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our brain is your most powerful, mysterious and vital organ. It’s the original supercomputer, transmitting signals at speeds up to 268 miles per hour and processing an average of 70,000 thoughts per day. It directs all your bodily systems and stores a record of all of your life experiences.

That’s why brain aging and its seemingly inevitable byproduct, cognitive decline, are such frightening prospects. You’d like to continue making your own decisions and hold on to the knowledge and memories you’ve spent your entire life accumulating.

Seven steps to increase brain power as you      age.

move

play

laugh

interact

meditate

diet

suppliments

Curcumin—Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for centuries in India and Southeast Asia, where the prevalence of age-related cognitive concerns is a fraction of what is found in the western world. Curcumin seems to reduce brain clutter by reducing the incidence of unwanted protein deposits in brain tissue and slowing the deposition of certain precursor proteins within the brain. This helps slow the progression of some forms of age-related cognitive decline.

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract—Geriatric patients with cerebral insufficiency improved mental performance and reaction times by using this extract. Patients diagnosed with uncomplicated Alzheimer’s and who were mildly to severely impaired showed improved cognitive ability in research studies.

GPC—GlyceroPhosphoCholine is a brain- boosting molecule that supports acetylcholine production—but, being water soluble, GPC can more easily cross the blood-brain barrier, making it one of the most effective nutrients in the pursuit of peak mental energy. GPC also enhances memory, focus and concentration and can help you maintain healthy brain function as you age.

Gotu Kola leaf extract—It has been shown in research studies to improve circulation to the brain, enhance capillary filtration rates and reduce venous hypertension. It can lessen age-related cognitive decline by opening up the information passageways within the brain.

Green Tea extract—Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and other phenolic antioxidants that have tremendous disease-modifying potential in Alzheimer’s disease and the ability to preserve cognition in healthy aging individuals. Study findings indicate green tea extract can help improve memory and attention, suggesting it protects neurons and preserves cognition regardless of age. When combined with theanine, tea polyphenols may also ameliorate the damaging effects of amyloid-beta proteins, which clutter our thoughts and accumulate as the hallmark pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.

Huperzine A—This natural compound is derived from the club mossHuperzia serrata. Shown to be clinically effective and possibly safer than other drugs used to treat neurodegenerative disease, it is currently being used in a Phase II Clinical Trial at the National Institute on Aging.

Omega-3 fatty acids—The most brain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids come from fish and krill. Omega-3 supplementation has been associated with a dramatic reduction in cognitive decline among an aging study population.

PS—Phosphatidylserine is a “phospholipid” that is necessary for building cell membranes, especially in neurons, and forming acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter that plays an integral role in short-term memory. It is one of the most researched nutrients of all time, backed by 64 clinical studies and 2,800+ research papers. PS is powerful enough to wake up seemingly “dead” brain cells and re-ignite your brain power. It has been clinically shown to roll back cognitive decline by 12 years and improve memory by 44%.

Vitamin B12—Methylcobalamin is the active, functional form of vitamin B12, which is important for nerve and blood cells. Researchers in Oxford, England found that people who had higher vitamin B12 levels were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage compared with those who had lower levels of the vitamin in their blood.

Vitamin D3—Scientists have linked vitamin D to a number of critical functions throughout the body, including the workings of the brain. It activates and deactivates enzymes in the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid that are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and nerve growth. Research studies suggest optimal vitamin D levels protect neurons, reduce inflammation, and promote cognitive function in older individuals.