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b y L i n d a M i l o O h r

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Protecting the Aging Brain

According to a 2014 AARP study, brain health is the second most important component in main-

taining a healthy lifestyle, after heart health. As the population ages, peo-ple are at an increased risk of experiencing cognitive issues such as decreased critical thinking, slower reaction time and recall, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, according to The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org/facts), one in nine Americans aged 65 and older has the disease and in 2050, an American will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

Keeping both mentally and physi-cally active is key to brain health. Nutrition may play a role as well. Here is a look at some ingredients and supplements that may help pro-tect and sharpen aging brains.

Cocoa FlavanolsCocoa flavanols have been linked to improved circulation and heart health, and preliminary research is showing a possible connection to memory improvement.

Brickman et al. (2014) showed that a specific part of the brain, the dentate gyrus, is potentially associ-ated with age-related memory decline, and that dietary cocoa flava-nols may help improve the function of this region. The study involved 37 healthy subjects, aged 50–69, who were randomized to receive either a high-flavanol diet (900 mg/day) or a low-flavanol diet (10 mg/day) for three months. A cocoa flavanol–con-taining test drink was prepared by Mars, Germantown, Md. (marscoco-ascience.com), for the study.

Using brain imaging and memory

tests, the researchers found notice-able improvements in the function of the dentate gyrus in those who con-sumed the high-flavanol drink. Those subjects also performed significantly better on the memory test.

Mastroiacovo et al. (2014) pro-vided evidence that regular cocoa flavanol consumption can reduce some measures of age-related cogni-tive dysfunction, possibly through an improvement in insulin sensitiv-ity. The double-blind, controlled, parallel-arm study involved 90 elderly subjects without clinical evidence of cognitive dysfunction who were ran-domly assigned to consume a beverage containing 993 mg (high flavanol), 520 mg (intermediate flava-nol), or 48 mg (low flavanol) of cocoa flavanols every day for eight weeks.

The researchers report that there was a positive impact of the inter-vention on specific aspects of cognitive function. The high- and intermediate-flavanol beverages were produced using Mars’ patented Cocoapro process, while the low-fla-vanol beverages was made with a highly processed, alkalized cocoa powder.

Omega-3 Fatty AcidsOmega-3 fatty acids, particularly long-chain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with heart health benefits, but have also been shown to play a potential role in cog-nitive health.

Cutuli et al. (2014) showed that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation appeared to be a useful tool in health promotion and cognitive decline

prevention during aging. Nineteen-month-old mice were given either n-3 PUFA mixture, olive oil, or no dietary supplement for 8 weeks. Aged mice

The flavanols in cocoa powder may have benefits in improving memory function. © msheldrake/iStock/Thinkstock

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supplemented with n-3 PUFA exhibited better object recogni-tion memory, spatial and localizatory memory, and aver-sive response retention, without modifications in anxiety levels.

Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidic AcidTwo pilot studies show that a combination of phosphatidylser-ine (PS) and phosphatidic acid (PA) can help benefit memory, mood, and cognitive function in the elderly (Lonza, 2014). PS is an important structural component of cell membranes and is found in concentrated amounts in brain cells.

Lonza, Allendale, N.J. (lonza.com), offers MemreePlus, a pro-prietary combination of PS and PA. Since 2011, Lonza and PS supplier Lipogen LTD have worked together under an exclu-sive distribution agreement to offer Lipogen’s PS ingredients as Lonza MemreePS ingredient. The two previously unpublished, early pilot studies funded by Lipogen used a combination of 100 mg of PS and 80 mg of PA three times per day.

The first study, a three-month-long, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of PS and PA on 72 func-tioning, nondepressive elderly subjects with memory problems, demonstrated a statistically sig-nificant positive influence of PS and PA on memory, mood, and cognition in pre-post comparison.

The second study, a two-month-long, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of PS and PA on 96 subjects with Alzheimer’s disease, demonstrated a

significant stabilizing effect of PS and PA on daily functioning, when comparing both groups.

