Over the past century those of us living in the U.S., have become accustomed, whenever we have a physical ailment, that we take a tiny pill or drug to fix it. As a result there are hundreds of drugs available, for all sorts of ailments. And we expect our doctor to find one that will remedy our pains or problems. However, as of yet, there are no drugs that are truly effective for arresting, let alone reversing advanced memory loss.
However, there are studies in the U.S., Europe, and other parts of the world where they have been able to reverse serious cognitive decline, and memory issues. Perhaps the most famous is the 2014 study conducted by Dale Bredesen, MD, a professor at UCLA, who achieved a reversal of symptoms including improvements in memory in 9 out of 10 individuals previously diagnoses with Alzheimer’s. Click here and scroll down to The Evidence for Intervention Efficacy.
So if drugs don’t work, yet thousands of people across the globe have been able to arrest their cognitive decline and improve their cognitive abilities, how is that accomplished? What are these other researcher, like Dr. Bredesen, Dr. Ornish, and Dr. Kivipelto, from Finland doing that enable their participants to arrest and even reverse their decline, while others on meds languish in brain fog?
Well there are a variety of things. For a fairly comprehensive list click here. But what they all have in common is a basic assessment of possible factors contributing to each person’s decline, as well as a “synergistic” combination of things, like good nutrition and exercise. We know that good nutrition and exercise are both important for a healthy brain, but the synergistic combination of the two is much more powerful than they would each otherwise be.
The same can be said for mental and social activities, combined with a good night’s sleep, avoiding neurotoxins, etc. See the 7 Pillars of Brain Health, under the Brain Health Essentials Tab.
Obviously we don’t have the time or space in this blog to address each of those factors here. We would, however, like to address two of these key factors – a Personal Assessment, and good nutrition, particularly nutritional supplements.
A Personal Assessment of Contributing Factors
It’s hard to overstate the importance of a good Personal Assessment. Unfortunately there are at least 60 different things that can contribute to cognitive decline or memory problems, and each of our bodies are somewhat unique, therefore, our needs may vary as well.
A good personal assessment, as found here on our site, can be critical for identifying, our unique vulnerabilities, or risk factors, and needs (things we need to avoid, and things we need to do) for optimal personal progress. Otherwise we could be wasting a great deal of time and money, on things we don’t need, or neglecting things we do. Currently that assessment costs only $20, but next month the plan is to raise that to $50. And if you have any difficulty navigating the payment, downloading your report, or would like greater security, just give us a call at 801-529-8238, and we will help you with that.
A Synergistic Combination of Nutrients
As noted above most of us have been conditioned to believe that just one small pill should fix our ill-nesses. As Dr. Bredesen noted however, there will likely never be a single pill that will reverse cognitive decline. However, there are many formulas now that employ the principles of synergy, i.e. they have a variety of nutrients that work together synergistically to maintain a healthy brain, and improve cognitive abilities, like memory.
Two such products that we like and encourage people to consider are: Neuro from Neumi and now Daily Brain Care, developed by Dr. John Lewis, from the prestigious University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
For a decent review of Neuro, it’s synergistic combo of ingredients and our endorsement see our September 2024 blog. That’s especially helpful for those who don’t like taking pills, and need improved circulation of critical nutrients to the brain. And a formulation that can quickly make a difference.
Daily Brain Care, is a newer product, at least for us, but it approaches the issues of brain health and cognitive/memory enhancement from a different angle. It uses polysaccharides (signaling cellular “good” sugars) and other herbs in another synergistic blend that has been shown to effect “significant and sustained improvements in cognitive function over a one-year period, with individuals diagnosed with moderate to severe memory disorders.” And most of those in this study had experienced memory issues for several (3 on average) years. There are not many, if any, products that have been shown to be as effective, with such a difficult population. And we are thinking that for those individuals with more entrenched memory problems, this may be a good regimen to consider, to boost their results.
On the flip side, Neuro, may help individuals taking Daily Brain Care, to see progress, especially with short term memory, more quickly. In other words, they look like they may make a good synergistic combo.
If you would like to try either or both of these well designed formulations, we would love to hear your results. And we would benefit a bit from your purchase to enable us to further develop our website.
To order the Neuro simply go here (https://neumi.com/abcBrain), scroll down and and click on the orange bottle. Or if you were referred here by a Neumi partner, get back in touch with and order thru them.
To try a bottle of Daily Brain Care, at a 10% discount go here. (https://drlewisnutrition.com/DavidLA)
Another nutrient to consider, for less than $15 is a good Vitamin B-complex. All of the B-vitamins play important roles in maintaining brain health. If you, or someone you care for, has tried a memory pill or supplement for their brain with minimal effect, keep in mind, that it usually takes a while, years, for your brain to decline. Don’t expect improvements overnight. Most studies have shown that for even mild memory problems, it usually takes a good assessment and a minimum of 3-4 months, on a good diet, with increased physical activity, a good night’s sleep and more than one supplement to make a difference.
If you try this combo, we would be very interested to hear if this proves to be a more effective approach than any one pill on it’s own. If you have questions about this blog or need help with your assessment call 801-529-8238.
OBTW If you know someone with dementia from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson's who lives in the Intermountain West or has the means to fly here periodically, there is a new study being conducted by Dr. Bryan Turner, MD, one of our council members, on a new medication that, in a preclinical trial, was finally found to have the potential to be a significant break-through for an effective medication for Alzheimer’s. For more information about that study call (801) 327-8700, mention the study and ask for a call back from Dr. Turner.
Spring is coming, and hopefully with it some significant improvements!
God bless!
David R. Larsen, MFHD
Director of Education
American Brain Council
