To bring much-needed attention to Brain Health Awareness Week (March 16-22), Cognizin—an allergen-free form of the brain nutrient citicoline—released national survey data that sheds light on consumer concerns related to brain health and function.
 
Among the notable results, the survey found that 57% of Americans fear reduction in brain function more than physical decline (43%). Additionally, more than half (54%) of survey respondents admit to having trouble remembering names, while 30% admit to not remembering friends’ or family members’ birthdays. The survey also showed forgetfulness is prevalent in younger Americans. The majority of millennials (59%) report frequent forgetfulness during their morning routines, with most forgetting keys (32%), cell phones (28%), and to turn off appliances (21%).
 
Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to combat cognitive decline. According to leading neuroscientist, Dr. Deborah Yurgelun-Todd, diet and exercise are two of the best ways to care for the brain. “Individuals should establish good brain health habits like eating healthy foods with omega-3 fatty acids—monounsaturated fatty acids have been found to deliver nutrients to the brain—and staying active, exercising to reduce stress and tension.”
 
Dr. Deborah Yurgelun-Todd is a leading researcher and professor at the Brain Institute at the University of Utah.  She has more than 20 years of experience leading brain health research, using the most advanced tools in the U.S. In addition to studying healthy lifestyle habits that impact brain health, Dr. Yurgelun-Todd is one of only five researchers in the U.S. who has studied the brain nutrient citicoline. In fact, her in-depth citicoline studies account for one-tenth of her total body of published research. Dr. Yurgelun–Todd’s most recently published citicoline study found that by supplementing with Cognizin citicoline, over the course of six weeks, study participants made 28% fewer commission errors during memory recall tests.
 
In a separate study, Dr. Yurgelun–Todd saw an increase in the formation of brain membranes by 35% and restoration of brain energy by 13.6%. “This study shows the significant positive effects that Cognizin citicoline can bring to healthy individuals who decide to use citicoline as a daily supplement,” said Dr. Yurgelun-Todd.  
 
Citicoline is referred to by the scientific community as a “brain nutrient” because it aids the production of a critical building block in brain cells. While the brain produces its own levels of citicoline naturally—to protect its cell membranes’ integrity and help ward off disease—studies show that oral supplementation of citicoline allows for improved transport of critical nutrients and signal-sending neurotransmitters in the brain.
 
Consumer awareness of the brain nutrient citicoline remains low despite years of positive research, including a study published in the international, peer-reviewed journal, Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, which found that citicoline improved memory deficits in the elderly. In the placebo-controlled study, a group of elderly subjects who exhibited memory deficits (without dementia) were observed after administration of 1,000 mg and 500 mg of citicoline. After a four-week administration period, results indicated that citicoline improved memory in free recall tasks and resulted in significant improvement in word recall.
 
In a separate study, also conducted by Dr. Yurgelun-Todd, Cognizin citicoline, over a 28-day supplementation period, produced improved cognitive scores on attention and performance in the study participants. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 60 healthy adult women, aged 40 to 60, using a daily oral supplement of 250 or 500 mg and was published in Food and Nutrition Sciences.
 
Dr. Yurgelun–Todd noted that citicoline supplementation is another way consumers can positively impact their overall brain health. “Cognizin citicoline is a powerful, well-researched supplement that is already naturally produced in the brain,” she said. “It plays a major role in healthy brain function—especially when it comes to boosting memory and concentration.”