OKLAHOMA CITY –
From vitamins to memory-boosting supplements, many products claim to improve brain function.
However, health experts say most products don’t deliver on those promises. Dr. Lacy Anderson has what research shows actually helps brain health.
In general, Anderson says memory supplements don’t work to prevent dementia or significantly boost memory in healthy people.
“Specific nutrients like Omega-3’s, some B vitamins and Magnesium L-Threonate show promise in research for supporting brain health,” Anderson said. “There is no strong evidence that supplements prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia.”
Anderson says for those with a vitamin B12 deficiency, B12 supplements can improve some symptoms because B12 is needed for healthy nerve and brain function.
“Vitamin D deficiencies are also linked to poor memory,” Anderson said. “Vitamin deficiencies are common in the elderly due to poor nutrition. This could be caused by difficulty with cooking and preparing meals as well as an increased reliance on fast food.”
Additionally, Anderson says vitamin deficiencies can cause memory loss, so it may be helpful to start a good multivitamin daily.
For those who don’t want to use pills, Anderson says exercise helps with brain health, and a healthy diet is better than any supplement.
If you have a question for Dr. Lacy Anderson, call the hotline at (405) 841-9999 or e-mail dailydose@news9.net
