• Can you think as quickly as ever?
• Is your memory as sharp as it used to be? 
• Is your brain becoming more sluggish?
• Are you afraid of developing Alzheimer's?  

Such concerns of aging are legitimate. It's normal for brain energy to decline with age. But new research suggests that natural agents have the potential to help prevent the erosion of mental functioning and even re-energize and rejuvenate brain cells, helping restore youthful mental and physical vigor.    

Stop Aging Now's Brain Energizer PLUS is a proprietary blend of six all natural ingredients plus the addition of Acetyl-L-Carnitine made from 100% L-Carnipure, one of the purest forms. Because Acetyl-L-Carnitine works so well with our core Brain Energizer formula, we've bundled it together in this "PLUS" package at a 75% discount off its normal price. All seven ingredients have strong scientific evidence backing their ability to provide a broad-spectrum attack on multiple mechanisms that underlie age-related neuro-degeneration and cognitive dysfunction. These substances were chosen based on the latest evidence and discussions with experts in brain pharmacology and aging.

Here is a breakdown of the science behind each of the seven ingredients:

1. R-Alpha Lipoic Acid:

This strong antioxidant has unique abilities to enter the brain, and works wonders in rejuvenating elderly animals, say researchers. It restores short-term memory, reduces age-related decay of brain cells, and doubles physical activity in geriatric rats. "They act like rats half their age," says world-famous researcher Bruce Ames, University of California Berkeley. Alpha lipoic acid has also been used successfully to treat Alzheimer's disease. Scientists believe alpha lipoic acid benefits brain functioning by preventing or repairing damage to the brain cells' energy centers, the mitochondria, and by removing (chelating) toxic iron from aged brain cells. It is even more potent in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine.
 
Important: The natural or pure R-form of alpha lipoic acid that we use, the same form used in academic research, is far more potent and expensive than the weaker synthetic form of alpha lipoic acid commonly used in supplements.      

2. DHA:

A component of fish oil, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is essential for aging brains. DHA is concentrated in the brain cell synapses (communication centers), in the cerebral cortex (the brain's "thinking" center), and in the cell's mitochondria or energy factories. With aging, your cells lose the ability to synthesize DHA and levels drop, compromising brain functioning. Taking DHA can speed up brain wave activity, help create more synapses or communication centers in the brain, boost production of acetylcholine (the learning and memory chemical), help prevent and relieve depression, preserve memory in old age and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that people with Alzheimer's have exceptionally low blood levels of DHA. 

3. Coenzyme Q10:

CoQ10 is a brain energizer that scientists call the "cellular sparkplug." Cell concentrations of CoQ10 decline with age. Consequently, the brain's tiny energy factories, the mitochondria, churn out less of the vital chemical ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that fuels all cell activity. Lower levels of CoQ10 and ATP can cause aging brains to become sluggish. It's like "running on empty," says leading researcher Lester Packer, Ph.D., at the University of Southern California. Memory and learning abilities decline and the brain becomes more vulnerable to age-related neuro-degnerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. Feeding old animals CoQ10 restores brain cell levels to those of much younger animals, rejuvenating brain functioning, and even reversing brain degeneration, studies show. Remarkable proof of CoQ10's brain-energizing power comes from recent studies showing high doses actually slowed the progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms, such as loss of mental acuity and motor abilities. Replenishing CoQ10, say researchers, helped prevent and/or repair brain cell damage. 

4. Vitaberry: 

This superior antioxidant formulation is a unique blend of anthocyanin-rich berry extracts and fruits. Blueberries, in particular, show promise in slowing and reversing brain aging. Rats fed high-anthocyanin blueberry extract got "smarter and younger," says Tufts neuroscientist James Joseph. Their short-term memory improved, they grew new brain cells, and amazingly, their brains did not have deposits of the brain cell poison, amyloid beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Thus, says Dr. Joseph, blueberry chemicals may override a genetic vulnerability to Alzhemer's. 

5. Curcumin:

Extracted from the curry spice, turmeric, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and a promising antidote to Alzheimer's, say researchers. In UCLA tests, curcumin slashed the build-up of Alzheimer's-like toxic plaque (amyloid beta) in the brains of rats by 50 percent, and also blocked memory loss in middle-aged rats.  Curcumin may help explain why the curry-eating population of India has an extremely low rate of Alzheimer's, say scientists. The average Indian eats about 200 milligrams of curcumin daily; an equivalent dose protected the brains of UCLA rats. It's advisable to get at least 200 milligrams of curcumin daily if you are concerned about age-related cognitive decline, say UCLA researchers.    

