Can brain nutrients really alter our brain chemistry, prevent memory loss and even make us smarter? Based on clinical scientific research, I believe they can.

When Alan, 54, CEO of a rising computer firm, first came to me with diminished cognition, I immediately put him on a combined program of brain nutrients and a reduced-fat diet. In only a few weeks he saw dramatic results and felt restored to his previous vigor and mental acuity. At the core of this transformation were these five nutrients: Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, co-enzyme Q-10, phophatidylserine and DHA.

The first of these core nutrients is vitamin E, a prime antioxidant--or free radical scavenger--which protects nerve cells from damage. As we age it actually retards the progression of moderate Alzheimer's into a more advanced stage. In non-Alzheimer's individuals it may even delay onset. In a now-famous study, high doses of vitamin E slowed the progress of Alzheimer's for up to seven months. I prescribe a typical dosage of 800 IU daily although following the results of the above research studies, a dosage of 2000 IU daily is recommended for those already experiencing diminished capacity from early Alzheimer's disease.

The second nutrient, ginkgo biloba, is widely accepted for its "smart drug" properties. This herb, derived from the bark of the gingko tree, increases blood from to the tiny blood vessels in the brain and works against free radicals. Phosphatidylserine (a fat derived from lecithin) additionally works to improve attention, concentration, mood and short-term memory. Nutrients are thus able to enter brain cells more easily and support the function of neurotransmitters. In contrast to drugs with a higher side effect profile, ginkgo biloba--along with vitamin E--have virtually none. Those taking anticoagulants need only reduce their dosage and thus eliminate the risk of excessive blood thinning. Ginkgo can also improve the retention of learned behavior, with profound effects on learning, recall and short-term memory formation. A study of 80 healthy women in Germany showed that those taking 600 mg of ginkgo experienced significant improvement of short-term memory only one hour later. Another study of 202 Alzheimer's patients in New York found that after only six months these patients showed substantial improvements in both mental performance and social functioning. In yet another 1997 American study, Alzheimer's patients were given 120 mg of ginkgo daily for a year. After one year of interim testing these patients (27 percent) showed a four percent gain while another 37 percent displayed overall improvement in general functioning.

In my own prescribed treatment, I recommend a ginkgo biloba dosage ranging from 90-240 mg daily. Those wishing to monitor themselves for improvement should begin to see results in 8-12 weeks although in some cases 24 weeks might be a more realistic time frame since areas of the brain long deprived of oxygen do take longer to rejuvenate. I firmly believe that ginkgo, plus other brain nutrients, will not only improve our minds, but also keep them from declining with age.

The third nutrient is coenzyme Q-10, commonly used for improving heart health. Within my program its place is as a "neuroprotective agent" which protects nerve cells from damage by free radicals. CoQ10 is found naturally in mitochondria and is essential to energy production in all of our cells. I recommend dosages of approximately 100 mg daily.

The fourth nutrient, phophatidylserine, improves short-term memory, mood, concentration and the performances of everyday activities. This nutrient is a negatively charged phospholipid that is almost exclusively located in all cell membranes. It has a set of unique physiological properties that are important to neuronal functions, including stimulation of neurotransmitter release, activation of the ion-transport mechanism and increase of glucose and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in the brain. In the aging brain, a decline in these functions is associated with memory impairment and deficits in cognitive abilities. Phosphatidylserine has been the subject of 23 studies, 12 of which were double-blind in the United States and abroad. The findings indicate that PS improves short-term memory and other important daily functions. Although early research used bovine PS, concern over possible slow viral infection prompted the search for an alternative plant source. A novel PS product made by an enzymatic conversion of soy lecithin has now been developed and has been shown to be beneficial in patients with memory loss, including those with Alzheimer's disease. Additional studies show that PS does help people with memory problems to improve their concentration, recall of names, faces and phone numbers. With my patients I prescribe a dosage of 100-300 mg daily, depending on severity of symptoms.

The fifth core nutrient is DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid derived from both fish and algae. I have developed my own product, BRAIN CARE, which contains an algae-based DHA as well as other brain-specific nutrients. I recommend two to six pills per day, depending on need.

Whether or not the issue is Alzheimer's, aging or stressful living, I believe that people can lead lives of increased mental power and sustainable memory. Long-term results like those of Alan, who after one year continues a profile of mental potency, dismiss any placebo effect and point to a bright future for all Americans. I also want to emphasis the synergistic quality of these nutrients which, when taken collectively, reduce the specific dosage for each separate nutrient. Taken in combination, these nutrients are protective, regenerative, therapeutic and clinically proven. I am convinced, and my work with patients conclusively shows, that our minds are not biologically doomed to decline and dementia. When viewed from all sides--medical, emotional and spiritual--it is clear that we are the capable guardians of our own brain longevity.