It’s no secret that as we age, our memory starts to fade and we’re not as quick as we once were. While cognitive decline can be a scary thought, there are ways to naturally improve memory and counteract loss of mental function. Studies suggest that DHEA may be able to combat the effects of cognitive decline as we age.
It’s not only our memory and cognitive abilities that decline. Our body’s natural DHEA production declines about 2% per year after age 25. DHEA is an important hormone precursor produced in the adrenal glands, gonads and skin. DHEA is the most abundant hormone in the bloodstream and plays a key role in maintaining our mental and physical health.
As our bodies natural DHEA production decreases after 25, many people start to experience declines in mood, begin to feel overwhelmed and generally lack the vitality they once had. In addition to the gradual decrease of DHEA production from aging, smoking and leading a high-stress life can accelerate the decline in DHEA production. Low DHEA has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and a number of studies showed a correlation with impaired visuospatial skills, short-term memory and verbal fluency.
How DHEA Can Help Improve Cognition
Studies suggest that DHEA can help reduce the effects of cognitive decline and memory loss associated with aging.
One of the most important functions of DHEA is counterbalancing cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Approximately 60% of your brain is made up of fat, most of it polyunsaturated fat that is highly prone to damage from free radicals, including those formed by high cortisol levels in the body. This damage often leads to inflammation, which is now widely regarded as an underlying cause of many degenerative diseases. DHEA exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that protect against brain cell damage. Some studies suggest that DHEA may be able to help reverse some of the negative side effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Many of the same factors that affect heart health also affect the health of your brain. This includes atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaques in blood vessels that causes reduced circulation. Your brain needs plenty of oxygen and glucose to function properly, and anything that reduces blood flow to the brain can result in damage or impairment. DHEA helps protect against plaque buildup, likely because of the same anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that keep your brain healthy.
Supplementing DHEA
When you begin looking for DHEA supplements, you might notice that there are two different kinds of supplements out there: DHEA supplements are available as oral pills and as a cream. Creams are a more effective form of delivery than pills because the DHEA in oral DHEA is mostly eliminated by the liver, and what is not destroyed by the liver ends up only increasing DHEA sulfate in the bloodstream. DHEA sulfate cannot be converted in the body into free DHEA, which is what the body uses as a precursor for the sex hormones. DHEA cream allows your body to absorb and metabolize the DHEA where it occurs naturally anyway—in the skin.
As with any healthy lifestyle changes made, for the best results, get regular exercise, eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of good clean water. Practicing stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga can also help to keep cortisol levels in check. Engaging in regular exercise to improve circulation is also an important way to help protect your brain and body from the effects of aging. Add in a pump or two of Twist 25 DHEA cream to your daily routine and feel the difference.