Q: I'm a 41-year-old computer programmer who works for a big
softwarecompany. Needless to say, it's a very competitive, fast-paced
environment, but lately I feel unfocused, foggy, and forgetful. I can't
seem to keep numbers in my head as long as I used to. My aunt has
Alzheimer's, and I'm afraid I may be at risk for it, too.
A: I've seen patients who come in with memory problems improve
dramatically on a nutritional program. I recommend a cocktail of
supplements, the first of which is a little-known fat called
phosphatidylserine, found in eggs and soybeans. Your brain's neurons are
particularly rich in this substance, and need it to remain healthy and to
conduct nerve impulses efficiently
I also prescribe acetyl-L-carnitine, a special form of the amino
acid carnitine. The acetylated form is more easily absorbed by brain
cells, whose metabolism it increases.
Then, I recommend ginkgo, an herb that increases circulation in the
brain and improves cognitive function. In addition, ginkgo may have a
protective effect against Alzheimer's, so if you are concerned about a
possible risk of that problem later in life, consider adding this herb to
your regimen. An impressive study reported in the Journal of the American
Medical Association in October showed that ginkgo improved cognitive
performance in a third of Alzheimer's patients who had been taking an
extract of the herb for a year.
A diet high in fish may help protect the brain as well. The average
American diet is low in a fatty acid called docosahexanoic acid (DHA), an
essential component of brain cells. Alzheimer's, depression, and
attention deficit disorder all may be linked to low levels of DHA,
according to research presented at a recent conference at New York's
Cornell Medical Center. Societies that consume high amounts of fish, such
as Japan, have lower levels of depression. DHA is also available as a
dietary supplement.
PHOTO (COLOR): Phosphatidylserine, found in eggs, and DHA, found in
fish, are both valuable brain-boosting nutrients.
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