Your brain is beyond a masterpiece, really. For example, did you know that your brain knows where others are even when you’re not thinking about it? New research shows that the human brain can generate a common code to mark where other people are in relation to ourselves. The lead author of this study commented that their results “imply that our brains create a universal signature to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.”
Wait, there’s more. Brain research is fast and furious. For example, this year (2021), new neuroscience research has revealed that both the cerebral cortex and the entire auditory pathway represent sounds according to prior expectations. Meaning – frequently, you hear what you expect to hear. Another new study found that an individual’s interpretation of the direction of gravity can be altered by how his or her brain responds to visual information.
Oh, and researchers can now predict how you will feel when you hear certain music. One team recently discovered what type of neural mechanisms are the basis for emotional responses to music.
But there’s also new research showing that a simple act of taking a dietary supplement can help you improve your cognitive abilities.
This multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to investigate the effect of 6 months P. minor extract supplement (IQ200®) on cognition, mood, biomarkers, and brain activation among older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
A total of 30 older adults with MCI (60–75-year-old) were randomized into IQ200® and placebo groups. Each subject consumed one capsule of IQ200® (250 mg/capsule) or placebo twice daily for 6 months. Cognitive function and mood were assessed at baseline, 3rd, and 6th-month using neuropsychological tests and Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaire.
According to the study authors, 6 months of IQ200® supplementation potentially improved visual memory, negative mood, BDNF, and triglyceride levels among older adults with MCI. Further, significant improvements were observed in most of the negative mood status particularly tension, anger, confusion, and total negative subscales in the present study.1
The authors concluded that “the findings from the current research suggested that 6 months of P. minor extract (IQ200®) supplementation can significantly improve visuospatial memory, tension, anger, confusion, total negative subscales, triglyceride and BDNF level among older adults with MCI.”
IQ200® is a water-soluble, high antioxidant food-based herb, Persicaria minor (also known as Polygonum minus) that can help anyone improve memory,” Eng described. Clinical studies show improvements in cognitive flexibility, processing speed and executive function in adults. Subsequent studies demonstrated improvements in working memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Other studies have shown that P. minor can activate the brain prefrontal cortex responsible for executive function associated with planning, decision-making, speech and behavior.
In addition, the phrase “use it or lose it” is very relevant when it comes to preserving cognitive function. It’s a new year, take this opportunity to learn something new, pick up a hobby. If you work at a desk, learn a craft or art form such as pottery, or woodworking, etc. If you do work with your hands, learn a new language. By getting out of your comfort zone, you support your brain health and open up shiny new worlds.
