It has been estimated that by the year 2020 senility and Alzheimer's disease will affect 14 million Americans. With the birth of the baby boomers, and with advancement of medicine within the last 100 years, we will soon have a large portion of our population in the senior citizens age group. Living to a ripe old age is now quite common so now we need to focus on the quality of life. What good is living to be over 100 years of age if we have lost our minds at 65? Becoming a nation of caregivers for the elderly would not benefit society or the government. Our brain, like any other organ in our body, needs to get proper nourishment, have toxins removed, exercised, and get the proper amount of rest in order to function properly. Some herbs have shown the ability in helping prevent and in some cases treat or even reverse memory loss.

     Chief of the US Dept of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University stated, because the brain consumes and processes so much oxygen, it produces a lot of free radicals, and is most susceptible to oxidative damage. Free radicals are created during the normal process of metabolism; cells produce unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells. Almost all of the anti- aging products on the market promote the anti-oxidant quality of their product.

     Ginkgo is also called the duck foot tree and was found in China during the late 18th century. A French study conducted in the 1980s showed that women taking 600 mg of Ginkgo a day showed short-term memory improvement. It is also believed to improve circulation, and helps with sight and hearing loss. Ginkgo is also a blood thinner and anyone taking blood thinners or aspirin should consult with their doctor prior to starting any treatment that uses Ginkgo.

     The Chinese Herbalists have used lyceum berries, also known as Chinese Wolfberry, since the 1st century AD for improving the circulation, removing toxins from your liver and kidneys. Lycium berries are also rich in antioxidants, which can neutralize free radical by pairing up or binding with the free radical elections thus inhibiting them from damaging cells in the human body. They are also used to treat dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision. The root of the Lycium plant is used to relieve cough, wheezing, high blood pressure, and reduce fever.

     Blueberries and Blackberries contain a large quantity of antioxidants, which may help reduce the effect age related memory problems. They contain a chemical called anthocyanins which are very powerful antioxidants.

     Hawthorn has an high concentration of anti-oxidants and can help remove toxins in the brain and can strengthens the blood vessels which helps get oxygen and nutrients transported to the brain.

     Shilajit is a powerful antioxidant that is one of the few chemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier. It has been used for over 3,000 years and has is also called the Destroyer Of Weakness. Shilajit improves memory and the ability to handle stress. Shilajit is found in the Himalayan mountains and has been used by the local residents for centuries. It is not unusually for the people living in that region to live to be over 100 years of age.

     Periwinkle helps to improve mental activity by increasing the blood flow to the brain.

     Studies have shown that Rutin inhibited the oxidative damage in human red blood cells.

     Rosemary stimulated blood circulation and the nervous system and enhances memory and concentration. The ancient Greeks called it the Herb of Memory and they wore a stalk in their hair to increase memory.

     Fish oil contains omega 3 and fatty acids, which have been shown to stimulate the brain and increase memory and mental awareness.

     If you just feel that you need vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.