Memory loss can make daily activities significantly harder, but a pharmacist has suggested three supplements may enhance focus, concentration, and studying.
“I’m a pharmacist and here are my top three herbal recommendations if you have issues with focus," Ariana Medizade told viewers in a recent clip.
The pharmacist compared the effects of the supplements to those of Adderall, which works by increasing dopamine in the brain.
“So what else increases dopamine? Bocopa Monnieri is unique because it’s natural and fast-acting," she said. "So you’re going to focus better and have better emotional regulation."
Ariana named her top three supplements for brain health
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In 2023, a report in the National Library of Medicine stated that several clinical studies demonstrated improvements in verbal learning, delayed word recall and memory acquisition from taking the supplement.
“It has been described as a calming cognitive enhancer,” the report stated. “Bacopa has a high therapeutic index and is generally well-tolerated.”
Side effects of the drug include abdominal cramps, nausea and increased stool frequency.
The next drug on the list is pine bark, everyone can benefit from pine bark extract because it increases blood flow to your brain.
“This is perfect for any feelings of fatigue or fog that you feel in your brain.”
The effects of pine bark supplements were explored in a 2015 study published in the Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences.
Doctor Fred Pescatore noted that participants who supplemented daily with Pycnogenol [pine bark] demonstrated stronger performance in daily mental tasks such as dealing with money, managing people, and coping with stress.
“Those are mental performance benefits that can be felt from the home to the office and even in the classroom,” the report stated.
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Some supplements have been found to improve cognition in medical studies
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Huperzine A was the third supplement on Ariana’s list. She noted: “Huperzine A increases Acetylcholine in the brain, and Acetylcholine is a very important neurotransmitter for memory and learning.”
“If you don’t have enough acetylcholine in your brain, which is actually what happens to people as we get older, it’s going to put you at greater risk for dementia and memory issues.”
A 2021 study in the International Journal of Exercise Science, highlighted evidence suggesting the supplement modestly improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
While dietary supplements can be beneficial to your health, they can involve health risks. Patients should always seek advice from a medical professional before starting a new supplement.
