Description:

Remember!™
Mental Sharpness Formula†

Size: 60 UltraCaps
Stock #: 04796

Benefits
For mild memory problems associated with aging.†
Long-term memory support.†

Key Features
Includes energizing B vitamins and clinically-studied herbal extracts.†
Vegetarian.
For mild memory problems associated with aging, this comprehensive formula is more powerful than ginkgo alone.† It safely supports enhanced focus and brain function through its unique blend of powerful antioxidants, energizing B vitamins, high-potency alpha lipoic acid and clinically-studied herbal extracts.†

Recommendations
Two UltraCaps™ daily.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 2 UltraCaps Amount/Serving %DV Vitamin B 6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 15 mg 750% Folic Acid 800 mcg 200% Vitamin B 12 (as cyanocobalamin) 500 mcg 8,333% Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg * Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) 300 mg * Aerial Part Extract standardized to contain 20% bacosides Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Leaf Extract 120 mg * standardized to contain 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides, 6% terpene lactones, and 2% bilobalide *Daily Value (DV) not established.

Other Ingredients
vegetable polysaccharide capsule, modified cellulose gum, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide.

Contains No
sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, preservatives or ingredients of animal origin. This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal.

Notes

If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.

UPC Codes
  04796: 763948047963

Technical Data
How Does It Work?:
All of the ingredients in Remember!™ Mental Sharpness Formula† have been studied in human trials for supportive effects on memory and mental acuity associated with aging.† This formula combines ingredients specifically selected to provide support for both immediate and long-term concerns. Bacopa monnieri and Ginkgo biloba both provide immediate supportive benefits for mild memory problems associated with aging.† Any organic substance essential for the health, growth, reproduction, and maintenance of the body. Vitamins usually act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes in regulating metabolic processes, but do not provide energy.')" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">Vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and A member of the B vitamin complex essential for normal growth, reproduction, and the formation of heme, the iron-containing protein in hemoglobin.')" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">folic acid provide brain support for long term health.† Alpha lipoic acid provides both immediate and long-term health effects. 2-8

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a coenzyme that has extremely potent biologic A substance that prevents the reaction of various food constituents with oxygen. Better known antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, and bioflavonoids.')" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">antioxidant activity, antioxidant recycling activity, and activity in enhancing biologic energy productions. ALA is soluble in both water and fat, enters cells and tissues in a highly usable form, and is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. 1 Alpha lipoic acid has been studied for its support of healthy memory and mental focus.† 2-8

A recent animal study demonstrated ALA's antioxidant recycling activity. Dietary supplementation with ALA for 2 weeks completely reversed age-associated oxidative stress in elderly small mammals. 6

An open observational clinical study examined the effect of supplemental ALA on older adults. The subjects received 600mg of ALA daily. The subjects showed significant improvement in memory and other brain health support.† 5

Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa grows in India and has a long history of folk use. 9 The herb is supportive of healthy memory and focus.† 9-13 Bacopa has antioxidant properties and supports healthy parasympathetic nervous system activity.† 9,10,13

In a recent randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study, Bacopa was compared to a placebo in its support of healthy memory and cognitive function. Healthy adults between the ages of 40 and 65 were randomized to receive either Bacopa or placebo. Testing on attention, memory storage, and memory retrieval was completed three times within the study period. The results demonstrated that the Bacopa provided more support in remembering new information than the group taking the placebo.† 13

Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo has been well studied for its supportive effect on neurologic processes and cerebral health.† Flavonoid and ginkoloid components are involved in free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity, resulting in support of healthy cognitive function.† 14,15 Additionally, research has determined that ginkgo provides support of healthy platelet and healthy parasympathetic nervous system function.† 14,16

In a recent randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover study, healthy volunteers were given either ginkgo or placebo for two days. Following baseline measurements, testing was completed at the study’s completion. The results demonstrated that ginkgo provided support for healthy memory.† 17

A placebo controlled, multi-dose, double blind, balanced, crossover study examined the effect of ginkgo on four cognitive measurements in healthy volunteers. Speed of attention, accuracy of attention, speed of memory, and quality of memory were assessed prior to dosing and at established times thereafter. Compared with placebo, ginkgo provided support of several cognitive measures.† The most striking of these was support of the вЂ�speed of attention’ score. 18

Ginkgo has also been studied in older adults. The results showed that ginkgo provided support of healthy cognitive functions, while showing very low rates of adverse effects.† 19-21

Vitamin B6 and B12
Vitamins B6 and B12 are water-soluble vitamins that perform a wide variety of supportive functions and are essential for good health. Both of these vitamins help support healthy nerve cells.† Vitamins B6 and B12 also support healthy homocysteine levels.† 22,23

In a study of healthy, older men (aged 70 to 79), vitamin B6 supplementation was found to provide support for long-term memory storage and recall.† 24

Two recent studies have demonstrated that giving supplemental vitamin B12 supports healthy memory and cognitive function.† 25,26

Folic Acid
Folic acid, another water-soluble B vitamin, has long been recognized as a vital nutrient for support of healthy brain and spinal cord function.† Research has demonstrated that folic acid is also supportive of healthy homocysteine levels.† 27 Scientists have recognized that individuals with low folic acid serum levels can exhibit health problems. 28,29

An ongoing, large, multi-center study is examining the role of folic acid in age-related memory loss. This study is examining over 600 older adult, volunteer participants. The researchers directing the study are collecting periodic blood samples, data on language and emotional status, and, at death, voluntary donation of the subjects’ brain for postmortem study. The results, to date, have demonstrated that subjects with high folic acid levels showed healthy brain supportive effects.† 30

Recommendations:
Two capsules daily.

