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.