The Memree brand covers a line of ingredients that include high quality, soy-based PS. MemreePS contains high quality PS, which can be used for cogni-tive applications. MemreePlus is a proprietary blend of soy-based PS and PA, which can be used for cognitive health, stress reduction, and exercise recovery applications.

WalnutsWalnuts are known for their heart health benefits, being a source of the omega-3 fatty acid

alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Researchers are also studying the effects of walnuts on brain function. Muthaiyah et al. (2014) suggested that dietary supple-mentation with walnuts may have a beneficial effect in reduc-ing the risk, delaying the onset, or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers analyzed the effect of dietary supplemen-tation with walnuts on learning skills, memory, anxiety, locomo-tor activity, and motor coordination in the Tg2576 trans-genic (tg) mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD-tg). The experimental groups of AD-tg mice were fed custom-mixed diets containing 6% walnuts or 9% walnuts, i.e., equivalent to 1 oz or 1.5 oz, respectively, of walnuts per day in humans. The AD-tg mice receiving the diets with 6% or 9% walnuts showed a significant improvement in mem-ory, learning ability, anxiety, and motor development compared to the AD-tg mice on the control diet.

Choline may also support the brain during aging and help prevent changes in brain chemistry

that result in cognitive decline and failure.

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Citicoline Citicoline is a natural substance found in the body’s cells. It supplies precursors for the synthesis of phospholipids, includ-ing phosphatidyl choline, a major constituent of brain tissue; helps main-tain normal levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that regulates memory and cog-nitive function; enhances communication between neurons; and protects neural structures from free radical damage, according to Kyowa Hakko USA, New York (kyowa-usa.com).

Kyowa Hakko supplies Cognizin citi-coline (cognizin.com), which clinical trials have shown to help maintain normal cog-nitive function with aging and protect the brain from free radical damage. Research has shown that citicoline may improve mild vascular cognitive impairment in elderly people who experience everyday lapses in memory (Kyowa Hakko, 2013).

The study included 349 subjects with a mean age of 79.9. The subjects, who complained of memory lapses but showed no signs of brain damage or Alzheimer’s disease, were given 500 mg of Cognizin. Their memory was tested at

three, six, and nine months and then com-pared to tests given to a control group taking no supplements. A significant dif-ference was found between the subjects in the experimental group and control group at both three and six months. The subjects were given a series of questions called the Mini Mental State Examination. The scores for subjects in the control group declined significantly while the scores of those given citicoline remained at baseline, indicating that citi-coline has neuroprotective effects.

CholineCholine, which is associated with liver health and women’s health, is a precur-sor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and functions as part of phosphatidylcho-line, a structural component of all cell membranes. Choline is important to the integrity of the communication systems for cells within the brain and rest of the body, according to the Choline Information Council, Escondido, Calif. (thecholineinformationcouncil.com).

Choline may also support the brain during aging and help prevent changes in

brain chemistry that result in cognitive decline and failure. Meck et al. (2007) demonstrated that the availability of cho-line during critical periods of brain development influenced cognitive perfor-mance in adulthood and old age, and emphasized the importance of perinatal nutrition for successful cognitive aging.

MagnesiumMagnesium is related to brain health, and supplements are sometimes recom-mended for those who experience serious concussions. Magtein from AIDP, City of Industry, Calif. (aidp.com, magtein.com), is magnesium L-threonate, a unique form of magnesium. Animal studies have shown it to improve memory, recognition, and learning. The studies have also shown it to help maintain the health of the neuron cells and increase neural plasticity. Magtein delivers multiple ben-efits due to its ability to easily cross the blood brain barrier and increase brain synapses, according to AIDP.

BlueberriesBlueberries are known to have high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, boasting a high concentration of anthocyanins.

Krikorian et al. (2010) suggested that moderate-term blueberry supplementa-tion can offer neurocognitive benefits. The researchers noted that anthocyanins have been associated with increased neuronal signaling in brain centers, medi-ating memory function as well as improved glucose disposal, benefits that would be expected to mitigate neurode-generation. The researchers investigated the effects of daily consumption of wild blueberry juice on a sample of nine older adults with early memory changes. At 12 weeks, improved paired-associate learn-ing and word list recall were observed.

