Memory loss and other cognitive conditions are issues that a large number of people start to worry about as they age. Many people believe that these problems are natural and inevitable consequences of ageing, something that regardless of what is done cannot be avoided.
Of course, this is not true. Human brains are capable of creating new brain cells at any given age, and diet plays an essential role in how often, and how effectively, they can do so.
Most natural whole foods contain properties that can help keep the minds in good shape. Studies show that many herbs and spices are beneficial to enhance memory.
Ginger isn’t just a spice! In Arabian folklore, ginger has been claimed to improve memory. Moreover, it has also been traditionally used as an ingredient for cognitive enhancement.
In addition to ginger’s already-known health-boosting properties such as reducing motion sickness and nausea, having a soothing effect on the digestive tract and being a common remedy for colds, researchers corroborate the fact that ginger can also help to support memory and cognitive function in middle-aged women.
In the study, published in 2012 issue of the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 60 healthy women receiving the ginger supplement reported a significant improvement in cognitive functions and an enhanced working memory compared to the placebo group.
These were women who received either a placebo or a ginger standardised extract of 400 milligramme or 800 milligramme daily for two months. They were between 50 and 60 of age and reside in Thailand.
The women’s cognitive function and memory at the beginning of the study and again after one and two months of supplementation was assessed.
Conditions that could produce the disturbance of cognitive function such as any history of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, neuropsychological disease, head injury, diabetes, cancer, alcohol addiction, and smoking were excluded in the participants.
Individuals taking prescribed, non-prescribed drugs, or nutraceutical compounds known to influence the function of the nervous system were excluded.
The researchers found that daily ginger intake, especially at higher amount, led to improvements in four key brain functions: power of attention, accuracy of attention, speed of memory, and quality of memory.
According to them, “ginger extract enhances both attention and cognitive processing capabilities of healthy, middle-aged women, with no side effects reported. Our data revealed that ginger extract is a potential brain tonic to enhance cognitive function for middle-aged women.”
The researchers, noting that more research is needed to fully comprehend the mechanism behind this effect, suggested that the cognitive enhancing effect of this plant extract on working memory observed in this study might be partly related to its antioxidant effect.
While the side effect of ginger extract is rare, they hinted of the possibility of some minor adverse effects at higher doses such as gastro-intestinal disturbance, sleepiness, restlessness, sedation, and heartburn.
Moreover, the researchers stated that the use of ginger in enhancing memory and improve cognitive function should be performed with caution because of the possibility of the extract also possibly interacting with medications, including anaesthesia, anticoagulants, and analgesics leading to arrhythmias, poor wound healing, bleeding, photosensitivity reaction, and prolonged sedation.
Ginger can be used in different ways. Peeled and diced fresh ginger root can be added to soups and dishes. The root can also be steeped in hot water or added to tea. Ginger in its powder form can be used in baked foods and roasted foods such as Suya and Kunu drink.
Modern science has also verified claims and demonstrated that green tea, omega-3 fats and cocoa beans improve cognition and memory in young adults.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience, naturally occurring flavanols found in cocoa may reverse memory decline by as much as 20 or even 30 years.
Identifying cognitive decline onset is crucial for effective medical interventions. The earlier cognitive deterioration can be spotted; the better medical treatments tend to be.
Robust evidence showing cognitive decline before the age of 60 has important ramifications because it demonstrates the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles, particularly cardiovascular health, as there is emerging evidence that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.
Nonetheless, hormonal changes and stress are two of the main factors influencing cognitive functions in middle-aged women. Cognitive difficulties include memory loss and mild cognitive impairment, two factors frequently related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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