Memory boosting herbs and vitamins, supplements, pills, Mind Boosters book

Memory Boosting herbs supplements vitamins
How to boost and Improve Memory and Mind with natural vitamins, herbs, supplements, pills
Avoid memory loss with diet, food, and natural lifestyle without medication
June 16 2018 by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Dozens of new supplements have been introduced over the past few years that promise to improve short term and long term memory loss, intelligence, mood, vision, and mental performance. I have reviewed the latest research regarding these breakthrough nutrients, amino acids, herbs, herbal extracts, coenzymes, and hormones, and offer a scientific and practical evaluation of their benefits and risks. You can learn how to combine mind- and memory -boosting supplements for patients with low mood, mental fuzziness, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and other conditions.
I have taken all of these supplements in low and high doses and report my personal observations and the experiences of users, including interviews with experts. As part of my experience learning about individual herbs and nutrients that influence the mind, I have formulated a popular brain supplement called Mind Power Rx, an all natural product without hormones or medications.

Mind Power Rx is an advanced cognitive formula with memory herb and vitamin supplements that combines a delicate balance of brain circulation agents and neurotransmitter precursors with powerful natural brain chemicals that support:

Improve Memory, Mood and Motivation
Stay Focused and Alert All Day
Enhance Your Eyesight and Hearing
Be More Creative and Productive
Keep Your Mind Youthful

Purchase Mind Power Rx for sharper brain function

The herbs in this mind improving formula include: Ashwagandha, bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Gotu kola, Mucuna pruriens, and Rhodiola. The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Cyanocobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.

High Quality products formulated by Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Consider highly popular all natural products. These top quality products include Joint Power Rx for healthy joints; Prostate Power Rx for a healthy prostate gland; and Passion Rx for sexual enhancement, better libido, and improved performance and stamina in men and women.

Mind Boosters book Index
Memory function is vulnerable to a variety of pathologic processes including neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, tumors, head trauma, hypoxia, cardiac surgery, malnutrition, attention-deficit disorder, depression, anxiety, the side effects of medication, and normal aging. As such, memory impairment or memory loss is commonly seen by physicians in multiple disciplines including neurology, psychiatry, medicine, and surgery. Memory loss is often the most disabling feature of many disorders, impairing the normal daily activities of the patients and profoundly affecting their families. memory computer memory creative memory loss memory card.

PART I: USING YOUR BRAIN TO BOOST YOUR MIND

1. The Born-Again Brain
     Age Related Cognitive Decline
     Can Natural Supplements improve memory loss?
     Personalizing Your Mind and Memory improving regimen
     The Experience of Patients and Users regarding memory and mind herbs
     The Experience of Clinicians and Experts regarding memory improvement
     The Author’s Experience

2. The Top Ten Mind-Boosting Principles
     A discussion of ten principles you should keep in mind while taking supplements that influence your mind and memory. How to improve memory naturally.

PART II: YOUR BRAIN: AN OWNER'S GUIDE

3. The ABCs of the Brain
     Neuron-to-Neuron Communication
     Composition of the Cell Membrane
     Training Neurons for better memory and reverse memory loss
     What Happens When the brain Gets Old?
     What Can You Do To Keep Your Mind Young and prevent memory loss?

4. Brain Chemistry Made Simple
     Acetylcholine the memory neurotransmitter
     Dopamine
     Norepinephrine and Epinephrine
     Serotonin
     GABA is also available as a supplement
     Additional Neurotransmitters
     The Connection between the Brain and the Immune System

PART III: LIFESTYLE HABITS FOR A LONG LASTING BRAIN

5. How to Cultivate a Naturally Healthy Mind and Upgrade Memory
     Emotional Connections
     Exercise can help with memory loss Exercise boosts brainpower by building new brain cells in a brain region linked with memory and memory loss. Dance classes are just as good or better than traditional exercise when it comes to improving older adults' balance, and perhaps dancing can stimulate brain areas related to memory and learning.
     Training Neurons to reverse memory loss
     Learn How to Learn
     Cultivate Your Creativity
     Sample! Explore! Expand!
     Smart Eating -- foods that improve memory loss, eating berries boosts brain function and may prevent age-related mental loss. Breast fed babies end up often with a higher IQ.
     A Note to Vegetarians

Watching your weight, quitting smoking, cutting back on junk foods and exercising regularly will help your heart. But did you know that these steps might also help your brain, and protect your memory? Sleep helps the brain consolidate memories so that they are readily available during waking hours. Garlic ingestion could help with memory and learning.

