SYNAPTAID® has been specifically formulated to support healthy brain function and counter the known mechanisms involved in ‘brain ageing’, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
SYNAPTAID’s unique formulation is based on three lines of evidence:
1. INSIGHTS FROM NEUROSCIENCE regarding healthy brain function, as well as the processes known to cause cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
2. CLINICAL STUDIES – including research into the impact of nutrients and other natural agents on the health and functioning of the brain.
3. CLINICAL EXPERIENCE – specifically, the agents that have been found to reliably bring tangible improvements in cognitive function.
SYNAPTAID´S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:
Active ingredients in SYNAPTAID® include Lion’s Mane mushroom, cinnamon, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iodine and vitamin D. Learn more about each of these agents and the evidence for their role in brain health below.
LION’S MANE MUSHROOM
Lion’s Mane mushroom (Hericeum erinaceus) has a long-standing reputation as a brain-supporting agent. SYNAPTAID® contains concentrated Lion’s Mane extracts that contains substances known as ‘hericenones’ and ‘erinacines’. Animals studies show that both these classes of substances have the ability to stimulate the production of what is known as ‘brain-derived neurotrophic factor´ (BDNF) [1,2]. BDNF helps protect against ‘brain atrophy’ (shrinking of the brain during ageing), and promotes ‘neuroplasticity’ (the formation of new connections in the brain to facilitate learning and memory).
Animal studies show that Lion’s Mane has the ability to stimulate regeneration of brain cells – specifically in a part of the brain called the ‘hippocampus’ [3]. The hippocampus is involved in functions such as memory and orientation, and it’s the part of the brain usually most affected in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
CINNAMON
Cinnamon is perhaps best known as a culinary spice, though it has a long history of use in traditional medicine. One known effect of cinnamon is its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve the functioning of the hormone insulin [5,6]. This has particular relevance to dementia as raised blood sugar levels and impaired insulin functioning (‘insulin resistance’) have been recognised as a potential cause of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, in some cases, Alzheimer’s disease is referred to as ‘type 3 diabetes’.
Beyond its ability to counter blood sugar issues, cinnamon has a range of other effects that can support healthy brain function [7]. For example, cinnamon has the ability to combat a potentially damaging biochemical process known as ‘oxidative stress’ (also referred to as ‘free radical damage’), as well as having anti-inflammatory effects. Again, this is important as these processes are implicated in ‘brain fog’, cognitive impairment, and dementia.
FOLATE, VITAMIN B6 AND VITAMIN B12
The inclusion of these B-vitamins in SYNAPTAID® relates to their known ability to lower levels of the amino acid homocysteine. Higher levels of homocysteine are a known risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
In one study, individuals with cognitive impairment and relatively high levels of homocysteine treated with these three nutrients saw a slowing of brain atrophy over time [11]. Allied research has found that this same treatment regime also improved ‘global cognitive function’ [12].
The research shows that even individuals homocysteine levels in the ‘normal range’ can benefit from supplementation with folate, B6 and B12. It has been suggested that some benefits here may come due some direct effect of one or more of the nutrients, in addition to their ability to lower homocysteine.
IODINE
Iodine is what is known as a ‘trace mineral’ – meaning that it is required in very small dosages. Iodine is known to be essential for healthy cognitive function, and deficiency of this nutrient is recognised as the most common cause mental impairment in the World.
One of iodine’s roles is as an essential element of hormones produced by the thyroid that regulate metabolism and a wide range of processes in the body and brain. For example, iodine assists the production of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) including serotonin (mood enhancing), acetylcholine (important for cognitive functions including learning and recall) and dopamine (important for mental energy, drive and reward).
Even a mild deficiency of thyroid hormones can impair brain function and lead to issues such as poor memory and concentration and ‘brain fog’.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is perhaps best known for its ability to help build and maintain healthy bone. However, vitamin D is, in fact, a hormone, and evidence amassed over the last decade shows it has far-reaching actions that are beneficial to both the body and brain.
One of vitamin D’s actions in the body is to quell inflammation [13], giving it the potential to counter a major driver of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (‘neuroinflammation’). In addition, vitamin D has been found to increase the clearance of beta-amyloid – one of the proteins which typically affects the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease [14]. Studies in animals shows that treatment with vitamin D has the capacity to retard and even reverse cognitive issues [15].
In humans, there is a wealth of evidence linking lower levels of vitamin D with increased risk of impaired cognitive function and Alzheimer’s disease [16]. Crucially, vitamin D deficiency and ‘insufficiency’ are extremely common [17,18].
*refences found on https://www.synaptaid.co.uk/pages/why-synaptaid
