Ageing precipitates a progressive decline in overall cognitive function. It causes us to lose our ability to store and retrieve from short-term memory and to learn new information. Cognitive function is impacted via several wsell-defined, age-related mechanisms, including:
- Prolonged exposure to stress hormones
- Free radical damage caused by a host of oxidising agents
- Deficiencies of of nutrients like vitamin B12 because of malabsorption
- Decreases in levels of key hormones like oestrogen and testosterone
- Reduced oxygenation of neurons because of cerebral circulatory deficits
- Impaired neuronal energy output caused by mitochondrial disorder
- Decreases in neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine
- Hyperactivity induced by glutamate-induced excito-toxicity
- Metabolic disorders such as low thyroid and anemia
- Chronic inflammation
There are, however, behavioral modifications such as increased physical and mental activity and a healthy diet that can improve mental function both directly and indirectly by enhancing overall health. Memory can also be improved by using aids such as lists and routines, and by making connections to existing knowledge.
In addition, a healthy and supportive body is a prerequisite to the brain's optimal functioning. There are, however, a number of nutrients that have been found to be especially beneficial for brain health.
Warning
The information on our site is not intended as medical advice and you should always seek guidance from a medical doctor on supplements, particularly if you are on medication, as they can sometimes interact with certain drugs and medical conditions.