Oxid Med Cell Longevity. 2012. Dietary polyphenols as modulators of brain functions: biological actions and molecular mechanisms underpinning their beneficial effects. Accumulating evidence suggests that diet and lifestyle can play an important role in delaying the onset or halting the progression of age-related health disorders and to improve cognitive function. In particular, polyphenols have been reported to exert their neuroprotective actions through the potential to protect neurons against injury induced by neurotoxins, an ability to suppress neuroinflammation, and the potential to promote memory, learning, and cognitive function.

6. Beware of Brain Busters
This chapter discusses causes of long term and short term memory loss due to lifestyle habits, prescription drugs (such as sleep medications, for instance Ambien), recreational drugs such as marijuana, and medical problems that lead to a memory deficit. Zantac (ranitidine) and other H2 blockers have anticholinergic side effects which include a reduction in cognition and eventual early dementia. For a full list of prescription medications that cause memory loss, see the article on dementia.
   Did you know? Elderly people who smoke show a five-fold faster rate of age-related mental decline and memory loss than people who never smoked. Middle-aged adults who smoke have a higher than average risk of developing memory impairments later in life. Quitting smoking improves mental function.
   Although women are generally less likely than men to become dependent on alcohol, they appear to develop alcoholic brain damage and memory loss more rapidly than men. Smoking for many years in a row can be a cause of memory loss through poor circulation, clogging of blood supply to the brain or a stroke. Middle-aged men who drink heavily show declines in memory, attention and reasoning skills several years sooner than those drinking less alcohol.

   A single concussion early in an athlete's career can take a toll on memory, attention and reaction time decades later. Young athletes playing contact sports may experience learning and memory deficits as well as brain changes even when jolts to the head don’t trigger a concussion.
   High blood pressure can make it hard for middle-aged adults to think clearly and remember things.
   Depression, inactivity, lower education levels, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure all lead to memory loss problems.

PART IV: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MIND-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS

7. Mind Your Brain Fats
This chapter has a full discussion of the chemistry of fats and oils, along with the latest research on the memory enhancement effects of fish oils--eicosapentanoic acid, docosahexanoic acid--and flaxseed oil.
Those who eat lots of trans fats may be hurting their memory.

Am J Clin Nutrition. 2013. DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Indian J Exp Biol. 2013. Learning and memory promoting effects of crude garlic extract. long-term administration of crude garlic extract may improve learning and memory in mice while the underlying mechanism of action may be attributed to the anti-AchE activity and anti-oxidant property of garlic.

8. Memory Boosters — Phospholipids, Choline, and Related Nutrients for memory loss
     Choline converts into the memory chemical acetylcholine. Does it help memory loss?
     CDP-Choline also known as Citicoline
     Phosphatidylcholine or lecithin
     Phosphatidylserine -- also known as PS.... or should we call it BS?

Clin Interv Aging. 2010.The effect of phosphatidylserine-containing omega-3 fatty acids on memory abilities in subjects with subjective memory complaints: a pilot study. PS-omega-3 was administered daily for 6 weeks to eight elderly volunteers with subjective memory complaints. The Cognitive Drug Research test battery was used to assess the effect on their cognitive abilities. PS-omega-3 supplementation resulted in an increase in the ability to recall words in the delayed condition.

9. Mood Lifters—Vitamin B Coenzyme complex - crucial B vitamins to prevent memory loss
     Thiamin and Cocarboxylase
     Riboflavin and Flavin Mono Nucleotide (FMN)
     Niacin, Nicotinamide, and NADH-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
     Pantothenic acid and Pantothene
     Pyridoxine and Pyridoxal Phosphate
     B12- Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, and Dibencozide
     Down with Homocysteine

Advances in Nutrition, 2017. Vitamins Associated with Brain Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer Disease: Biomarkers, Epidemiological and Experimental Evidence, Plausible Mechanisms. Current evidence suggests that all known vitamins and some “quasi-vitamins” are involved as cofactors or influence the 6 key sets of pathways or pathologies associated with MCI or AD, relating to 1) 1-carbon metabolism, 2) DNA damage and repair, 3) mitochondrial function and glucose metabolism, 4) lipid and phospholipid metabolism and myelination, 5) neurotransmitter synthesis and synaptogenesis, and 6) amyloidosis and Tau protein phosphorylation. The contemporary level of evidence for each of the vitamins varies considerably, but it is notable that B vitamins are involved as cofactors in all of the core pathways or pathologies and, together with vitamins C and E, are consistently associated with a protective role against dementia.

