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Recommendation Number 6:
Cognitex with NeuroProtection Complex

DOSAGE: 3 softgels in the morning with or without food.

Preserve Brain Cell 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 Foundation 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 current ongoing study, Cognitex has been clinically proven to increase mental focus and promote cognitive planning and organizational acuity. This same 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 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 Pterostilbene, the other blueberry constituent, helps maintain healthy lipid and glucose levels in those already within normal range.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

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.11 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. These polyphenols also improve blood circulation in the brain.12-14

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 often 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 resulting in 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.15-19

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.20

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.21,22

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.23,24

Alpha-GPC also plays a key role in both the synthesis and the catabolic recycling of phospholipids in the brain.Alpha-GPC supplementation may result in an increased rate of phospholipid synthesis, including the phosphoinositides available for signal transduction at central nervous system level.25

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.

Just three softgels of Cognitex contain the following nutrients:

Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (A-GPC)

600 mg

Uridine-5’-Monophosphate (disodium)

50 mg

Phosphatidylserine
(Sharp-PS® GOLD conjugated
Phosphatidylserine-DHA)

100 mg

Vinpocetine

20 mg

Leucoselect® Phytosome™
[containing 50 mg of grape seed (Vitis vinifera)
procyanidin extract complexed with soy
(Glycine max) phospholipids (bean)]

150 mg

Wild Blueberry 130:1 Extract
(Vaccinium angustifolium) (fruit)
[std. to 4.9% Total Anthocyanins (7.35 mg)

150 mg

Sensoril® Ashwagandha extract
(Withania somnifera) (root and leaves)
[standardized to 8% withanolide
glycoside conjugates (10 mg)]

125 mg

Proprietary NeuroProtection Complex Blend
   Perluxan™ Hops Standardized Extract
    (Humulus lupulus) (cones)
   Ginger Standardized Extract
    (rhizome) (Zinigiber officinale)
   Rosemary Standardized extract
    (leaves) (Rosmarinus officinalis)

125 mg
Pregnenolone+ 50 mg
+Cognitex is also available without pregnenolone.
Sharp-PS® GOLD is a registered trademark of Enzymotec Ltd.
Leucoselect® is a registered trademark of Indena S.p.A.
Phytosome™ is a trademark of Indena S.p.A.
Perluxan™ is used with permission.
Sensoril® is protected under US Patents Nos. 6,153,198 and 6,713,092
and is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.

A bottle containing 90 softgels of Cognitex, with or without pregnenolone, retails for $74 and $72, respectively. If a member purchases four or more bottles, the price drops to $49.95 and $48, 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.

Caution: Pregnenolone may affect hormone levels, so those with hormonal cancers such as prostate or breast cancer should use Cognitex without pregnenolone. Based on animal research, those with epilepsy or a predisposition to brain seizures may want to avoid pregnenolone. If you are taking Warfarin (Coumadin®), consult with your physician before using this product.

More Info on Brain Cell Function (Cognitex)

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Brain Health, Brain Supplements, Cognitex
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Preserve Brain Cell Function
Top Ten Nutritional Supplements
1: Multivitamins and Minerals
(Life Extension Mix™)
2: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
3: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
4: Mitochondrial Function (MEO)
5: Hormone Balance (DHEA)
6: Brain Cell Function (Cognitex)
7: Bone Health (for women and men)
7a: Prostate Health (for men only)
8: Neural and Hepatic Health (SAMe)
9: Cardiovascular Health (Aspirin)
10: Vitamin K, Gamma Tocopherol (Super Booster Softgels)

References

1. Unpublished study. Enzymotec 2008.

2. Cansev M. Uridine and cytidine in the brain: their transport and utilization. Brain Res Rev. 2006 Sep;52(2):389-97.

3. Wang L, Albrecht MA, Wurtman RJ. Dietary supplementation with uridine-5’-monophosphate (UMP), a membrane phosphatide precursor, increases acetylcholine level and release in striatum of aged rat. Brain Res. 2007 Feb 16;1133(1):42-8.

4. Williams CM, El Mohsen MA, Vauzour D, et al. Blueberry-induced changes in spatial working memory correlate with changes in hippocampal CREB phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Free Radic Biol Med. 2008 Aug 1;45(3):295-305.

