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Bryn from Los Angeles asks TheNutritionDr – I am concerned about my mother. Over the past year or so she seems to be experiencing some memory loss. Are there specific supplements she can take to help with memory and brain function?

Memory loss happens in many women as they get older and you are right to be concerned and in wanting to do everything you can to help. There are a few nutrients that have been shown to play a role in helping women maintain their memory as they get older. For instance, fish oil (particularly the omega-3 fat DHA) can be helpful, because DHA is a major fat found in brain tissue itself. Fish oil supplements can be really helpful for women that don’t already consume two or more servings of fish weekly. Furthermore, our ability to make DHA from certain other fats tends to decrease as we get older. Ginkgo biloba has been part of traditional Western medicine for centuries and is used to treat and prevent a number of conditions. Among other properties, gingko biloba might support healthy cognitive and memory function by supporting blood flow. Other nutrients which are important in supporting a healthy brain include antioxidants like vitamins E and C, B-vitamins and many minerals.  On a cautionary note, it is unclear whether supplementing very high levels of any of these nutrients provide additional benefit or can potentially create problems.