10. Methyl Donors—For More Energy, Better Mood, (and Longer Life?)
     DMAE, dimethylaminoethanol
     DMG, Dimethylglycine and TMG, Trimethyglycine
     Sam-e, S-Adenosyl-methionine - a powerful mood supplement

11. Keep Your Brain Young with Old and New Antioxidants
A discussion of how antioxidants works and their role in brain health. Topics include carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, glutathione, N-acetyl-cysteine and selenium. The chapter ends with dosage recommendations.

12. Mind Energizers—Think Faster, Sharper, and Longer
     Acetyl-l-Carnitine and Carnitine supplement, (AlphaGPC is not discussed in the memory book.)
     CoQ10 comes in various dosage, 30 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. Use the lower dosages.
     Lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant often used for neuropathy.

13. Amino Acids—Building Blocks for Brain Chemicals
Tryptophan, 5-Hydroxytryptophan ( 5-HTP ), Phenylalanine and Tyrosine

14. Brain Hormones: Potent Memory and Sex Boosters
     What Can Brain Hormones Do for You?
     Figure 14.1 The Making of Steroid Hormones from Cholesterol
     Estrogen and the Brain - Women aged 50 to 55 who take hormone therapy to relieve the symptoms of menopause can expect no benefit or risk to their memory or other thinking skills.
     Do Middle-Aged and Older Women Need Male Hormones?
     DHEA: The Parent of Estrogen and Testosterone - can it reverse memory loss?
     Pregnenolone: The Grandmother of All Steroid Hormones - powerful memory booster
Testimonial: The only dose of pregnenolone I currently have is 10 mg, which gives me insomnia. I'm not going to take unless I can find an affordable 1 mg pill somewhere. Other than not being able to sleep, I felt great! Very clear headed, energetic, with good mood. And no unnatural drugged feeling.
     Melatonin: Nature’s Sleeping Pill - deep sleep enhances memory
     The Multi-Hormone Replacement Solution for Different Age Groups
     Cautions and Potential Side Effects of hormones

15. Psychoactive Herbs: Recommended by Mother Nature
    Ashwagandha herb
    Curcumin could act as an anti-inflammatory herb and reduce brain inflammation.
    Ginkgo Biloba herb
    Ginseng herb
    Huperzine A - for Alzheimer's
    Kava herb
    St. John’s Wort herb
    Vinpocetine extract
    Although not discussed in the book, the herb schizandra is also used for this purpose.
    Additional Herbs and Food-Like Supplements
     Bacopa herb
   Maca herb
     Reishi mushroom
     Pyroglutamate smart drug?

PART V: STAYING SMART AFTER SCHOOL

16. The Mind and Memory Boosting Program for Ages 25 to 40
What supplements should you take if you're in this age group if you want to enhance your mind?

17. The Mind and Memory Boosting Program for Ages 41 to 60
What supplements should you take if you're in this age group and want to improve memory?

18. The Mind and Memory Boosting Program for Ages 61 and Over
What supplements should you take to prevent memory loss if you're in this age group? Aging is known to lead to memory loss, but this can be reduced or mostly prevented through lifestyle habits and supplements. We lose brain cells as we get older and the brain does not process and store information as well as it did decades ago.

PART VI: NATURAL PRESCRIPTIONS FOR DEPRESSION, VISION ENHANCEMENT,
ALZHEIMER'S, AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE

19. Supplements that Fight Depression
A step-by-step strategy to improve mood with natural supplements and rely less on pharmaceutical antidepressants.
20. Supplements that Sharpen Vision and Hearing
Yes, it is possible to improve vision and hearing with supplements. Colors become brighter and clearer, near and long-distance vision improve, everything becomes more in focus. Seeing can be a real joy!
21. Supplements for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease - Memory loss medication and treatment.

22. Supplements for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

What readers are saying:
Dr. Sahelian, a few sentences cannot tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate "Mind Boosters". I have ordered 10 copies and given them to friends to improve memory. I use it as a reference and have studied it as you intended it to be used.