5. Kalt W, Blumberg JB, McDonald JE, et al. Identification of anthocyanins in the liver, eye, and brain of blueberry-fed pigs. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Feb 13;56(3):705-12.

6. Rimando AM, Nagmani R, Feller DR, et al. Pterostilbene, a new agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha-isoform, lowers plasma lipoproteins and cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 May 4;53(9):3403-7.

7. Lazzé MC, Pizzala R, Savio M, et al. Anthocyanins protect against DNA damage induced by tert-butyl-hydroperoxide in rat smooth muscle and hepatoma cells. Mutat Res. 2003 Feb 5;535(1):103-15.

8. Amenta F, Parnetti L, Gallai V, et al. Treatment of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease with cholinergic precursors. Ineffective treatments or inappropriate approaches? Mech Ageing Dev. 2001 Nov;122(16):2025-40.

9. Schreiber S, Kampf-Sherf O, Gorfine M, et al. An open trial of plant-source derived phosphatydilserine for treatment of age-related cognitive decline. Isr J Psychiatry Relat Sci. 2000;37(4):302-7.

10. Kidd PM. Neurodegeneration from mitochondrial insufficiency: nutrients, stem cells, growth factors, and prospects for brain rebuilding using integrative management. Altern Med Rev. 2005 Dec;10(4):268-93.

11. Satoh T, Kosaka K, Itoh K, et al. Carnosic acid, a catechol-type electrophilic compound, protects neurons both in vitro and in vivo through activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway via S-alkylation of targeted cysteines on Keap1. J Neurochem. 2008 Feb;104(4):1116-31

12. Ono K, Condron MM, Ho L, et al. Effects of grape seed-derived polyphenols on amyloid beta-protein self-assembly and cytotoxicity. J Biol Chem. 2008 Nov 21;283(47):32176-87.

13. Wang J, Ho L, Zhao W, et al. Grape-derived polyphenolics prevent Abeta oligomerization and attenuate cognitive deterioration in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. J Neurosci. 2008 Jun 18;28(25):6388-92.

14. Balu M, Sangeetha P, Murali G, et al. Modulatory role of grape seed extract on age-related oxidative DNA damage in central nervous system of rats. Brain Res Bull. 2006 Feb 15;68(6):469-73.

15. Peng CH, Su JD, Chyau CC, et al. Supercritical fluid extracts of rosemary leaves exhibit potent anti-inflammation and anti-tumor effects. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007 Sep;71(9):2223-32.

16. Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza CG. Ginger—an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):125-32.

17. Tripathi S, Maier KG, Bruch D, et al. Effect of 6-gingerol on pro-inflammatory cytokine production and costimulatory molecule expression in murine peritoneal macrophages. J Surg Res. 2007 Apr;138(2):209-13.

18. Tripathi S, Bruch D, Kittur DS. Ginger extract inhibits LPS induced macrophage activation and function. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2008 Jan 3;8:1.

19. Kou Y, Inaba H, Kato T, et al. Inflammatory responses of gingival epithelial cells stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis vesicles are inhibited by hop-associated polyphenols. J Periodontol. 2008 Jan;79(1):174-80.

20. Valikovics A. [Investigation of the effect of vinpocetine on cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions] Ideggyogy Sz. 2007 Jul 30;60(7-8):301-10.

21. Taglialatela G, Navarra D, Olivi A, et al. Neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells stimulated by acetyl-L-carnitine arginine amide. Neurochem Res. 1995 Jan;20(1):1-9.

22. Ando S, Tadenuma T, Tanaka Y, et al. Enhancement of learning capacity and cholinergic synaptic function by carnitine in aging rats. J Neurosci Res. 2001 Oct 15;66(2):266-71.

23. Sershen H, Harsing LG Jr, Banay-Schwartz M, et al. Effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on the dopaminergic system in aging brain. J Neurosci Res. 1991 Nov;30(3):555-9.

24. Harsing LG Jr, Sershen H, Toth E, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine releases dopamine in rat corpus striatum: an in vivo microdialysis study. Eur J Pharmacol. 1992 Jul 21;218(1):117-21.

25. Aleppo G, Nicoletti F, Sortino MA, et al. Chronic L-alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline increases inositol phosphate formation in brain slices and neuronal cultures. Pharmacol Toxicol. 1994 Feb;74(2):95-100.

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