6. Vinpocetine:

A compound from the periwinkle plant, vinpocetine has been used for three decades in Europe to "recharge mind and memory." Studies show vinpocetine increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, and may help blunt brain cell damage and memory loss due to diminished cerebral circulation. In older adults with circulation-related memory problems or mild to moderate dementia, double-blind controlled studies show that vinpocetine improved attention, concentration and memory by promoting healthy brain function. Safety is excellent, but those on blood thinning medication, such as coumadin, should check with physicians prior to use.  

7. Acetyl-L-Carnitine:

Recent research has catapulted acetyl-L-carnitine into the scientific spotlight as a potential enhancer of mental and physical energy, both alone and with alpha lipoic acid. Exciting animal studies have been done mostly at the University of California, Berkeley and at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Although the research has been done mainly in aging animals, the results have been spectacular enough to cause researchers to recommend acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid to people as a possible way of retarding or reversing brain aging with its risk of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's, and for boosting physical energy. Human studies back this up.

Since it is clear aging robs the body of acetyl-L-carnitine and such deficits appear tied to energy slumps as we age, makes sense to at least give acetyl-L-carnitine a chance to help recover some of our lost mental and physical energy. Especially when any downsides are minimal.

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Supplement Facts for Brain Energizer:

1 bottle: 60 capsules
Serving size: 2 capsules
Servings per bottle: 30 (1 month supply)

*Daily Value not established

Directions: 2 to 4 capsules daily, or as directed by a health care practitioner.

Other ingredients:  Dicalcium phosphate, silicon dioxide, vegetable magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Free of corn, milk, yeast, wheat, sugar, and preservatives.

Quality Pledge: Made in the USA in an FDA inspected facility to cGMP Pharmaceutical Grade Standards. Manufactured to meet the stringent standards of US Pharmacopeia (USP) for quality, purity, potency and disintegration.

Warnings: Not advised for pregnant or lactating women. If you are taking medication you may want to consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

SUPPLEMENT FACTS FOR ACETYL-L-CARNITINE:

Serving Size: 1 vegetable capsule

Other ingredients:  Vegetable cellulose, silicon dioxide, vegetable magnesium stearate.

Free of corn, milk, yeast, wheat, sugar, artificial colors, preservatives or animal products. Kosher.

Quality Pledge: Made in the USA in an FDA inspected facility to cGMP Pharmaceutical Grade Standards. Manufactured to meet the stringent standards of US Pharmacopeia (USP) for quality, purity, potency and disintegration.

Warnings: Not advised for pregnant or lactating women. If you are taking medication, you may want to consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

Scientists Take On the Aging Brain    

Here is recent research on six promising substances that scientists are studying as possible brain savers as we grow older.

Alpha lipoic acid

According to researchers, alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant, has unique abilities to enter the brain, and works wonders in rejuvenating the body. (Redox Rep. 2005;10(1):52-60.) It has shown promising evidence in studies that it may be able to restore short-term memory, reduce age-related decay of brain cells, and double physical activity. (FASEB J. 1999 Feb;13(2):411-8. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Apr;959:491-507.) Alpha lipoic acid has also been used successfully to treat Alzheimer's disease. Scientists believe that alpha lipoic acid benefits brain functioning by preventing or repairing damage to the brain cells' energy centers, the mitochondria, and by removing (chelating) toxic iron from aged brain cells. (Pharmacol Ther. 2007 Jan;113(1):154-64 and Redox Rep. 2005;10(1):52-60 and Neurochem Res. 2008 Jan;33(1):194-203.) It is even more potent in combination with acetyl-l-carnitine. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Apr;959:491-507; and Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Feb 19;99(4):2356-61.) Dr. Lester Packer, University of Southern California, calls alpha lipoic acid a "universal" antioxidant that offers protection against an aging brain, declining memory, strokes, heart disease, cancer and cataracts. In high doses (200-600 mg daily), alpha lipoic acid is used to prevent and lessen the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

DHA

A component of fish oil, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is essential for aging brains. DHA is concentrated in the brain cell synapses (communication centers), in the cerebral cortex (the brain's "thinking" center), and in the cell's mitochondria or energy factories. (Biochem Soc Trans. 2006 Dec;34(Pt 6):1277-82.) With aging, your cells lose the ability to synthesize DHA and levels drop, compromising brain functioning.  According to research, taking DHA can speed up brain wave activity, help create more synapses or communication centers in the brain, boost production of acetylcholine (the learning and memory chemical), help prevent and relieve depression, preserve memory in old age and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. (Altern Med Rev. 2007 Sep;12(3):207-27.) Research shows that people with Alzheimer's have exceptionally low blood levels of DHA. (Arch Neurol. 2006 Nov;63(11):1545-50.)

