Many times it is difficult to achieve optimum results with diet alone. While diet is certainly important, and should always be improved as much as possible, supplements can do just that – supplement our diets.

Folic acid (800 mcg daily has been tested to be beneficial in this case) is one of the emerging nutrients important in preventing age-related decline in mental ability. Folic acid works with vitamins B6 and B12 to help neutralize homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine has been linked with poor reasoning ability, memory impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Antioxidants should be supplied in the diet, but supplementation is also helpful. Some of the more helpful antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage to mental processes are vitamin C, vitamin E, and glutathione. Selenium may be even more important for protecting mental ability.

Anti-inflammatory agents are also helpful. Herbs such as boswellia, ginger, turmeric, and echinacea as well as aloe are particularly helpful.

Other important supplements that help keep neurons strong and functional include phosphatidylserine and alpha lipoic acid.