How often do you worry about your memory? How frequently do you forget why you entered a room or struggle to remember someone’s name? And do you worry that these episodes of forgetting might portend something worse? Perhaps it’s not just occasional forgetfulness but the beginning of a memory decline? Have you considered checking your situation out or even getting professionally examined just to make sure? It’s almost a right of passage for those entering our later years to have these thoughts and concerns. For some insights (and reassurance) that the occasional forgetfulness is perfectly normal, click here. If you want to test yourself with an online test, just to make sure, click here. And for tips on how to shore up your short-term memory and lessen those periods of feeling momentarily lost, click here.

Speaking of memory, you may recall that last spring, agebuzz reported on a pair of studies researching the use of a daily multivitamin as a way to preserve memory. A third study examining the link between multivitamin supplements and memory has just been published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The results further support the hypothesis that a daily multivitamin may be a valuable tool to help maintain and protect brain pathways responsible for episodic memory and global cognition. In this new study, researchers from Mass General Brigham along with investigators from other research institutions used a series of in-person visits involving over 570 participants to determine if a daily multivitamin had a measurable impact in preventing memory loss and slowing cognitive aging in older adults.

The researchers report that a daily multivitamin, containing 20 essential micronutrients, did help prevent memory loss and slow cognitive aging (in fact, they report cognitive decline was slowed by as much as 2 years in comparison to participants taking a placebo). However other experts are not yet convinced that this study should lead to the widespread recommendation of taking a daily multivitamin. (It’s useful to know that multivitamins are the most common supplement taken in the US and more than 1 in 3 US adults say they take a multivitamin regularly). Despite the evidence from these studies, scientists are not yet sure why the multivitamin seems to have this positive effect and which of the nutrients in the vitamin specifically are beneficial. It is thought that further studies, with a larger and more diverse patient population (this most recent study was only 2% non-white) are needed to better understand the connection and its value in memory preservation and cognitive aging. 

So while your physician might not recommend you start a multivitamin based on this study, if you don’t already take one, there is a consensus that a healthy diet and other lifestyle behaviors, such as exercise and sufficient sleep, can help benefit your brain and preserve your memory. A few weeks ago we reported on the value of a healthy diet and physical activity as a way to boost brain volume, thereby supporting the preservation of memory. As a reminder of that study, get ready to move and read here.