Memory and Concentration
Not being able to remember simple information, like the location of your keys or even what day of the week it is, can be the first indication of failing memory. The inability to recall information or memory loss may be a transient occurrence, with frequent or infrequent episodes. Memory loss can be quite distressing and become the source of anxiety and agitation about one’s own mental health and performance. The activity of the brain is dependent on a constant supply of oxygen and essential nutrients, which may be enhanced by nutrition.
Symptoms
- Short term memory loss
- Long term memory loss
- Lack of concentration
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Confusion
- Learning disruptions
Causes
Many internal and external factors can affect cognition, memory and concentration. A lack of blood flow to the brain resulting in a decrease of available oxygen and essential nutrients can affect our level of consciousness and ability to concentrate, whilst an increase in temperature may hinder concentration and lessen our ability to recall information. Many psychosocial factors may also impact on cognition to influence our level of concentration and memory recall. As we get older, our ability to recall information decreases most probably due to the negative effect of free radical oxides in the brain over time.
Treatment
- Bacopa monnieri has been clinically shown to improve memory loss and concentration, most likely due to its powerful antioxidant effect in the brain.
- Ginkgo biloba has also shown to improve cognition, most probably due the action of increasing blood flow to the brain.
- Fish oils consisting of high levels of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA may assist in memory loss and concentration by various beneficial mechanisms on the nervous system.
- Music therapy and cognitive challenges (eg. puzzles) may help to relax and stimulate the mind.
Products
Please click here
Endnotes
Stough, C., et al. (2001). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology. 156:481-484.
Extracts of Bacopa monniera have been reported to exert cognitive enhancing effects in animals. However the effects on human cognition are inconclusive. This study examined the chronic effects of an extract of Brahmi (Keenmind) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled independent-group design in which subjects were randomly allocated to one of two treatment conditions - Brahmi (300 mg) or placebo. Neuropsychological testing was conducted pre-(baseline) and at 5 and 12 weeks postdrug administration. Brahmi was found to significantly improve speed of visual processing measured by the IT task, learning rate and memory consolidation measured by the AVLT (p<0.05), and state anxiety (P<0.001) compared to placebo, with maximal effects evident after 12 weeks. These findings suggest that Brahmi may improve higher cognitive processes that are critically dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning and memory.