Devore et al. (2012) evaluated whether greater long-term intakes of berries and flavonoids are associated with slower rates of cognitive decline in older women. Beginning in 1980, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was administered every four years to Nurses’ Health Study par-ticipants. Greater intakes of blueberries and strawberries were associated with

Researchers are investigating the potential benefits that walnuts have in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. © Maxal Tamor/iStock/Thinkstock

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slower rates of cognitive decline. Additionally, greater intakes of anthocy-anidins and total flavonoids were associated with slower rates of cognitive decline.

Botanical-Based SupplementsLast year, Kemin, Des Moines, Iowa (kemin.com), launched Neumentix Phenolic Complex K110-42, a proprietary phenolic complex sourced from patent-pending, non-GMO lines of spearmint developed by Kemin plant scientists using traditional plant-breeding methods.

In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults with age-associated memory impair-ment, those who took Neumentix showed better overall quality of working memory compared to subjects who took a placebo (Kemin, 2014). The data suggested that Neumentix helps to improve cognitive performance in adults.

Rich in anthocyanins, blueberries have been linked to benefiting brain health and aging, as well as cardiovascular health. © pilipphoto/iStock/Thinkstock

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Synapsa Natural Memory Support from PLT Health Solutions, Morristown, N.J. (plthealth.com), is a patented, standardized form of Bacopa monnieri. In six double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies, healthy adults using Synapsa showed significantly improved performance in visual processing, learning rate, working memory, information retention, and mental performance in cogni-tively demanding environments vs. a placebo regimen. FT

R E F E R E N C E SBrickman, A. M., U. A. Khan, F. A. Provenzano, et al. 2014. “Enhancing Dentate Gyrus Function With Dietary Flavanols Improves Cognition in Older Adults.” Nat. Neurosci. 17: 1798-1803.

Cutuli, D., P. De Bartolo, P. Caporali, et al. 2014. n-3 “Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Enhances Hippocampal Functionality in Aged Mice.” Front. Aging Neurosci. 6: 220.

Devore, E. E., J. H. Kang, M. M. B. Breteler, and F. Grodstein, F. 2012. “Dietary Intakes of Berries and Flavonoids in Relation to Cognitive Decline.” Ann. Neurol. 72(1): 135-143.

Kemin. 2014. “Kemin launches Neumentix Phenolic Complex K110-42 for Mind and Body Support.” Press release, Oct. 6.

Krikorian, R., M. D. Shidler, T. A. Nash, et al. 2010. “Blueberry Supplementation Improves Memory in Older Adults. J. Agric. Food Chem. 58(7): 3996-4000.

Kyowa Hakko. 2013. “Study Shows Citicoline Is Effective for Mild Vascular Cognitive Impairment.” Press release, March 28.

Lonza. 2014. “MemreePlus Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidic Acid Studies Provide Evidence of Benefit to Memory, Mood and Cognitive Function in Elderly.” Press release, Dec. 1.

Mastroiacovo, D., C. Kwik-Uribe, D. Grassi, et al. 2014. “Cocoa Flavanol Consumption Improves Cognitive Function, Blood Pressure Control, and Metabolic Profile in Elderly Subjects: The Cocoa, Cognition, and Aging (CoCoA) Study—A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Am. J. Clin. Nutr. First published ahead of print Dec. 17. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.114.092189.

Meck, W. H., C. L. Williams, J. M. Cermak, and J. K. Blusztajn. 2007. “Developmental Periods of Choline Sensitivity Provide an Ontogenetic Mechanism for Regulating Memory Capacity and Age-Related Dementia.” Front. Integr. Neurosci. 1:7. doi:10.3389/neuro.07.007.2007.

Muthaiyah, B., M. M. Essa, M. Lee, V. Chauhan, K. Kaur, and A. Chauhan. 2014. “Dietary Supplementation of Walnuts Improves Memory Deficits and Learning Skills in Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease.” J. Alzheimer’s Dis. 42(4): 1397-1405.

Linda Milo Ohr, Contributing Editor • Denver, Colo. • linda.ohr@gmail.com

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