I Recently purchased your book "Mind Boosters - A guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance your Mind, Improve Memory, and Mood" and I have to say it has been exceptional reading. I am a 31 yo male and suffer from long term memory loss problems, a borderline insomniac, mild anxiety, and mild depression. All of these traits seem to run in my family and I have tried numerous things, even Celexa and other prescription drugs. I have been off the prescriptions for some time because quite frankly they killed my sex life but in the short time I have taken some of the supplements you recommended, I have notice improvement in these areas.

Finally - objective and detailed information about natural supplements for memory loss. I've been searching the internet for good information about vitamins, herbs and other food supplements that might help improve my mood, energy and clarity of thought. However almost all the hits are at sites that sell these products. They don't spend much time talking about bad side effects, and they won't tell you 'hey this product doesn't really do anything but if you want to throw away your money, throw it our way'. Apparently, this book's author, Ray Sahelian, is a medical doctor. He tries the supplements himself and reports their effects, if any. He provides scientific explanations of how the supplements work, and of brain chemistry in general. However it is written in a way that can be easily understood by those like me who have no medical training or knowledge.

Your "Mind Boosters" is written is such a clear and concise way, that in just reading 2 or 3 chapters I was blown away with the clarity and sensibility with which you write, and the vast amount of knowledge that you impart. Consequently, I have urged my local health food store, Whole Foods in Beverly Hills, to purchase your improve memory book and put it on their shelf now. I will push them to do so, this is a very important book for those losing their creative memory, and thanks again.

Memory of Past Events
When recalling memories of negative or positive events that helped to shape our identity, such as a break-up or marriage, we tend to downplay the fear, anger or other negative emotions experienced at the time and remember more of the positive emotions.

Emails
Hi Dr. Sahelian: Mind Boosters was the most valuable book on human memory loss supplements which I have ever encountered.

Dr. Sahelian, a few sentences cannot tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate "Mind Boosters". I have ordered 10 copies and given them to friends. I use it as a reference and have studied it as you intended it to be used. I also like your Passion Rx herbal supplement that supports healthy stamina, sensation, and sexuality, along with healthy erectile function and orgasms/climaxes. The herbal extracts include Ashwagandha, Catuaba, Cnidium, Damiana, Horny goat weed, Maca, Muira Puama, Passion flower, Shilajit, Tribulus, Tongkat ali, and the version with Yohimbe.

Q. Due to the plethora of information I discovered from reading your memory book Mind Boosters, my atypical depression symptoms are now minimized. I'm now enjoying a much more active lifestyle thanks in part to you.

Q. I'm currently reading Mind Boosters, and enjoy the objective approach and explanations of the science behind how the brain works. I notice that since this book is all about natural supplements, it doesn't mention anything like Piracetam, Hydergine, or other chemicals from the Nootropic class of drugs. Do you plan on writing a book like this in the future to improve memory and mind? I think many people would be interested!
A. Thank you for your email. I currently do not have plans to write a book on drugs that improve memory or mind function. There are still many natural supplements and combinations that have so much potential that I prefer to concentrate on these memory herbs and learn them really well before moving on.

Q. Your memory book Mind Boosters, which I have just purchased, is full of useful info, especially the reports of personal experiences. I am interested in Alzheimer's Disease. One substance not specifically mentioned in the book is the synthetic form of CoQ10, "Idebenone", which is claimed to work better than CoQ10, and especially in AD. It works as an antioxidant, brain metabolism enhancer (like CoQ10) but is said also to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, stimulate production of Nerve Growth Factor, and protect against glutamate/aspartate nerve damage. Long-term trials with it in AD in Japan have apparently had very good results. I would be very interested to hear if you have any opinions/comments or personal experiences concerning Idebenone, either in general or specifically concerning AD.
   A. I was planning to include idebenone and other less known nutrients in my improve memory book, but then I decided to limit them since it would have been too thick a book and too complicated and detailed for the mainstream consumer. There is some good research with idebenone but it will take a long time to find out more about it and its practical uses. I have not used it clinically so I don't have any first hand experience.

