From college students to the elderly, it seems as though everyone could do with a brain boost. Fortunately, most people in that situation don't have to take recourse to synthetic drugs; natural memory-improving amino acids piracetam, DMAE, and choline have demonstrated impressive results in the field of memory and concentration.
Reversing Memory Loss with Acetylcholine
Hyla Cass and Patrick Holford attest that choline deficiency may be the single greatest factor in mental decline and memory loss. Supplementing with choline has effected remarkable improvement in studies, as with the case of pregnant rats who received the amino acid: their offspring had much superior intelligence, which persisted into old age.
Choline, the precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, is readily available in foods. Here is the list of greatest prevalence, in descending order.
- fish, especially sardines
- eggs
- liver
- soy beans
- peanuts
- other nuts
Choline is available in a number of forms, including DMAE and Alpha-GPC.
Alpha-GPC, DMAE and Memory Improvement
Alpha-GPC (L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine) is a newly available form of choline in the United States. While possessing all the benefits of choline, alpha-GPC also enhances the release of human growth hormone, “the master anti-aging hormone,” and to improve athletic coordination, balance, and endurance. Alpha-GPC should be taken in a dose of 500-1,500 milligrams each day.
DMAE is used to produce choline in the brain, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, and has a number of beneficial side effects. DMAE was shown twice as effective as Ritalin to treat ADD in one study and seems to harmonize or coordinate brain-wave function in areas of the brain related to memory and attention. DMAE in higher doses may also enhance dopamine activity and thus be an effective mood booster.
DMAE should be taken in a dose of 100-300 milligrams per day, and should not be taken in the evening. DMAE may take two to three weeks to demonstrate results.
Improving Concentration with Piracetam
Piracetam, a derivative of the amino acid pyroglutamate, stimulates acetylcholine production, increases receptivity to acetylcholine, and improves communication between the two hemispheres of the brain. Pyroglutamate is freely available in fish, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, and as a supplement should be taken in a dose of 300-1,000 milligrams a day.
Piracetam and Choline in concert have shown improvements in mental performance superior to taking either of the supplements alone; in the case of using both, however, the doses for each may be halved.
A Comprehensive Plan for Mind and Memory Improvement
To support the function of choline, vitamins B1, B12, B5 (pantothenic acid), and C are necessary, so a good multivitamin is an important complement to a mind-boosting regimen. Regular consumption of fish, flaxseed oil, and/or EPA/DHA supplements will also serve to enhance mental concentration.
Antioxidants are also a necessary addition to any regimen for improving brain function; to learn how these naturally-occurring nutrients powerfully prevent and reverse aging in brain and body, see Using Natural Antioxidant Supplements for Anti-Aging Nutrition.
Source:
Cass, M.D., Hyla, and Patrick Holford. Natural Highs: Feel Good All the Time. New York: Avery, 2002. Print.
Josefine Cole - Josefine is a BA graduate of Naropa University's Religious Studies program, which emphasizes self-transformation through practice of ...