Precautions:
The safety of the individual ingredients in Remember!™ Mental Sharpness Formula† have been evaluated. To date, no toxicities have been reported. Occasional gastric upset may occur. Taking Remember!™ Mental Sharpness Formula† with a meal usually alleviates this rare upset.

How Is It Supplied?:
60 capsules per bottle

Storage Recommendations:
Store at controlled room temperature, 59°F to 86°F (15°-30°C).

References:
1. Fleming T., ed. Alpha lipoic acid. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001: 18-21.

2. Stoll S, Hartmann H, Cohen SA, Muller WE. The potent free radical scavenger alpha-lipoic acid improves memory in aged mice: putative relationship to NMDA receptor deficits. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1993 Dec;46:799-805.

3. Cantuti-Castelvetri I, Shukitt-Hale B, Joseph JA. Neurobehavioral aspects of antioxidants in aging. Int J Dev Neurosci. 2000;18:367-381.

4. Zhang L, Xing GQ, Barker JL, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid protects rat cortical neurons against cell death induced by amyloid and hydrogen peroxide through the Akt signaling pathway. Neurosci Lett. 2001;312:125-128.

5. Hager K, Marahrens A, Kenklies M, Riederer P, Munch G. Alpha-lipoic acid as a new treatment option for Alzheimer type dementia. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2001;32:275-282.

6. Lykkesfeldt J, Hagen TM, Vinarsky V, Ames BN. Age-associated decline in ascorbic acid concentration, recycling, and biosynthesis in rat hepatocytes--reversal with (R)-alpha-lipoic acid supplementation. FASEB J. 1998;12:1183-1189.

7. Packer L, Tritschler HJ, Wessel K. Neuroprotection by the metabolic antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Free Radic Biol Med. 1997;22:359-378.

8. Tirosh O, Sen CK, Roy S, Kobayashi MS, Packer L. Neuroprotective effects of alpha-lipoic acid and its positively charged amide analogue. Free Radic Biol Med. 1999;26:1418-1426.

9. Kidd PM. A review of nutrients and botanicals in the integrative management of cognitive dysfunction. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4:144-161.

10. Tripathi YB, Chaurasia S, Tripathi E, Upadhyay A, Dubey GP. Bacopa monniera Linn. as an antioxidant: mechanism of action. Indian J Exp Biol. 1996;34:523-526.

11. Singh HK, Dhawan BN. Effect of Bacopa monniera Linn. (brahmi) extract on avoidance responses in rat. J Ethnopharmacol. 1982;5:205-214.

12. Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, et al. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001;156:481-484.

13. Roodenrys S, Booth D, Bulzomi S, Phipps A, Micallef C, Smoker J. Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. Accessed January 25, 2002. Available at: www.acnp.org/citations.

14. Nathan P. Can the cognitive enhancing effects of ginkgo biloba be explained by its pharmacology? Med Hypotheses. 2000;55:491-493.

15. Watanabe CM, Wolffram S, Ader P, et al. The in vivo neuromodulatory effects of the herbal medicine ginkgo biloba. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2001;98:6577-6580.

16. DeFeudis FV, Drieu K. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) and CNS functions: basic studies and clinical applications. Curr Drug Targets. 2000;1:25-58.

17. Rigney U, Kimber S, Hindmarch I. The effects of acute doses of standardized Ginkgo biloba extract on memory and psychomotor performance in volunteers. Phytother Res. 1999;13:408-415.

18. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Wesnes KA. The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers. Psychopharmacology. 2000;151:416-423.

19. Maurer K, Ihl R, Dierks T, Frolich L. Clinical efficacy of Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in dementia of the Alzheimer type. J Psychiatr Res. 1997;31:645-655.

20. Wettstein A. Cholinesterase inhibitors and Gingko extracts--are they comparable in the treatment of dementia? Comparison of published placebo-controlled efficacy studies of at least six months' duration. Phytomedicine. 2000;6:393-401.

21. Le Bars PL, Kieser M, Itil KZ. A 26-week analysis of a double blind, placebo-controlled trial of the ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2000;11:230-237.

22. Fleming T., ed. Vitamin B6. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001: 469-477.

23. Vitamin B12. Ibid. 477-486.

24. Deijen JB, van der Beek EJ, Orlebeke JF, van den Berg H. Vitamin B-6 supplementation in elderly men: effects on mood, memory, performance and mental effort. Psychopharmacology. 1992;109:489-496.

25. Eastley R, Wilcock GK, Bucks RS. Vitamin B12 deficiency in dementia and cognitive impairment: the effects of treatment on neuropsychological function. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2000;15:226-233.