Q. I always enjoy reading your articles. I enjoy your moderate voice regarding supplements. In Whole Life Times August 2001 issue you talk about a Harvard study which reported Predictors of Long Life. You quoted that "Depression was the only factor that affected the quality of aging which was beyond individual control" Beyond control ? Nothing is beyond our control. I know you do not believe this. Depression whether caused by physical reasons or behavioral reasons can be overcome. Please elaborate what you meant by this statement because it is definitely not very empowering.
   A. The article should have included the word "often" or "sometimes" beyond our control. Just as insulin deficient diabetics have no control over how much insulin their pancreas releases, certain individuals who are depressed have a deficiency of some brain chemicals such as serotonin or dopamine which causes this depression, or may have an anatomical or neural damage that leads to memory problems or depression. The brain is living tissue and it can become damaged or diseased just like the pancreas. Anatomical regions in the brain can lose oxygen supply and neurons could be lost leading to confusion and memory loss. If we had complete control over our brain and body, our physical bodies would live forever and we could do any kind of mental problem solving or memorizing or stay euphoric at all times, even during physical torture. But our mind does not have complete control over itself.

Q. I really enjoyed "Mind Boosters". It's one of the best memory books on the subject I've ever read regarding precious memory supplements. In "Mind boosters", you don't say a great deal about long-term cumulative positive effects of supplements. For example, the purported memory supplement phosphatidylserine might not have an effect if you use it on occasional days, but it might give benefit if used daily for several weeks. Do you have any comments on this? Keep up the good work.
   A. I'm still trying to form a good opinion on PS, and you raise a good point that some improve memory supplements will not provide an immediate benefit but could be helpful with time. Whether soy-derived PS falls in this category is difficult to say at this time.

Q. i was most impressed by your Mind Boosters memory book and have already had some success exploring your memory supplement nutritional strategies for memory loss. I was especially interested by your reference to "verbal fluency" as one benefit of certain nutritional memory supplements. This is an area that I dearly need to know more about, but one which your book touches on only briefly. I wonder if you could expand upon this topic.
   A. Generally, any supplements that stimulate the mind can also help with verbal fluency, to think faster, be more motivated, more upbeat, and have the urge to be more social and talk. There are a number of supplements that can do this, including CoQ10, methyl donors such as DMAE, TMG, DMG, SAMe, certain hormones such as DHEA and pregnenolone, B vitamins, choline, etc. The response of each individual to these nutrients is difficult to predict, hence I can't be any more specific. Most people find out which works best for them through trail and error.

Q. I am 21 years old and have tried numerous herbs, for example alpha lipoic acid , hupernize A, just plain choline, and ginkgo biloba in order to improve my memory, particularly creative memory. All except ginkgo seem to give overstimulation. Can amino acids or vinpocetine give the same cognitive benefits as ginkgo to improve memory and concentration?
   A. It's difficult to notice a significant improvement in cognition and memory at your age. Most of these supplements, particularly huperzine are best appreciated by older individuals. If you notice being overstimulated, just take less. Mind and memory boosters at your age should only be used once in a while, not daily. Vinpocetine is not likely to benefit you much, it is best for people who have poor circulation to the brain which is unlikely to be a problem for anyone younger than 50. Amino acids such as tyrosine can be used occasionally to help with alertness.

Q. I just got your Mind Boosters improve memory book and really enjoyed it. Having the author’s comments on his experience with the various supplements brings a more realistic element to the information. One thing that I wasn’t able to pick up from the book is the effect the different supplements have on each other. As an example, if you want CoQ10 for the antioxidant aspect but vinpocetine for the concentration, will they work together?
A. It's almost impossible to predict since the reaction may be different in each individual, the dosage could be a factor, whether taken with or without food, the type of food, the absorption and digestion of each person, current medicines they are taking, etc. Trial and error since the best approach for now to improve memory loss.

Q. What's the relationship between Lipitor and long term memory loss?
A. Statin drugs interfere with cholesterol metabolism in the brain and hence Lipitor may lead to short term and long term memory loss in some people and reduced cognitive function. Memory is crucial at any age. Take as little a dose of a statin drug as possible, and occasionally take breaks from statin drug use if your cholesterol level is manageable. For instance, if your cholesterol has reached a good level, you can take Lipitor every other day to avoid possible memory loss.

Q. I've noticed some short term memory loss when taking Ambien. Is this possible?
A. Most sleeping pills when used frequently can cause short term memory loss, particularly Halcyon.

Q. Does menopause cause memory loss in women?
A. It's possible that a reduction of estrogen or other hormones could lead to memory loss or decline, but menopause is not known to lead to a significant loss of memory.

Q. Which is your favorite memory supplement?
A. I don't have a favorite memory supplement since none of them is perfect by itself. I prefer a memory supplement to be a formula with a blend of various herbs and nutrients.

