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Writer's pictureMindspark Health

How to Enhance Acetylcholine and Preserve Memory

Memory declines as we age and some have drastic changes with Alzheimer's, dementia. More than 50 million people are currently living with this condition, which is bound to grow in the next twenty years. Most are diagnosed late in life, but there's subtle decline decades earlier. Here's some simple supplemental compounds to reduce brain decline and preserve memory:


Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter of memory. It's made in the nucleus basalis and requires choline and acetyl groups for synthesis. It's used in learning new skills, memory, consolidating memories, and helps with sleep architecture. As we age, like most everything else, it may decline. It's currently the key neurotransmitter of interest in Alzheimer's dementia and various medications have been used to try and preserve levels in the brain in an attempt to ward off memory decline.


Symptoms of Acetylcholine Deficiency/Imbalance

Difficulty recognizing objects and faces

Trouble with multi-tasking

Slow mental processing speed

Poor memory recall (verbal and visual)

Sleep impairment

Brain Fog

Difficulty with learning new information

Decrease in creativity

Decrease in comprehension


Memory allows us to relive special events, tell stories, remember special occasions and live life to the fullest. In addition to keeping your brain active by socializing, exercising and learning new skills, there's certain nutrients which regulate and even increase acetylcholine in the central nervous system. Certain compounds that enhance acetylcholine may be the answer to help boost memory and assist in learning and concentration.


The following nutritional supplements and herbs may help:


Huperzine A

Huperzine A is a well known herb that's considered an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Research demonstrates it may help with memory and learning. (R) It's also known to have anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall brain function. (R)


Alpha GPC

There's different types of choline, but Alpha GPC is one that crosses the blood brain barrier and increases choline in brain tissue. It also provides the raw material for acetylcholine synthesis and facilitates learning and memory. (R)


Acetyl L Carnitine

Acetyl L Carnitine not only yields an acetyl group for acetylcholine synthesis, but also has anti-inflammatory properties as well. (R) It seems to lower glutamate toxicity and oxidative stress through binding of glucocorticoids and nerve growth factor.


Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a memory and learning enhancer, sedative, and anti-epileptic. It grows in wet tropical environments and helps boost brain function and support memory through acetylcholinesterase inhibition. (R)


Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo (GBE) has a long history of improving circulation and supporting cognition. It has also been shown to enhance acetylcholine levels in hippocampal tissue. A randomized double-blind crossover design was employed in which participants were allocated to receive 14 days GBE and 14 days placebo in random order. Results from the study showed improvements in behavioral performance and working memory with GBE, along with improvements in steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP). (R)


I hope this helps you reach your potential and find healing!

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