Stress got your brain fogged?

Memory, attention, thinking, learning, and perception are a set of higher mental functions that collectively fall under the cognition umbrella.

The impact of undernutrition and stress on cognitive function

Undernutrition in children, adolescents and adults can contribute to the depression of cognitive skills. Undernutrition in early life elicits lasting effects on cognition while exposure to stress can lead to cognitive dysfunction throughout life.

Adults in developed countries consume diets higher in saturated fats and refined sugars which have been associated with mild cognitive impairments and dementia. A high-fat diet primes the hippocampus to produce a neuroinflammatory response to a mild immune challenge, causing memory deficits. It has also been demonstrated by several studies that low levels of the omega 3 fatty acid DHA are associated with a higher likelihood of cognitive decline as well as the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis responds to stress challenge events with the release of glucocorticoids. These glucocorticoids bind to receptors in specific areas of the brain critical for certain types of memory, such as the hippocampus. If the release of glucocorticoids is prolonged due to chronic stress, the hippocampus can sustain structural damage leading to reduced cognitive functioning.

Supplementation and cognition

Considerable attention has been paid to the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in brain functions since their discovery. A simple intervention with a dietary supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals may contribute to cognitive maintenance into old age.

DHA supplementation has shown significant improvement in memory function, including short term and working memory. A new study, published in The British Journal of Nutrition found that daily supplementation with Efamol® Active Memory (this product is sold in S.A. as Vital Health Science Memory and Concentration), containing a 1000 mg of DHA plus supporting nutrients, produces similar improvements in brain function compared to exercise in older women. This preliminary research offers the intriguing possibility that supplementation may be able to mitigate some of the effects of low physical activity on decline in cognitive function in the elderly.

Ginkgo biloba is a well-known herbal remedy recognised for its beneficial effects on cognitive function. Studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba enhances cognitive function, memory, and lowers cognitive decline in adults.

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