At some point in our lives, most of us will walk into a room and ask  the same question: Why did I come in here? Temporarily forgetting our reasons for engaging in a behavior may or may not be a sign of mental decline. However, the existence of such a common experience among humans has inspired research and product innovation in the cognition space for decades. Recently, an evolution of discovery and understanding has fueled the product development community with an abundance of new pathways to serve consumer groups with cognition concerns. 

Over the years, studies like those published in scientific journals such as Neurology, have found that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B, C, D, and E are linked to better cognitive function and larger brain volume in elderly individuals, while higher trans fat levels are associated with poorer mental ability and smaller brain volume. 

Researchers continue to analyze blood samples, brain scans, and cognitive test results. Several studies have suggested that omega-3s are specifically tied to improved cognition and healthier brain vessels, though not increased brain volume. While many studies do not confirm whether supplements can reduce dementia risk, some researchers suggest that consuming nutrient-rich foods like fish, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding trans fats is a beneficial approach to brain health.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a 12-month regimen of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), taurine, and B vitamins significantly improved cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), likely by supporting gut health, nerve membranes, and body composition. Conducted by BYHEALTH Institute of Nutrition & Health and Wuhan University, the research highlighted B vitamins’ role in lowering homocysteine, a dementia risk factor, while also enhancing choline utilization and phospholipid synthesis. Taurine was also noted for its potential neuroprotective effects, reinforcing the idea that a combination of multiple nutrients may help prevent cognitive decline.

A growing interest in brain health supplements, driven by aging populations and the desire for mental clarity, has fueled a market projected to grow from $8.2 billion in 2024 to over $15 billion by 2034. Ingredients that support cognitive function, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are gaining attention for their potential to enhance memory, focus, and overall brain health. GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, helps regulate neural activity, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. While the body naturally produces GABA from glutamate, it can also be obtained from fermented foods or produced through fermentation using Lactobacillus bacteria, as seen in Pharma GABA, a natural form developed by Pharma Foods International in Japan.

Cognitive decline, including memory impairment, is a common consequence of aging, with dementia prevalence rising from 2.2–8.4% in those over 65 to 15.2–38.9% after 85. While modern psychotropic treatments exist, they often have significant side effects. A study on 65 dementia patients aged 65–72 found that consuming fresh Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) juice for six months improved cognitive function, attention span, and helped prevent further memory loss, potentially by preserving acetylcholine levels. Compared to a placebo group of 32 individuals, Seabuckthorn demonstrated promise as a natural remedy for age-related cognitive decline.

Additional research suggests that certain forms of gut dysbiosis are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, prompting interest in probiotics as a potential intervention. A review of 17 human and animal studies found that probiotics containing Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium breve may improve motor symptoms, neuropsychiatric impairments, and reduce neuronal damage. In Alzheimer's disease, these probiotics demonstrated neuroprotective effects, improving memory and learning outcomes. Similarly, in Parkinson’s disease, Bifidobacterium breve helped maintain spine density, alleviate motor symptoms, and reduce levels of TNF-α, a marker of neuroinflammation. These findings highlight the gut microbiota’s critical role in cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease progression.