Q. Do you recommend a supplement for short term memory improvement? I am now 52 and I think I am beginning with some short term memory loss.
A. For better memory you could try cdp-choline or acetylcarnitine which work quickly.

Q. What's the relationship between exercise and memory?
A. Research has shown that exercise and memory are related. Physical exercise and a deep sleep improve memory. Exercise is crucial for optimal memory retainment and consolidation.

Q. Besides a memory supplement, what else would you recommend for memory improvement?
A. The most important things you can do for a healthy memory is getting a deep sleep at night, keeping stress to a minimum, eating lots of fish and vegetables, and exercising moderately. These steps will minimize memory loss as you get older. Also, do crossword puzzles, memory teasers, and watch Jeopardy. Look up words you don't know in the dictionary. Memory loss is not inevitable.

Q. What's a common cause of short term memory loss ?
A. An acute stressful event is a cause of short term memory loss, so is alcohol binging, certain sleep drugs, and a mini stroke, along with of course head trauma. Depression and memory loss are also related. In the young, excessive alcohol intake on weekends leads to short term memory loss.

Q. What's a common memory loss disease?
A. There are many memory loss diseases, from strokes to brain tumors to depression or meningitis, Alzheimer's disease, various forms of dementia, etc. Stress is a common cause of memory loss.

Q. I am currently a psychobiology major. Could you advise me in how to evaluate the focus and memory capabilities of the human brain. I am conducting an experiment to test the effectiveness of various memory-boosting supplements. How would one go about conducting a memory test and quantifying the results? Any help would be grately appreciated. Perhaps a simple memory test where I flash various numbers to a person for 3 seconds and have them write down what they can remember? Something along those lines?
A. Dr. Sahelian is involved in clinical medicine seeing patients, the field of research testing is outside of his field of knowledge, a university professor is someone to ask.

Q. What is the cause of sudden memory loss ?
A. Sudden memory loss needs to be thoroughly evaluated to make sure there is no brain cancer, lesion, bleeding in the brain, or other serious conditions such as head injury. Long term memory loss in the elderly over many years is not as pressing a medical concern as sudden memory loss.

Q. What is a good memory loss drug or medication?
A. Some people like piracetam, but I prefer a natural memory supplement or vitamin, a nutrient already normally found in the brain as opposed to chemical unfamiliar to neurons.

Q. Is a B vitamin complex good to take memory loss prevention?
A. Yes, B vitamins can be taken for memory loss prevention as long as you don't take too high doses for too long. I think 2 or 3 times the RDA should be adequate.

Q. Dear Dr. Sahelian, we are writing to you on behalf of The Memory Secret Inc. an American based company located in Miami and with a branch in Madrid, Spain. Memory Secret´s goal is to improve your brain wellness, by offering unique dietary supplements. Our “star” product is Intelectol, containing the purest form of Vinpocetine, and it is currently being launched in a number of countries around the world, including the USA. We are entirely convinced of the huge potential of our dietary supplements aimed at enhancing the cognitive functions such as memory, alertness and attention span. Intelectol can be consumed by adults of all ages, be they elderly people who already suffer from memory loss, professionals who require high levels of concentration, or students who need a boost to help them remember their studies near exam time. The Memory Secret Inc. is backed by Covex, the leading manufacturer of Vinpocetine worldwide, and owner of intellectual property in more than 50 countries, which enables The Memory Secret Inc. to boast of numerous patents and trademarks registered worldwide. Intelectol is included in the Physician´s Desk Reference (PDR) for Non Prescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements.

