The increased frequency of cognitive complaints in menopausal women suggests that memory problems are related to the menopause transition rather than to the aging process. Clinical trials have shown that hormone replacement therapy enhances cognition. This implies that estrogen drops contribute to cognitive issues in postmenopausal women.[i]
Lifestyle factors, such as stress, lack of physical activity, and poor diet, can further exacerbate cognitive issues. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate these effects. Regular exercise, a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and mindfulness practices can help maintain cognitive health. Additionally, supplements have been researched for their neuroprotective properties and may offer added support. Below are a few hand-picked ingredients with the science to show their impact on cognitive health concerns.
Key Supplements
American Ginseng (Ceraboost®)- Enhances acetylcholine levels while providing neuroprotective benefits.[ii] A recent study confirmed the effects of Cereboost® on cognitive function and mood while suggesting a possible link to gut microbiome alterations and acetylcholine modulation.[iii]
Bacopa (BacoMind®)- Bacopa has multiple mechanisms of action that support neurotransmitters involved in cognition. Of these, dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin are on the list.[iv] Bacopa is often looked at for its neuroprotective benefits, too.[v] Multiple clinical studies in children and adults taking BacoMind show its ability to support many facets of cognition.[vi][vii][viii][ix]
Green oat (Cognitaven®)- Research shows that green oat positively impacts both PDE-4 and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). [x] PDE-4 supports norepinephrine and serotonin, while MAO-B supports dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and serotonin[xi][xii]. A study with 132 people showed that a single dose and a 29-day supplement program improved cognitive function.[xiii]
Red Grape (Cognigrape): Red grapes are high in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, nature’s most potent antioxidants. A recent study with Cognigrape showed 12 weeks of Cognigrape supplementation is safe, can improve physiological cognitive profiles, and can concurrently ameliorate negative neuropsychological status in healthy older adults.[xiv]
Sage (Cognivia)- Studies with sage show its impact on acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks this neurotransmitter down.[xv] Studies also point to Sage for its high polyphenol content and neuroprotective benefits.[xvi] A new study with Cognivia shows it is effective from a single dose and increases working memory and reaction times.[xvii]
References
[i] Dalal PK, Agarwal M. Postmenopausal syndrome. Indian J Psychiatry. 2015 Jul;57(Suppl 2): S222-32. Doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.161483. PMID: 26330639; PMCID: PMC4539866.
[ii] Shin K, Guo H, Cha Y, Ban YH, Seo da W, Choi Y, Kim TS, Lee SP, Kim JC, Choi EK, Yon JM, Kim YB. Cereboost™, an American ginseng extract, improves cognitive function via up-regulation of choline acetyltransferase expression and neuroprotection. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2016 Jul;78:53-8. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.04.006. Epub 2016 Apr 22. PMID: 27112419.
[iii] Bell L, Whyte A, Duysburgh C, Marzorati M, Van den Abbeele P, Le Cozannet R, Fança-Berthon P, Fromentin E, Williams C. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the acute and chronic benefits of American Ginseng (Cereboost®) on mood and cognition in healthy young adults, including in vitro investigation of gut microbiota changes as a possible mechanism of action. Eur J Nutr. 2022 Feb;61(1):413-428. doi: 10.1007/s00394-021-02654-5. Epub 2021 Aug 15. PMID: 34396468; PMCID: PMC8783888.
[iv] Rajan KE, Preethi J, Singh HK. Molecular and Functional Characterization of Bacopa monniera: A Retrospective Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:945217. doi:10.1155/2015/945217
[v] Kumar GP, Khanum F. Neuroprotective potential of phytochemicals. Pharmacogn Rev. 2012;6(12):81-90. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.99898
[vi] Morgan and Stevens. The Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine 2010, 16 : 753-759
[vii] Barbhaiya et al. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2008, 3: 425-434
[viii] Usha et al. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2008, 3(4): 302-310
[ix] Dave et al. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine 2014, 28(2):10-5
[x] Kennedy DO, Bonnländer B, Lang SC, et al. Acute and Chronic Effects of Green Oat (Avena sativa) Extract on Cognitive Function and Mood during a Laboratory Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Humans. Nutrients. 2020;12(6):1598. Published 2020 May 29. doi:10.3390/nu12061598
[xi] Lourenco CM, Kenk M, Beanlands RS, DaSilva JN. Increasing synaptic noradrenaline, serotonin, and histamine enhances in vivo binding of the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (R)-[11C]rolipram in the rat brain, lung, and heart. Life Sci. 2006 Jun 20;79(4):356-64. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.01.010. Epub 2006 Feb 24. PMID: 16499932.
[xii] Shih JC, Chen K, Ridd MJ. Role of MAO A and B in neurotransmitter metabolism and behavior. Pol J Pharmacol. 1999 Jan-Feb;51(1):25-9. PMID: 10389141.
[xiii] Kennedy DO, Bonnländer B, Lang SC, Pischel I, Forster J, Khan J, Jackson PA, Wightman EL. Acute and Chronic Effects of Green Oat (Avena sativa) Extract on Cognitive Function and Mood during a Laboratory Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Healthy Humans. Nutrients. 2020 May 29;12(6):1598. doi: 10.3390/nu12061598. PMID: 32485993; PMCID: PMC7352613.
[xiv] Calapai G, Bonina F, et. al., A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial on Effects of a Vitis vinifera Extract on Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults, Frontiers. Pharmacology, 30 October 2017, Volume 8 https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00776
[xv] Lopresti AL. Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects. Drugs R D. 2017;17(1):53-64. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5
[xvi] Lopresti AL. Salvia (Sage): A Review of its Potential Cognitive-Enhancing and Protective Effects. Drugs R D. 2017;17(1):53-64. doi:10.1007/s40268-016-0157-5
[xvii] Babault N, Noureddine A, Amiez N, et. al., Acute Effects of SalviaSupplementation on Cognitive Function in Athletes During a Fatiguing Cycling Exercise: A Randomized Cross-Over, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blind Study, Frontiers Nutrition, 29 November 2021, Volume 8, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.771518