Do you take a supplement for memory, and does it work?

Alizerine

Alizerine

Senior Member
Sometimes I forget a name or can't think what an item is called. I would like to do everything I can before my memory gets worse. My doctor had no advice since these supplements are not regulated. Would love to hear of the experience of others.
 

Alizerine said:
Sometimes I forget a name or can't think what an item is called. I would like to do everything I can before my memory gets worse. My doctor had no advice since these supplements are not regulated. Would love to hear of the experience of others.
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I don't take any vitamin specifically targeted to aid with memory loss but eating berries, especially blueberries, is supposed to help with memory.
 
I do try to incorporate berries into my diet. I will check out vitamin K. Thanks. I was also wondering about the ones they advertise on TV that "work magic" on senior couples.
 
Don't know about them.
I would research...what ingredients are in those "magic"..
 
Liberty said:
Hub is taking Phosphatidylserine, 100mg. One of the very few supplement ingredients that has been shown in clinical tests to improve memory.
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I have wondered about this one. Do you think it is helping him?

Has anyone else had any experiences with it?

@StarSong Did you try this one? It sounds familiar to me, from previous SF discussions on this topic.
 
oldaunt said:
Its another one of those things that benefit from active use. Reading, word puzzles and memory games all help.
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I do the NYTimes puzzle and lots of Classic Wordle plus the daily Wordle and I read a lot.
I will check out Phophatidylserine. Thank you all for your input.
 
carouselsilver said:
I take a whole food vitamin, plus Gingko Biloba. I feel that I am sharper and remember more when I do! I also play puzzle games and such to keep sane!:)
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-ginkgo/art-20362032

Research on ginkgo use for specific conditions shows:
  • Dementia. There isn't enough evidence to support the use of ginkgo to prevent dementia or treat people with mild cognitive impairment.

  • Claudication. A review of the research suggests that taking ginkgo has no significant benefits for people with this condition.
Ginkgo's effect on memory enhancement has had conflicting results. While some evidence suggests that ginkgo extract might modestly improve memory in healthy adults, most studies indicate that ginkgo doesn't improve memory, attention or brain function.

Our take​

Caution

While ginkgo appears to be safe in moderate amounts, research doesn't support use of the supplement to prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline.

Further research is needed to find out what role ginkgo might play in supporting brain function and treating other conditions.

Safety and side effects​

When used orally in moderate amounts, ginkgo appears to be safe for most healthy adults.

Ginkgo can cause:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Allergic skin reactions
Don't eat raw or roasted ginkgo seeds, which can be poisonous.

If you are epileptic or prone to seizures, avoid ginkgo. Large amounts of ginkgotoxin can cause seizures. Ginkgotoxin is found in ginkgo seeds and, to a lesser extent, ginkgo leaves.

If you are older, have a bleeding disorder or are pregnant, don't take ginkgo. The supplement might increase your risk of bleeding. If you're planning to have surgery, stop taking ginkgo two weeks beforehand.

Ginkgo might interfere with the management of diabetes. If you take ginkgo and have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels.

Some research has shown that rodents given ginkgo had an increased risk of developing liver and thyroid cancers.

Interactions - Go to website for list of adverse inter-reactions.
 
chic said:
I don't take any vitamin specifically targeted to aid with memory loss but eating berries, especially blueberries, is supposed to help with memory.
Click to expand...
This is great😡 Now you post this. We have blueberry bushes in the back yard but the kids picked them when they were ripe and the birds finished the rest. I'll have to TRY and remember to pick some up at the store but they probably don't have "the power" of the fresh "off the bush" berries. 🤪
 
RadishRose said:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-ginkgo/art-20362032

Research on ginkgo use for specific conditions shows:
  • Dementia. There isn't enough evidence to support the use of ginkgo to prevent dementia or treat people with mild cognitive impairment.

  • Claudication. A review of the research suggests that taking ginkgo has no significant benefits for people with this condition.
Ginkgo's effect on memory enhancement has had conflicting results. While some evidence suggests that ginkgo extract might modestly improve memory in healthy adults, most studies indicate that ginkgo doesn't improve memory, attention or brain function.

Our take​

Caution

While ginkgo appears to be safe in moderate amounts, research doesn't support use of the supplement to prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline.

Further research is needed to find out what role ginkgo might play in supporting brain function and treating other conditions.

Safety and side effects​

When used orally in moderate amounts, ginkgo appears to be safe for most healthy adults.

Ginkgo can cause:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Upset stomach
  • Constipation
  • Allergic skin reactions
Don't eat raw or roasted ginkgo seeds, which can be poisonous.

If you are epileptic or prone to seizures, avoid ginkgo. Large amounts of ginkgotoxin can cause seizures. Ginkgotoxin is found in ginkgo seeds and, to a lesser extent, ginkgo leaves.

If you are older, have a bleeding disorder or are pregnant, don't take ginkgo. The supplement might increase your risk of bleeding. If you're planning to have surgery, stop taking ginkgo two weeks beforehand.

Ginkgo might interfere with the management of diabetes. If you take ginkgo and have diabetes, closely monitor your blood sugar levels.

Some research has shown that rodents given ginkgo had an increased risk of developing liver and thyroid cancers.

Interactions - Go to website for list of adverse inter-reactions.
Click to expand...
So much for memory drugs. I think i'll even skip the blueberries !!😦
 
I take Resveratrol, Nicotinamide Riboside, GlyLo, a multivitamin, and several others — kind of a hobby as I age. At breakfast Bluberries, Strawberries, Almonds, and fiber, and of course a dose of Caffeine. Helpful? Who knows, but (probably) no harm in trying.
 
I read somewhere that in one study ****** was used to treat dementia. At the time I thought that if it increases the blood flow in one area it might also increase it to the brain. I'm no scientist but who knows? Haven't heard anything since.
 
DaveA said:
This is great😡 Now you post this. We have blueberry bushes in the back yard but the kids picked them when they were ripe and the birds finished the rest. I'll have to TRY and remember to pick some up at the store but they probably don't have "the power" of the fresh "off the bush" berries. 🤪
Click to expand...
Buy organic berries. They are tastier and it helps the body more because when food is organic the body doesn't have to expend energy detoxifying pesticides found in non organic berries. Less strain on the body and more benefits.
 
I'm not a big fan of dietary supplements. For some, they are akin to a religion. And I think that is apt, because most of the benefits are taken on faith that they work. And quite frankly, if they actually did work, they would be marketed by a drug company. There are claims like "clinically tested". It conjures up white coated lab technicians, etc. The term means absolutely nothing, leaving it out in the rain at night is "clinically tested". If the stuff comes with "clinical tested" on it, that kinds of tells you what you're getting.
 
My wife’s short memory is very poor. She has been taking Prevagen for some time but I don’t see much improvement. I want her to see a doctor but she’ll have nothing to do with this. I can tell that it bothers her and I wish she would get help. But at our age, maybe there’s not much they can do anyway.
 
@Pappy...Yes 'you ' see the hype on tv about Prevagen..
I would investigate the ingredients..and 'go' from there.
 

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