Q. I am a reporter at Men's Health magazine and I'm writing a short article about memory supplements. I see you have written a book on the topic of mind boosters and have a strong background in supplements, so I was hoping you would have some time to answer a few questions I had on the topic of memory supplements.
   Q. There are so many memory supplements on the market now. How would a man start to sift through the options and find one that may benefit him? Are there certain things you can suggest to look out for?
      A. It is not possible to predict which nutrient or herb, or combination formula, will be effective for a man until one takes the supplement for a few days or a couple of weeks. There are quite a number of supplements that are worth trying, including acetyl l-carnitine, ginkgo biloba, DMAE, trimethylglycine, vinpocetine, choline and cdp-choline, and bacopa monnieri. A combination formula that many men like is Mind Power Rx which has more than a dozen brain nutrients and herbs.
   Q. I know some herbs, like Ginkgo biloba, have a lot of research behind them in terms of being beneficial for improving blood flow to the brain and improving cognition in older subjects, but do you think it can be beneficial for a healthy man in his 30s or 40s, like our readers?
      A. In my opinion, mind and memory supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and others, are best reserved for occasional use in men who are in their 30s and 40s. These supplements can be taken on days when one wishes to be more alert, focus better, and have more mental stamina. But I do not recommend non-stop daily use of these brain boosters for months or years since we don't know the long term consequences.
   Q. How can someone figure out if a memory supplement is helping, or if they should stop taking it because it isn't working as they expected? Is there some kind of a process you'd suggest for someone doing a trial and error approach to finding a memory supplement that works for them?
      A. I would suggest buying 2 or 3 different memory herbs or supplements, or a combination memory formula, and testing each one for a week or two. This should be enough time to determine if any mind enhancing benefits have occurred.

Q. I want to let you know that I read your natural memory boosting book like it is a dictionary and I have bought many of your supplements online. I was wondering if you had any clinical trial citations that show “Percentage Improvements” of any of the natural memory supplements that you discuss. I’m not a chemist or a doctor, so telling me that in a study, patients, while using Huperzine A, “27% of them scored 1 approximately 2 points by CIBIC-plus”, doesn’t mean anything to me. I’m a data guy, so without a starting point, I can’t tell the magnitude of improvement. I’m looking for something like, “a test showed that 55% of ginkgo users showed a memory improvement of 35% in cognitive ability.”
A. Sadly little research has been done with the majority of natural memory supplements that are available over the counter. Ginkgo and acetyl l-carnitine have been tested more often than others but even so research has produced conflicting results. Therefore, providing a definitive number such as 35% is not helpful since different studies have produced different results. Also, keep in mind that many natural memory supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, are made by various companies and each product may be slightly, moderately, or even significantly different than another ginkgo biloba product. The best approach is trial and error to see which memory supplement works best for your needs.

Some research done (in 2003 at least, I’m not aware of any subsequent findings) indicates that creatine supplement can boost memory and some other mental capabilities. I just read your entry on creatine, and see no mention of that aspect of creatine’s effects. Since Dr. Sahelian has been interested in MIND BOOSTERS, I wonder if he doubts this connection, or if it has been discredited, or if perhaps he hasn’t been aware of it.
I am waiting for more studies to confirm these initial findings.

Creatine supplementation does not improve cognitive function in young adults.
Physiol Behav. 2008; Rawson ES, Lieberman HR, Walsh TM, Zuber SM, Harhart JM, Matthews TC. Department of Exercise Science and Athletics, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, PA, USA.
Creatine supplementation has been reported to improve certain aspects of cognitive and psychomotor function in older individuals and in young subjects following 24 and 36 h of sleep deprivation. However, the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive processing and psychomotor performance in non-sleep deprived young adults have not been assessed with a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive tests. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive processing and psychomotor performance in young adults. Twenty-two young subjects ingested creatine (0.03 g/kg/day) or placebo for 6 weeks in a double-blind placebo-controlled fashion. Our results suggest that six weeks of creatine supplementation does not improve cognitive processing in non-sleep deprived young adults.

I am 87 year old and I am loosing my memory. I am also depressed. Does the depression affect my memory loss. If so should I take anti depression medication. I already take 10 medication for heart, blood pressure.
Depression may affect memory but it is not an easy answer to say that medications for depression will reverse it. Many factors affect memory, including the use of certain prescription medications.

I have been getting your newsletter for a few years now and I also have the mind boosting book. I am impressed with your information and conservative use of supplements and combinations and taking days off. I have taken several Physician / Nutraceutical products over the last few years and the results have been under whelming to say the least. I am a holistic RN/Aesthetician and I am very interested in wellness. I am 55 and am concerned about my memory/mood. I have spent a fortune of practitioners and products. I realize stress kills memory cells but I have read the new thinking that brain cells can regenerate with the right nutrition, supplements, stress control and improvement of other underlying conditions (digestive, hormonal, metal and other toxicity) I'm pretty sure I have Candida / dysbiosis and parasites. I just started a whole bunch of Chinese herbs from Chi Enterprise Inc. I eat no white food, no sugar, organic fruit veg, chicken, fish. Have recently eliminated even whole grains, dairy, red wine and coffee.