CoEnzyme Q10

CoQ10 is a brain energizer that scientists call the "cellular sparkplug." Cell concentrations of CoQ10 decline with age. (Biochim Biophys Acta. 1995;1271(1):195-204; and Free Radic Biol Med. 2006;40(3):480-487.) Consequently, the brain's tiny energy factories, the mitochondria, churn out less of the vital chemical ATP (adenosine triphosphate) that fuels all cell activity. Lower levels of CoQ10 and ATP can cause aging brains to become sluggish. (Biochim Biophys Acta. 2006 Jun;1762(6):616-26.) It's like "running on empty," says leading researcher Lester Packer, Ph.D., at the University of Southern California. Memory and learning abilities decline and the brain becomes more vulnerable to age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. (CNS Spectr. 2007 Jan;12(1):62-8.) Research shows promise that CoQ10 may be able to restore brain cell levels, rejuvenate brain functioning, and even reverse brain degeneration. Remarkable proof of CoQ10's brain-energizing power comes from recent studies showing high doses actually slowed the progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms, such as loss of mental acuity and motor abilities. (CNS Spectr. 2007 Jan;12(1):62-8.) Replenishing CoQ10, say researchers, helped prevent and/or repair brain cell damage. (Free Radic Res. 2006 May;40(5):445-53.)

Vitaberry™

This superior antioxidant is a unique blend of anthocyanin-rich berry extracts- and fruits. Blueberries, in particular, show promise in slowing and reversing brain aging. (Subcell Biochem. 2007;42:299-318.) According to research done by Tufts neuroscientist James Joseph, high-anthocyanin blueberry extract may help improve short-term memory, help to rejuvenate the brain, grow new brain cells, and may help counteract the deposits of the brain-cell poison, amyloid beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. (Nutr Neurosci. 2006 Oct-Dec;9(5-6):251-8 and Neurobiol Aging. 2007 May 22 [Epub ahead of print] and Neurobiol Aging. 2005 Dec;26 Suppl 1:128-32.) Thus, says Dr. Joseph, blueberry chemicals may override a genetic vulnerability to Alzheimer's.

Curcumin

Extracted from the curry spice, turmeric, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and a promising antidote to Alzheimer's, say researchers. In UCLA tests, curcumin showed promising evidence that it may slash the build-up of Alzheimer's-like toxic plaque (amyloid beta) in the brain by up to 50%, and also that it may block memory loss. (J Neurosci. 2001 Nov 1;21(21):8370-7) Curcumin may help explain why the curry-eating population of India has an extremely low rate of Alzheimer's, say scientists. The average Indian eats about 200 mg of curcumin daily; an equivalent dose shown in UCLA studies to help protect the brain.

Vinpocetine

A compound from the periwinkle plant, vinpocetine has been used for three decades in Europe to "recharge mind and memory." Studies show vinpocetine increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, (J Neurol Sci. 2002 Nov 15;203-204:259-62.) and may help blunt brain cell damage and memory loss due to diminished cerebral circulation (J Clin Pharmacol. 2005 Sep;45(9):1048-54.). In older adults with circulation-related memory problems or mild to moderate dementia, double-blind controlled studies show that vinpocetine improved attention, concentration and memory by promoting healthy brain function (Nutrition. 2003 Nov-Dec;19(11-12):957-75). Safety is excellent, but those on blood thinning medication, such as Coumadin, should check with physicians prior to use.

Acetyl-L-carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is "high octane cellular fuel." It has long been used as a mental stimulant in Europe. Studies have indicated that acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) may help to prevent age-related deterioration of brain cell energy factories called mitochondria. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Nov;1033:108-16.) Studies have also found that ACL has been beneficial in those with mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's disease, geriatric mild depression, diabetic neuropathy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome and fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis. (Altern Med Rev. 1999 Dec;4(6):438-41. Altern Med Rev. 2005 Dec;10(4):268-93.) One of the most impressive pieces of research found that older people taking acetyl-l-carnitine experienced a reduction of mental and physical fatigue, as well as improvement their cognitive and physical functioning. (Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2008 Mar-Apr;46(2):181-90.)

