User:RuthMMcLeod/sandbox

Vitamins and supplements

 * B Vitamins&mdash;may influence cognitive function through an effect on methylation and homocysteine levels, as excess homocysteine has been associated with cognitive impairment and the B vitamins work to reduce homocysteine. However, although epidemiological evidence shows an association, two studies did not find B vitamin supplementation improves cognitive function, and another that found an association was criticized. In 2008 a systematic review of trials found "little evidence of a beneficial impact" from supplements on cognitive function later in life. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 168 70 year olds with mild cognitive impairment showed that a mix of B vitamins slowed the rate of brain atrophy; the slowing was related to a decrease in homocysteine levels.


 * Omega-3&mdash;linked to the maintenance of brain function. Omega-3's provide docosahexaenoic acid, Important in the function and growth of nervous tissue. It is especialy important during brain development. A study preformed in Norway demonstrated a potential link between Omega-3 consumption during pregnancy and child intelligence test scores. A cross-sectional population-based study of 1,613 subjects found an association between PUFA intake and decreased risk for impairment of cognitive function & cognitive speed. Another study showed that Boys with lower levels of Omega-3, had more behavior issues, Such as ADHD.


 * Isoflavones&mdash;may be related to cognitive function. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed improvement in spatial working memory after administration of an isoflavone combination containing daidzein, genistein & glycitin. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of older, non-demented men & women, soy isoflavone supplementation improved performance on 6 of 11 cognitive tests, including visual-spatial memory and construction, verbal fluency and speeded dexterity; unexpectedly, the placebo group performed better on 2 tests of executive function.


 * Vitamin D&mdash;has positive effects on cardiovascular health and may have positive effects on cognitive function separately; the active form of Vitamin D seems to be involved in brain development and in adult brain function. In particular, metabolic pathways for Vitamin D in the hippocampus and cerebellum have been found. Epidemiological data show that higher Vitamin D levels (>20 ng/mL or 50nmol/L) are associated with better cognitive function, but do not seem to be associated with better memory performance. Vitamin D has also been shown to be necessary in the production of Dopamine


 * Vitamin C&mdash; has been shown to help reduce brain injury and also reduce the amount of Cortisol in the body. High levels of Cortisol have been linked to Alzheimer's Disease.
 * Vitamin E&mdash;protects neurons from injury caused by Free Radicals.
 * A 2007 survey of online databases for herbs used in traditional herbal medicine to treat cognitive decline – without any proof of safety or efficacy – found over 150 plant species, such as Ginkgo biloba.