Alzheimers is one of the biggest concerns for most people over 50. But its not the most common mental problem for this age group. That is good, because Alzheimers is difficult to treat. However, cognitive decline that is due simply to age (which is different from Alzheimers disease) might be reversible. In fact, one supplement might be able to reverse the damage all by itself.
You may know that folic acid supplements can lower blood homocysteine levels. Now there is evidence that this same supplement can also repair your memory.
A Dutch study followed 818 participants (aged 50-70 years) for three years. Each of the patients started the study with elevated homocysteine levels. However, they had normal vitamin B12 (a common homocysteine treatment). The researchers gave the subjects folic acid supplements (800 mcg daily) or a placebo.
They found that folic acid significantly improved memory, information processing, and sensorimotor speed compared to the placebo. Additionally, homocysteine fell in the treated group as expected. Doctors know homocysteine contributes to aging and mitochondrial decay.
Action to take: Id rather you prevent memory decline altogether. You can do this with a good diet, exercise, and detoxification. But if you already have some decline, you might consider folic acid supplements. Its easy to supplement with folic acid. Most multivitamins have at least 400 mcg. Eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies should always be your mainstay. I do not regularly take a multivitamin. However, my folic acid level is way up off the chart.
Ref: Durga, J., M.P.J. van Boxtel, et al. Effect of three-year folic acid supplementation on cognitive function in older adults in the FACIT trial: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, The Lancet, 2007; 369: 208-216.