisons of B-vitamin supplements, in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
Fish Oil Helps Memory
A small study of healthy young women and men found that those with the highest levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA in their red blood cells scored better on a memory test than those with lower levels. After six months of supplementation with a certain fish oil supplement, scores improved -- particularly among those whose DHA levels had been lowest. See the Fish Oil (Omega-3) Supplements Review for details about this study, the particular supplement used, what fish oil can and cannot do, and our quality ratings of products. More >>
Does Ginkgo Improve Memory?
The evidence for Ginkgo biloba in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease and other dementias has become fairly negative. But is there still hope for its use in improving memory in healthy individuals? The answer seems to be in, according to a new analysis of 10 placebo-controlled trials in healthy people. Get the answer in the update to the Ginkgo Supplements Review.
B-12 and Folic Acid for Memory
Small but significant improvements in short and long-term memory were found to occur in older people (aged 60 to 74) given modest daily amounts of vitamin B-12 and folic acid. But don't expect immediate results. Improvements were seen only after 2 years of supplementation. See the update in the B Vitamins Review for the dosage used, as well as our ratings of supplements with vitamin B-12 and folic acid.
Folate & Memory
Older people with high blood levels of folate are more likely to perform worse on tests of memory and cognition unless they have sufficient levels of another B vitamin, according to a recent study. Get the details in the What It Does section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among B vitamin supplements.
Pomegranate for Memory?
Pomegranate juice and supplements have been promoted for improving cardiovascular health, controlling blood sugar, and inhibiting prostate cancer. Most recently pomegranate juice was tested in a year-long study for its effects on memory. Find out if it helped, and see if it works for other touted uses, in the What It Does section of the Pomegranate Juice and Supplements Review Article.
Huperzine A for Memory?
Huperzine A is often touted as a memory-enhancing supplement. Find out if it helped in a recent study of people with traumatic brain injuries in the What It Does section of the Huperzine A Supplements Review. Also see our top choice for Huperzine A.
Magnesium-L-Threonate for Memory?
What is the evidence that a special form of magnesium helps people with memory and concentration impairment? Find out in the Dementia and cognition section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.
Better Memory With Lutein?
Lutein is often taken as a supplement to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. However, a study in college students suggests that supplementation with lutein may also improve aspects of memory and cognitive functioning. For details, see the What It Does section of our Vision Supplements Review.
Resveratrol for Memory?
Does taking resveratrol improve memory in older men and women? See the results of the most recent study in the What It Does section of the Resveratrol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among resveratrol supplements.
Omega-3s for Cognition?
Several studies have attempted to boost cognition and memory in healthy people using omega-3 supplements from fish or krill oil. Find out if they succeeded, including a recent study among adolescents, in the Memory Enhancement in Healthy Individuals section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.
B Vitamins for Cognition
Increasing vitamin B-12 intake by those deficient in B-12 can help slow age-related declines in memory and cognition, but the dose needs to be sufficient, as suggested by a recent study. For details see the Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for B-12 and other B Vitamins.
Does Tart Cherry Improve Memory?
Can tart cherry juice improve memory and cognitive function? See the results of a recent study in our full answer to the question: What are the benefits of tart cherry juice?
B Vitamins for Memory
Many studies suggest that adequate intake of B vitamins slows age-related declines in memory and cognition. This was recently shown again in a study in England. Find out which B vitamins help, and how much you need, in the "What It Does" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for B vitamin supplements in the Review.]
Does Green Tea Improve Memory?
This week, news sources reported that a study found green tea helps working memory. While green tea may have benefits, a closer look at this study suggests the news was exaggerated and misleading. For details about the study (and information about other effects of green tea and our tests of green tea supplements, teas, and drinks) see the update in the Green Tea Supplements, Drinks and Teas Review >>
Dark Chocolate for Memory
Short-term studies suggest that large doses of cocoa flavanols improve certain aspects of memory and cognition. A new study suggests that long-term habitual intake of dark chocolate, which is rich in flavanols, can also help. For more information, see the "What It Does" section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate bars in the Review.]
Curcumin for Memory
There is mixed evidence on whether or not curcumin helps improve memory. A recently published study found that a proprietary formula helped, although, last year, a study using a different formula failed to help. In both cases, certain side effects were more common among those taking curcumin than placebo. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric & Curcumin Supplements Review >> [Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate bars in the Review.]
B12 for Cognition
Numerous studies show that getting adequate intake of B vitamins, such as B12, and, perhaps, omega-3 fatty acids from fish, may slow age-related declines in memory and cognition. But not everyone should expect a benefit, as shown in a recent study. For details, see the Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products.)
Lutein and Zeaxanthin Improve Memory
Lutein and zeaxanthin may help to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration in people with low blood levels of lutein. A new study suggests these compounds may have another benefit -- improving memory in some people. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Vision Supplements Review >> (Also see our top choices among products.)
Green Tea for Memory?
Can a green tea extract supplement improve memory or cognitive function in healthy, older men and women? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Green Tea Review. Also see our Top Picks for green tea supplements and drinks.
Algal Oil for Attention?
Does algal oil high in DHA improve memory and attention in children? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review.
Also learn about fish oil for enhancing memory in older people and those with age-related cognitive decline, and see our Top Picks for fish oil.