My wife has had short term memory for about the hast 8 years. Since it started about 2 months following a chemical and radiation treatment for cancer, which was not found during her operation, I was always looking for help to cure her memory. Since she had a bad stork a month ago, I am again looking for something that can help her to recover from both. Can you respond about the best one of your products I can use to help my wife?
It is not possible to predict which supplement or formula will help someone without trying it. You may consider reading the page on stroke. When using any supplement, it is a good idea to begin with a low dosage, even if it means taking half of a capsule at first.

I haven't really found any herb / formula that increases motivation, motivation for working, studying etc., and wonder if any such exist.
Some of the brain boosters can help with mental motivation, it may take trial and error to find one that works for you.

I'm having some problems with mood, memory, concentration and fatigue. I'm going to try NADH, SAM-e and deprenyl because I think they could help. Do you think I will still see their effects even when I won't be using them anymore?
Most of the benefits of these supplements and medication occur while they are being used and perhaps a few days afterwards. However they are not likely to lead to permanent effects based on their temporary use.

I am very grateful for you and your company. Recently, I purchased some of your products and have felt tremendous changes in my memory, energy and functioning ability. I bought the Mind Power and really notice a huge difference although I am still not out of the woods as of yet. I was wondering if you sell or will be selling bile salts in the near future? Why I ask is that I had some gallbladder issues and was told by a doctor of Oriental Medicine to buy them. I live in South Korea and it is difficult to find a company that will ship their products overseas. Yours happens to be one of the few that I can find. I was also told that choline is excellent for helping with memory issues to. Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
We have not looked into selling bile salts in the near future. Choline is of benefit but so are many other nutrients and herbs.

Q. I have recently come across your site and read one of your books Natural Sex Boosters, which I find ideal for the layman like myself. I have bought also the book Mind Boosters, but not completed it yet. I write to you on behalf of my wife, who is aged 68. We are both fans of natural solutions as far as possible at any time. Thus, we both take COQ10 and a Fish oil tablet for general wellbeing. Neither of us are on any medication, we both have no outstanding health issues and we both have healthy blood pressure. My wife is also in first class health, we routinely have daily sexual activity, but she has occasionally remarked that she feels that she is no longer so alert mentally and no longer feels so confident in her memory, which has always been excellent. I have only occasionally noticed mental forgetfulness, which I put down only to a lapse which can happen to anybody. But, she has several times mentioned it and so I contact you for a general (one or more) mental pick-ups (Mind Power Rx) which could be helpful in nourishing her brain and thereby re-building her confidence. We live in Switzerland.
A. There are a number of natural supplements that improve mental function and it is not easy to predict which one will work best.

Q. What herbs would you recommend to treat brain fog, concentration and focus problems in a 17 year old. He is currently weaning off antidepressants on very low dose Wellbutrin and recently was also on Trintellix. He had brain fog and concentration difficulties while on those medications as well, but did not have trouble focusing before becoming depressed.
A. It is not easy to predict which brain supplements can be of benefit when a person is already on prescription medications.

Q. I saw cerebroprotein hydrolysate being sold as a supplement for regrowing neurons and also for improving memory. The item is called Probrain from West coast pharma India. Do you think this can be used as a supplement for improving memory. I am concerned about prions in it as it is pig brain extract.
A. I have only seen one study in rodents, none in humans, thus I do not know if it works in humans, what the dosage would be, and if it is safe.

Genet Mol Res. 2016. Effects and mechanism of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on learning and memory ability in mice. Cerebroprotein hydrolysate is an extract from porcine brain tissue that acts on the central nervous system in various ways to protect neurons and improve memory, attention, and vigilance. This study examined the effect and mechanism of cerebroprotein hydrolysate on learning and memory in mice with scopolamine-induced impairment. The results indicate that cerebroprotein hydrolysate can improve learning and memory in mice with scopolamine-induced impairment.

Q. Regarding Mind Boosting Secrets. The book I ordered from Bottom Line shows a copyright of 2014, but online, the latest edition of this book appears to be 2007. Can you please tell me if the text in the 2007 edition is the same as that in the book now being sold by Bottom Line, and, if the text has been updated, was it a minor or major revision?
A. There has been no revision since the 2007 edition.

Other brain boosting products available online
Solaray, SharpMind, 60 Capsules

health food stores that have carried Mind Boosters memory book in the past