Mind over Matter: Maintaining Your Cognitive Health
Cognition covers almost everything that has to do with the process of thinking, ranging from biological to analytical and everything in between. Every time you reason, perceive, judge or exercise awareness, you’re utilizing your cognitive abilities.
Biologically speaking, cognition is performed by the brain and, to a lesser extent, the nervous system. It’s your brain’s monumental and life-long duty to process every thought, emotion, movement, reaction, feeling, instinct, scent, sound and sight that you’re privy to and perform. It rests only briefly during sleep; and even then, it works to regulate vital functions and recharge your major organ systems, while simultaneously building new cells and mending damaged tissues.
Is cognitive health important?
We are extremely reliant on the normal, healthy functioning of our brain and nervous system for everyday living. When everything is humming along as it should be, things like basic motor skills, problem-solving, conflict resolution, emotional control and more are effortless and unnoticed. When cognitive function is compromised, however, basic tasks can become difficult to perform, and quality of life can be drastically reduced.
Unfortunately, conditions that adversely affect brain health and cognitive function are on the rise, especially in the U.S. and other developed countries. Advances in science and technology have increased life expectancy globally, but with this increased lifespan has come an increase in conditions that negatively impact cognitive function, especially in the elderly population. We’re hearing more about cognitive diseases today because they’re growing increasingly expensive to treat, and they’re affecting more people.
In 2011, a landmark study known as the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study (CFAS) was concluded. From 1989 to 2011, cognitive decline was investigated in more than 18,000 elderly people over the age of 65, and the CFAS found that various forms of cognitive impairment are becoming increasingly prevalent.
How can I maintain my cognitive health?
Maintaining healthy cognitive function and a healthy nervous system is vitally important for anyone looking to lead a good quality of life. Two of the easiest and most effective ways to support normal cognitive function are a healthy diet and regular exercise. A healthy, diverse diet with raw fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats provides almost everything your body needs to maintain healthy cognition, and studies continue to support the benefits of an active lifestyle for mental health and well-being.
For those looking for additional cognitive support, there are also a variety of natural nutrients and brain supplements that can nourish the brain and nervous system.
Phosphatidyl serine is a naturally occurring compound that plays an essential role in cell membrane composition and intercellular communication. It’s also a major structural component of the nervous system and supports the activity of neurotransmitters, making it an ideal nutrient for cognitive support.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a modified amino acid that supports cellular energy production by helping transport fat into the mitochondria to serve as cellular food. ALC can also cross the blood-brain barrier, where it helps manage oxidative damage, supports mitochondrial function and helps maintain normal neurotransmitter activity. Clinical studies suggest that ALC helps to maintain optimal neurological health.
Alpha GPC is a natural physiological precursor to acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter that is involved in memory and other cognitive functions. Alpha GPC is more bioavailable than other forms of choline and is known to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it becomes a constituent of cell membranes.
Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid primarily found in cold water fish such as mackerel and salmon, as well as certain marine plants and microalgae. DHA is an essential structural component of brain, nerve and eye tissues. Studies indicate that DHA plays a role in the production of new brain cells and the protection of existing cells, and may enhance neuroplasticity (cell-toc-ell connections).
Ginkgo biloba is a type of tree native to China that, when extracted, possesses high levels of various phytochemicals with free radical-scavenging properties. It also contains unique phytochemicals known as ginkgolides and bilobalides that have exhibited potential health-supporting properties. Huperzine A is a natural compound extracted from Huperzia serrata, a type of club moss found in Southeast Asia. Studies indicate that huperzine helps maintain healthy levels of Ach, which may enhance overall cognitive function.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
