The Neuro-Protective Lifestyle

Get ready for the next generation of “smart drugs” to flood the anti-aging arena. With a rapidly aging baby-boomer population, the demand for bleeding-edge cogniceuticals will dominate the psychoneuropharmacology market for the next several decades.

A cogniceutical includes any substance that improves cognition (brain function) by augmenting memory, learning and attention.

The ideal neuroprotective formula would both minimize neuronal damage and stimulate neuronal function. Since neuroinflammation represents the final common pathway for neuronal damage, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory is essential.

Excess dietary arachidonic† acid triggers a biochemical cascade resulting in increased levels of the pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), catalyzes the reaction. The leukotriene inflammatory cascade is like a nuclear strike to both the cardiovascular and central nervous system and is the subject of intense research for that reason. Enter the 10,000 year old Boswellia plant. Well known in Ayurvedic medicine, the boswellia plant has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory agent and now we know why! An extract of the boswellia plant known as AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11 keto-ß-boswellic acid), selectively inhibits the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme. Unlike other boswellic acids that only partially inhibit 5-LOX, AKBA binds directly to 5-LOX making a metabolic road-block and halting the onslaught of inflammatory traffic (metaphorically speaking of course).

A generous supply of neurochemicals to feed the cholinergic neurotransmitter system of the brain is the second cogniceutical of choice. Nothing does that better than CDP-choline (also known as cytidine 5’-diphosphate choline). CDP-choline is unique in that it is a neuro-nucleotide. In the lab, cytidine is cleverly bonded to choline to create a truly remarkable cognitive enhancer. A daily dose of CDP-choline enables the brain to ramp-up acetylcholine synthesis. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter responsible for short-term memory, learning and synaptic plasticity (think rewiring your brain).

Unfortunately, as fast as acetylcholine is produced, acetylcholine esterase gets busy breaking it down if it lingers just a little too long in the synaptic gap. Most drugs for neurodegenerative diseases (think Alzheimer’s), target acetylcholine esterase and exploit the potential of having acetylcholine linger a nanosecond longer thereby enhancing cognition. Most drugs also carry some pretty intolerable side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Fortunately, naturally occurring acetylcholine esterase inhibitors exist. Huperzine A is an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor extracted from Huperzia serrata (Icelandic clubmoss). To date, Huperzine A is considered the most potent short term memory enhancer available without a prescription.

Factoring in what we know about neurophysiology and extrapolating from previously published studies, a well balanced cogniceutical formulation should look something like the following:

Boswellic acid 375 - 500 mg per day - antiinflammatory, neuroprotective
CDP-choline 250 - 500 mg per day - increases acetylcholine levels boosting memory
Huperzine A 25 - 50 mcg per day - acetylcholine esterase inhibitor, enhances CDP-choline

Cogniceuticals can’t change everything, but in this new neurosociety you’re going to want to stick with what works. But hey, don’t take my word for it. Try it yourself and tell me what you think (pun intended).

† sources of dietary arachidonic acid include meat and dairy products something that we consume far too much of in this part of the world. It’s all about balance. Consider balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake for mood stabilization and improved cognition.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!