Cognitex® with NeuroProtection Complex

Preserve Brain Function

Many factors can conspire to rob us of mental acuity as we age, but scientists have discovered natural agents which have the potential to slow or even reverse this once inevitable decline.

Since 1982, a multi-nutrient formula called Cognitex® has been used by Life Extension members to protect and enhance neurological function. Over the years, Cognitex® has been improved in accordance with the latest research on the underlying causes of brain aging. Cognitex® contains the latest ingredients shown to provide broad-spectrum protection against the multiple mechanisms involved in neurological degeneration.

According to a recent study, Cognitex® has been clinically shown to increase mental focus and promote cognitive planning and organizational acuity. This ongoing study has also found that the ability to retain spatial relationships (like the distance between cars while driving), memory recall and recognition were also affected beneficially — and all within as short of a time frame as two weeks!1

UMP – Naturally Found in Mother’s Milk

The latest addition to the Cognitex® formula is uridine-5’-monophosphate, a critical brain nutrient. Uridine-5’-monophosphate (UMP) is a basic building block of RNA and DNA as well as of phosphatides such as phosphatidylcholine that are critical to optimal brain function and neuronal cell membranes. Naturally found in the milk of nursing mothers, UMP is essential not only for the growth and development of infant brains but also for healthy cognitive function in aging adults.2 Animal studies suggest that dietary supplementation with UMP may increase brain acetylcholine and phosphatide levels, and enhance some cholinergic functions.3

Blueberry Extracts

The Cognitex® formula provides critical plant extracts that support healthy brain function, such as blueberry extract standardized with both anthocyanins and pterostilbene.

Blueberry anthocyanins are considered one of nature’s most potent antioxidants and have demonstrated neurological properties that extend well beyond suppressing free radicals.4,5 Preclinical research suggests that pterostilbene, another blueberry constituent, helps maintain healthy lipid and glucose levels.6 Importantly, through their unique biological effects, pterostilbene and anthocyanins may help support DNA structure.7

Phosphatidylserine

As a crucial building block of all cell membranes, phosphatidylserine (PS) is required for normal cellular structure and function. In fact, brain tissues are especially rich in this nutrient. However, aging causes a decline of PS content in cells throughout the body, including brain cells, which can lead to cognitive decline. By stimulating production of acetylcholine, supplemental PS has been shown to improve the condition of patients experiencing age-associated memory impairment or cognitive decline.8,9 Thus, replacing this brain food is essential.

The Life Extension Cognitex® formula contains phosphatidylserine conjugated with a compound that mimics the naturally occurring PS in the brain. Sharp-PS® GOLD fortified with omega-3 fatty acids delivers PS to the brain to help retard the cognitive degeneration so often seen with advanced age. These unique nutrients have been extensively studied and may be of tremendous benefit for the aging brain.10,11

More Protection Against Free Radicals

The brain is a highly active organ that produces high levels of free radicals. These free radicals can bombard the fatty membranes of neurons and other brain cells causing premature loss of function. Cognitex® contains a number of phytonutrient-based antioxidants that work best in a lipid (fat) rich environment like the brain.

While antioxidant nutrients provide essential free radical protection, many have limited capacity once they have spared an electron to balance a free radical. Cognitex® contains a novel rosemary extract that is rich in carnosic acid, which provides multi-step protection against free radicals in a process called the carnosic acid cascade.12 At each step of free radical interaction a new compound is formed, which in turn is a powerful antioxidant in itself.

Bioavailable to the Brain

Nutritional support for the brain is challenging as a barrier called the blood-brain barrier keeps out toxins as well as beneficial nutrients and drugs. Cognitex® contains a grape seed extract called Leucoselect® Phytosome™. By pairing proanthocyanidins from grape seed extract with phosphatides from soy lecithin (as is done with Leucoselect® Phytosome™), the uptake and distribution to target tissues of the grape seed polyphenols is enhanced.

Once in the brain, the grape seed polyphenols trap dangerous hydroxyl free radicals that turn fat rancid. These fats make up the outer lipid membrane of trillions of brain cells. Leucoselect® Phytosome™ polyphenols improve age-related cognitive deterioration, and reduce age-related oxidative damage and cerebral amyloid deposition. Preclinical studies also suggest that these polyphenols could improve blood circulation in the brain.13-15

Molecular Size Matters

High blood levels of grape seed proanthocyanidins do not ensure an extract is going to have a beneficial effect on the brain. Polyphenols with higher molecular weight cannot be absorbed. Leucoselect® Phytosome™ contains smaller size molecules for advanced neurological activity.

A Difference You Can Feel

Taking dietary supplements can be an act of faith as we often cannot feel what they are doing. Cognitex® provides the patented, non-stimulating agent called Sensoril®, a proprietary standardized extract of ashwagandha. This herb is used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine for boosting brain function and alleviating mental fatigue. Advanced extraction practices allow for a highly concentrated yet balanced brain nutrient. The effects can often be felt immediately with greater alertness and focus, but without jitteriness.

Sensoril® also helps modulate the stress response,16-19 which has a negative impact on cortisol excretion. Stress can be very damaging to the brain, especially memory function, and cortisol stimulates the body to release sugar (glucose) into the bloodstream.

Cognitex® additionally provides a NeuroProtection Complex consisting of highly concentrated standardized extracts of hops, ginger, and rosemary that help suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines.20-24

Circulation and Cognitive Health

Brain cells such as neurons are fed by blood vessels. Some of these micro-capillaries can be so small that red blood cells carrying oxygen have difficulty passing through them. Neurons are the key structure for cognitive functions including memory. Vinpocetine enhances blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood viscosity. Vinpocetine enhances cerebral metabolism by helping to maintain healthy blood flow and glucose levels in those already within normal range, which enhances oxygen utilization.25-28

Boosting the Acetylcholine Neurotransmitter

L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC), an acetylcholine precursor, is naturally present in all the body’s cells. Its importance to life and safety as a supplement is evidenced by its substantial presence in human breast milk.29,30

Acetylcholine is an essential neurotransmitter involved in muscle control, sleep, and cognition. Acetylcholine decline coincides with advancing age, and is a hallmark of neurodegenerative decline. Alpha-GPC is crucial for the production of acetylcholine in the brain.

Alpha-GPC also plays a key role in both the synthesis and the catabolic recycling of phospholipids in the brain and supports healthy brain function.31-34 Alpha-GPC may positively affect phospholipid synthesis, including the phosphoinositides available for signal transduction at central nervous system level.29

Cognitex® is also available with pregnenolone. Concentrations of this critical hormone are much higher in the brain, and studies show that pregnenolone has numerous mental benefits. All these ingredients work synergistically to promote optimal cognitive function.

A bottle containing 90 softgels of Cognitex®, with and without pregnenolone, retails for $74 and $72, respectively. If a member purchases four or more bottles, the price drops to $49.95 each and $48 each, respectively. If a member purchases a year’s supply (12 bottles), the price per bottle with or without pregnenolone drops to $48.00 each and $46.50 each, respectively.

Now also available — value-priced Cognitex® Basics, for members who want a more cost-effective cognitive support product. For more information on all three Cognitex® versions please refer to the Brain section of this Directory.

Caution: Pregnenolone may affect levels of other hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, testosterone and/or DHEA. Do not take this product if you have a history of seizures. Do not take this product if you have breast cancer, prostate cancer, or other hormone-sensitive diseases. If you are taking anti-coagulant or anti-platelet medications, or have a bleeding disorder, consult with your physician before using this product.

More Info on Brain Cell Function (Cognitex®)