B Vitamins May Help Memory
A recently published study of individuals aged 70 years or more with mild cognitive impairment found that a daily dose of three B vitamins (folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6) over 2 years appeared to slow cognitive and clinical decline, particularly in those who started with elevated levels of plasma homocysteine. See the B Vitamin Product Review for details including the dosage used. More >>
Ginkgo Fails Alzheimer's Trial
Over two thousand people with memory complaints were given Ginkgo biloba extract or placebo as part of a five-year study. The results, published this week, showed no difference between the groups in the percentage who eventually developed Alzheimer's disease or dementia. See how this compares to other studies of ginkgo in the updated Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Review, which includes our tests and reviews of ginkgo products. More >>
More Evidence of What Multivitamins Don't Do
Several new studies about multivitamins were published this week. The bottom line: In well-nourished people, multivitamins don't reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or overall-mortality, nor improve cognition and memory. Although some studies have suggested a modest benefit in reducing the risk of certain cancers, no clear cancer benefit for multivitamins has been established. For more information, see the updates to the Multivitamins and Multimineral Supplements Review >>
Cocoa Increases Blood Flow to Brain
A small study found that drinking a cocoa drink high in flavanols significantly increased blood flow to the brain, which, the researchers propose, might have potential cognitive benefits. Get the details, including dosage, plus more about cocoa and memory, and our tests of popular products, in the Cocoa Supplements and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Curcumin and Cognition
Curcumin (from turmeric) has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory effects, helpful in osteoarthritis and gastrointestinal conditions, and even an anti-depressant effect. A recent long-term study evaluated its effects on cognition and memory in older people. See the results in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements Review (which includes our tests of popular products) >>
Cocoa Lowers Blood Sugar
In addition to potential cardiovascular, memory, and other benefits, a new analysis shows that cocoa flavanols may reduce fasting glucose and improve insulin resistance. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review >>
Ashwagandha Improves Memory
An 8-week study among men and women with mild cognitive impairment found ashwagandha root extract to improve many aspects of cognitive function compared to placebo. Studies have shown a range of benefits with ashwagandha, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety, although studies have been small. For details, see the "What It Does" section of the Ashwagandha Supplements Review >>
Niacinamide for Alzheimer's Disease?
Niacinamide (a form of niacin) has been promoted as a way to protect against memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease – a claim based on studies in mice. A recent study put this to the test in people. See the results in the "Niacin" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>
Does Green Tea Prevent Cognitive Decline?
Does drinking green tea reduce the risk of cognitive decline and, if so, how much do you have to drink? A multi-year study addressed this question. See the results in the Memory and Cognition section of the Green Tea Review. Also see our Top Picks for green tea.
Fish Oil for Cognition?
Does giving older people a high dose of fish oil help them with memory and thinking? A recent study helped answer this question. Get the answer and details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review.
Can Vitamin D Boost Cognition?
Middle-aged people with low levels of vitamin D were given high-dose vitamin D for four months. Find out if this boosted their cognitive performance in the Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory and cognitive decline section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)
Folic Acid for Cognition
Giving folic acid to older people with relatively low levels of blood folate resulted in improved cognitive performance, according to a recent study. For details, see the "Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease" section in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> (Also see our Top Picks for folate and other B vitamin supplements.)
PQQ for Athletic Endurance?
We've added information from a recent study of PQQ for athletic endurance to our answer to the question: What is PQQ? Does it help with aging and memory? Is it similar to CoQ10?
Magnesium for Memory
There is growing evidence that getting the right amount of magnesium reduces the risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia. For details, including results of a new study, see the Dementia and cognition section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among magnesium supplements.
Lower Risk of Dementia Through Foods
A 20-year study showed that the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia was 76% lower in people who ate more of certain foods. Find out what they ate and learn if supplements can help in our answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Resveratrol for Memory?
A new study evaluated the effects of resveratrol on cognitive functioning in postmenopausal women. Find out if it helped in the What It Does section of the Resveratrol Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for resveratrol.
Factors For Lower Risk of Dementia
Diet and lifestyle factors were associated with up to 60% reductions in the risk of developing Alzheimer dementia according to a new study. Learn about these lifestyle factors in the updated answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Problems With Huperzine A
A recent analysis of supplements claiming to contain huperzine A (promoted for memory enhancement) found problems with most products. For details see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Huperzine A Supplements Review. Also learn what clinical studies have shown with huperzine A in the What It Does section and see which huperzine A supplements have been Approved by CL.
MCTs for Cognitive Impairment?
Can medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) improve memory and cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for MCT and coconut oils.
Vitamin D for Cognitive Impairment?
Can taking vitamin D improvement memory and thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Vitamin D Review. Also, see our Top Picks for vitamin D.
Chocolate for Cognition?
Does eating chocolate improve cognition in postmenopausal women? See what a new study found in the Memory and Cognition section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks for dark chocolate, cocoa powders and supplements based on their flavanol content and purity.
Folic Acid for Cognitive Function?
Does folic acid supplementation help with cognitive function in older people? Find out what a new study showed in the Memory and Cognition section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for folic acid.
Cocoa for Cognition
A new study suggests that cocoa may improve some aspects of cognitive function in healthy people and sheds some light on how this may work. See the details in the Memory and Cognition section of the Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Review. Also see our Top Picks among dark chocolates, cocoa powders and supplements.
Are Green Tea Pills Safe?
Studies have suggested that extracts of green tea can reduce the risk of certain cancers, improve memory, shrink uterine fibroids, and even help with weight reduction. However, liver toxicity has been a concern with green tea extracts. A large, government-funded study recently found that pills of green tea extract can be safe for many people, but some may experience adverse reactions, including elevated liver enzymes. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Green Tea Review, along with information about what green tea does and our tests of green tea extracts, brewable teas, and beverages >>
Higher Vitamin Level May Slow Cognitive Decline
An 8-year study of people in their 70's found that cognitive functioning (memory and other mental skills) declined faster among those with lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 compared to those with higher levels. Particularly surprising was that 40% of the people in the study fell into the lower B-12 group, many of whom had levels which would not normally define them as deficient in B-12. This and other recent studies suggest a role for vitamin B-12 in minimizing cognitive decline in older people. For details, see the updated B Vitamin Supplements Review. More >>
