Getting older, but not sharper
If you’ve ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you’re there, congratulations—you’ve just had a sneak peek into the world of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). While some reach for sticky notes or smartphone reminders (I’m not even 40 and doing this on the regular), others embark on a more adventurous quest through the aisles of their local pharmacy or the mysterious domain of homeopathy. The options? A veritable buffet of over-the-counter supplements and herbal concoctions, each promising to put the “sharp” back in your sharp mind. But whether these make a difference for your wellness or just your wallet is all a matter of evidence, perspective, and sometimes trial and error.
BEST PICK FOR BRAIN HEALTH
Leading the pack is Ginkgo biloba, the ancient tree leaf that’s become the poster child for memory enhancement. (Tree leaves are not to be understated—after all, aspirin originated from the bark of the willow tree!) Hailed in traditional Chinese medicine and now available in conventional pill form, Ginkgo has been studied extensively. Many users report improved memory and daily functioning, but large clinical trials suggest its effects may be no better than a placebo when it comes to preventing dementia. Still, its reputation persists, perhaps because it’s easier to swallow a capsule than to accept the slow creep of forgetfulness. And to be honest, even if you feel like it helps, how much is that worth to you?
Meanwhile, the world of herbal medicine offers a dizzying array of blends with names like Yukmijihwang-tang and Samhwangsasim-tang—formulas that sound as if they could either boost your memory or summon a dragon. Recent studies in Korean medicine have shown that certain herbal combinations may improve cognitive scores in people with MCI, with few adverse effects reported. The secret sauce? A mix of herbs said to reinforce yin, clear heat, and boost Qi—ancient concepts that, if nothing else, make for excellent dinner conversation. Other alternative agents we might recommend are listed below.
Cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain support
For vascular and digestive health, there is evidence that BERBERINE can reduce atherosclerotic plaque even more than high-intensity prescription STATIN treatment (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin). Long-used to treat indigestion and diarrheal illness, it can reduce intestinal production of toxic metabolites that contribute to plaque formation, atrial fibrillation, clotting disorders, and other conditions.
BERBERINE
A widely available prebiotic, berberine is known to reconstitute healthy gut flora, reducing toxic metabolite production (TMA). The numerous downstream effects of this manipulation of your microbiome cannot be understated.
Not to be outdone, homeopathy enters the fray with remedies like Calcarea carbonica, Phosphorus, and Ignatia, each tailored to a unique cognitive quirk—be it forgetfulness, slow processing, or emotional sensitivity. While the science behind homeopathy remains hotly debated, its gentle approach and individualized prescriptions have earned it loyal fans. (That, plus the unfortunate news that widely prescribed agents for treating dementia like memantine and donepezil lead to marginal improvements in cognitive function.) Whether you’re popping zinc with vitamin C, sipping herbal teas, or consulting a homeopath about your “Qi,” the quest for cognitive clarity continues—proof that, when it comes to memory, hope springs eternal (even if you occasionally forget where you left it!).