26. Meins W, Muller-Thomsen T, Meier-Baumgartner HP. Subnormal serum vitamin B12 and behavioural and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2000;15:415-418.

27. Fleming T., ed. Folate. In: PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2001: 157-167.

28. Clarke R, Smith AD, Jobst KA, Refsum H, Sutton L, Ueland PM. Folate, vitamin B12, and serum total homocysteine levels in confirmed Alzheimer disease. Arch Neurol. 1998;55:1449-1455.

29. Ebly EM, Schaefer JP, Campbell NR, Hogan DB. Folate status, vascular disease and cognition in elderly Canadians. Age Ageing. 1998;27:485-491.

30. Snowden DA, Tully CL, Smith CD, Riley KP, Markesbury WR. Serum folate and the severity of atrophy of the neocortex in Alzheimer disease: findings from the Nun Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71:993-998.

31. Rypma B, D'Esposito M. Isolating the neural mechanisms of age-related changes in human working memory. Nat Neurosci. 2000;3:509-515.

32. Betti S, Orsini MR, Sciaky R, Cristini C, Cesa-Bianchi G, Zandonini GF. Attitudes towards menopause in a group of women followed in a public service for menopause counseling. Aging (Milano). 2001;13:331-338.

33. Bosworth HB, Bastian LA, Kuchibhatla MN, et al. Depressive symptoms, menopausal status, and climacteric symptoms in women at midlife. Psychosom Med. 2001;63:603-608.

34. Alzheimer's Fact Sheet. Accessed on February 7, 2002. Available at: http://www.alzheimers.org/pubs/adfact.html#symptoms.

35. Curtis SM, Porth CM. Alzheimer's disease. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998: 914-917.

36. Kruman II, Culmsee C, Chan SL, et al. Homocysteine elicits a DNA damage response in neurons that promotes apoptosis and hypersensitivity to excitotoxicity. J Neurosci. 2000;20:6920-6926.

37. Seshadri S, Beiser A, Selhub J, et al. Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. N Engl J Med. 2002;346:476-483.

Additional Information:
Age related mental focus and memory loss
Aging is sometimes associated with increased memory recall time and increased incidence of misplaced articles. Recent study has demonstrated that these types of memory age-related declines may be due to a decrease in the efficiency of short-term memory retrieval. 31 These changes are hormonal in nature and are not considered diseases.

Women entering menopause often report a decrease in short-term memory and difficulty in concentrating on linear, logical tasks. Although research into this association is limited, fluctuation of estrogens is thought to be responsible. 32,33

Certain disorders may also be responsible for temporary memory loss, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, B Any organic substance essential for the health, growth, reproduction, and maintenance of the body. Vitamins usually act as coenzymes or precursors of coenzymes in regulating metabolic processes, but do not provide energy.')" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">vitamin deficiencies, and the side effects of certain medications, such as the Any fat or fatlike substance, including oils, sterols, and complex compounds such as phospholipids.')" onmouseout="hideddrivetip()">lipid lowering statins. These problems usually resolve with treatment of the underlying disorder. 34 Individuals with serious concerns about their memory, focus, and concentration should have these symptoms evaluated by a health care practitioner to rule out potential illnesses as causative factors.

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
Dementia is a brain disorder resulting in severe memory loss and impairment in cognitive function. Alzheimer's disease, the most common dementia, is an irreversible, progressive disorder in which brain cells slowly deteriorate, resulting in the loss of primarily memory, judgment and reasoning, movement coordination, and pattern recognition. 34 It is an illness and is not considered a normal consequence of aging.

The brain tissue of people who have died from Alzheimer's disease contains abnormal clumps called amyloid plaques and bundles of fibers, called neurofibrillary tangles. These plaques and tangles are considered the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. There is a loss of nerve cells in areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities. There also are lower levels of acetylcholine in the cerebral cortex, a chemical in the brain that carries complex messages back and forth between nerve cells. 35

There are numerous types of dementia. Some of the more commonly noted irreversible dementias include, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, stroke, multi-infarct dementia, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and alcoholism. Some treatable and reversible dementias include depression and B vitamin deficiency. 34

While the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unclear, some associated factors have been determined. Age is the highest risk factor for developing the disease. Most individuals with Alzheimer's are over 65, with the number of people doubling every 5 years thereafter. 35

Elevated homocysteine levels are noted in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with severity of symptoms correlating with higher levels of homocysteine. Homocysteine irritates vascular walls, promotes cell death, and increases platelet aggregation. Researchers have theorized that keeping homocysteine levels within healthy limits may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. 36,37

Differentiation between age-related memory loss and Alzheimer's disease and other dementias According to the Alzheimer's Association, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are much more severe than age-related memory problems. Alzheimer's disease affects communication, learning, thinking, reasoning, and impacts a person's work and social life. 34

Activity A Person with
Alzheimer's Disease A Person with Age-Related
Memory Problems Forgets whole experiences parts of experiences Remembers later rarely often Can follow written or
spoken directions gradually unable usually able Can use notes gradually unable usually able Can care for self gradually unable usually able

Technical Details:

A Person with Age-Related
Memory Problems
Forgets