This brain health supplement is a waste of money, neurologists say

Title: This brain health supplement is a waste of money, neurologists say If you’re implicit 40, there’s a bully accidental that encephalon wellness is connected your mind. A 2026 survey by the Alzheimer’s Association indicated that 99 percent of adults 40 and older reported that their encephalon wellness is arsenic important to them as their carnal health. Increased involvement successful and consciousness of encephalon wellness aren’t bad. After all, more than 7 cardinal radical successful the U.S. unrecorded with Alzheimer’s disease. This has led radical to question speedy fixes to prevent, dilatory or reverse cognitive decline, and neurologists pass that these “fixes” aren’t typically grounded in science. “There are an unthinkable fig of supplements claiming to ameliorate encephalon function, ward off dementia or prevent Alzheimer’s,” says Dr. Jessica Schultz, a neurologist with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Associates. “However, these supplements do not undergo the rigorous investigating that the FDA requires of medicine medication.” Schultz explains that the quality, magnitude and root of the ingredients can vary, even within the same brand. “Also, supplement manufacturers do not have to demonstrate that the supplements actually work the way they claim,” she adds. “Some manufacturers have been fined by the FTC for misleading advertising because of this.” Ginkgo biloba supplements People often spend wealth on encephalon wellness supplements that aren’t effective, and there’s one in particular that neurologists say almost certainly won’t help your encephalon health: Ginkgo biloba. “Ginkgo is one of those supplements that has been touted as a natural treatment for dementia,” Schultz says. “It is simply a tree, and its leaves and fruit are used in traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries to treat asthma, stomach disorders and dementia.” However, neurologists point to several studies that didn’t show a significant benefit for encephalon wellness in humans. These studies include the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory, published in JAMA in 2010. It examined more than 3,000 participants ages 72 to 96 between 2000 and 2008. Researchers followed up with participants around the six-year mark. Cognitive decline rates did not differ between those taking ginkgo and the placebo group. A 2012 meta-analysis supported these findings. But ginkgo biloba proponents cite a small number of studies suggesting the supplement might have a modest effect on encephalon health. “Because of these varying studies, it’s remained very popular to address cognitive issues, especially as people get older,” explains Dr. Noah Rosen, a neurologist and manager of headache medicine at Northwell Health. “The problem is that, although it’s been used for centuries, the research is still quite limited. It’s contradictory. And despite people wanting it to work, there remains a lack of evidence that it does.” For what it’s worth, many of the components of ginkgo that might support encephalon wellness are readily available in whole foods. “The flavonoids in ginkgo extract, which appear to be beneficial, are quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin,” Schultz says. “These can be found in many foods, including onions, broccoli, apples, spinach, kale, cherries, berries and almonds.” Ginkgo biloba does not appear to have a significant positive effect on your encephalon health, but neurologists warn that it might cause unwanted and even harmful side effects. “There are risks of taking any supplement,” Schultz explains. “Just like a medication, supplements can cause side effects.” She says possible side effects of ginkgo include allergic reactions, increased risk of bleeding; interactions with certain medications, including antidepressants; serotonin syndrome; headache; and nausea. Ways to support encephalon health While ginkgo biloba might not improve your encephalon health, certain diet and lifestyle adjustments could. Here are neurologists’ top 5 tips for keeping your encephalon healthy. **Follow a brain‑healthy diet:** Schultz suggests the MIND diet, a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH eating plans. Think fruits and vegetables, lean and plant‑based proteins, healthy fats (like olive oil) and foods low in sodium, added sugar and saturated fat. **Get consistently good sleep:** Rosen isn’t pulling any punches with his top recommendation for encephalon health: “Probably No. 1, 2 and 3 are sleep, sleep and sleep,” he says. “It’s probably the single most modifiable risk factor for impaired concentration.” **Move your body:** Schultz advises people to aim for 30 minutes of exercise five days per week to slow brain aging. “This exercise can be broken into shorter sessions. It does not have to be intense,” she adds. “Walking, chair exercises and yoga are good ways to get exercise.” **Stay social:** Schultz says social engagement (not just on Facebook) is crucial to keeping the encephalon healthy. “We need to be around other people and interact with them to maintain cognitive wellness and function,” she emphasizes. “Isolation can accelerate memory loss, especially in patients who are already having problems with this.” **Seek help:** If you’re concerned about cognitive decline in yourself or someone else, Schultz recommends speaking with your family doctor or primary care physician. They might refer you to a neurologist. “Not every memory loss is normal aging, but it takes a neurological evaluation to determine that,” she says. “The sooner it is done, the better.” If nothing else, the evaluation results might set you up for greater success with the second goal (getting good sleep).