Why is acetyl-L-carnitine better than L-carnitine? ALC, a cousin of L-carnitine, is unique and far more biochemically powerful than L-carnitine in controlling damage to and revitalizing the mitochondria. (Pharmacol Res. 1996 Nov-Dec;34(5-6):219-24. J Nutr Biochem. 2006 Feb;17(2):73-88.) Specifically, ALC is able to enter nerve cells far better than L-carnitine can, explaining ALC's profound benefits in the brain because it-not L-carnitine— combines chemically with choline to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical to memory and other mental functioning. (Altern Med Rev. 1999 Dec;4(6):438-41.)

The research on acetyl l-carnitine has been exciting. A major review of the evidence (a meta-analysis) by a group at the Imperial College University in London, found that ALC significantly slowed the progression of cognitive impairment associated with aging. The improvements were clear in both psychometric testing and daily activities. Increased benefits of ALC showed up in three months and increased over time. (Montgomery SA, Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2003 Mar; 18(2): 61-71.)

Leading researcher Dr. Bruce Ames, University of California at Berkeley, is a proponent of ALC. He says there is evidence that acetyl-L-carnitine may help energize and rejuvenate the brain. He advises taking acetyl-L-carnitine along with alpha lipoic acid. The reason: According to studies conducted by Dr. Ames in collaboration with Tory Hagen at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, the combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid show that they may produce greater revivals of mental and physical activity than either supplement alone. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2002 Feb 19;99(4):1870-5. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2002 Feb 19;99(4):2356-61.)

Maximize the potential of ALC! Be sure to maximize the potential of acetyl-L-carnitine by adding alpha lipoic acid. The potency of acetyl-L-carnitine is enhanced when taken along with alpha lipoic acid (Redox Rep. 2008;13(1):2-10. FASEB J. 2007 Nov;21(13):3756-62.) which is found in potent doses in all of our Multi Nutrient Formulas and our Brain Energizer Formula.

How does acetyl-L-carnitine work? ACL helps control enzymes that keep the cells' mitochondrial furnaces stocked with fuel. As bodies age, their carnitine levels plunge. "Carnitine is badly depleted during aging," says Dr. Hagen. Research shows blood levels of ACL steadily decline after age 40 in humans. Lacking carnitine, the cellular factories don't burn as brightly or as robustly, triggering a kind of massive but gradual brown out that hits billions and billions of cells simultaneously. Understandably, this prompts a slowdown in the body's mental and physical activity, which is a hallmark of aging. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2002 Feb 19;99(4):1870-5. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2002 Feb 19;99(4):2356-61. FASEB J. 2007 Nov;21(13):3756-62.)

Dr. Ames became fascinated by acetyl-L-carnitine, which he noted in the mid-1990's was being sold in Rome as a "pick-me-up" supplement. It makes sense, Ames says, because ALC fires up cellular furnaces by helping transport fatty acid-fuel through cell membranes and into the mitochondria. The more ALC, the more fuel, the more vigorous the combustion or metabolism, the more energy produced, and the more efficiently and brightly the mitochondria perform. ALC also protects the brain cells' mitochondria from age-related decay due to attacks from free radical chemicals. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun;1019:406-11.)

So if ALC is lost to aging, why not replenish it and see what happens? Research studies done by Drs. Ames and Hagen have shown that there is strong evidence that ALC produces a strong rebound of energy. Their studies have shown that free radical damage to mitochondria may be substantially curbed by taking a combination of acetyl-L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. As well, there has been new research showing that acetyl-L-carnitine has shown that it may delay the progression of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. (Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Nov;1033:108-16. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun;1019:406-11.)

According to a recent study, the progression of mild cognitive impairment, which is thought to precede Alzheimer's, was slowed within three months of taking high doses of ALC, between 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily. (Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003 Mar;18(2):61-71.)

How safe is it? Acetyl-L-carnitine is considered overall to be safe, but some experts suggest that individuals may react differently, and could become over stimulated. Dr. Ames recommends a dose of 500 mg twice daily.

Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about how much acetyl-L-carnitine you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking it. Do not take more acetyl-L-carnitine or take it more often than what is written on the directions.

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.