Many people believe that a gradual decline in brain function is an unavoidable part of aging. As the years pass, short-term memory, concentration, and abstract reasoning often weaken. Learning new information may become more difficult, and focus can suffer. In more severe cases, age-related cognitive decline may contribute to neurological disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
However, growing scientific evidence suggests that this decline is not entirely inevitable. Numerous studies show that proper nutrition and targeted supplementation can help delay—and in some cases partially reverse—age-related cognitive changes.
This article reviews research-backed ingredients found in Melaleuca’s Unforgettables® dietary supplement, a formulation designed to support brain health, memory, and long-term cognitive performance.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Fish Oil
Cold-water fish are among the most powerful foods for brain health. They are rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)—two omega-3 fatty acids essential for optimal brain function.
DHA is a major structural component of brain tissue and plays a crucial role in memory, learning, and nerve signaling. The fish used in Unforgettables—anchovy, mackerel, and sardine—are small, short-lived species that are far less likely to accumulate mercury. These fish are also pre-screened for purity before processing.
In the United States and Canada, omega-3 intake from diet alone is often insufficient. While plant-based sources such as flaxseed, walnuts, and canola oil contain omega-3s, they provide ALA, which must be converted by the body into DHA. Unfortunately, this conversion is inefficient—about 7% in women and less than 1% in men.
Because fish oil already contains DHA in its active form, supplementation is one of the most effective ways to increase brain DHA levels.
A major nine-year study completed in 2019 found that individuals with dementia had significantly lower DHA levels in their brains than cognitively healthy individuals of the same age. Higher DHA levels were associated with a 47% reduced risk of developing dementia.
Additionally, DHA protects brain cells from oxidative stress, a major contributor to age-related cognitive decline. Research indicates that supplementation with DHA and EPA may help delay or reduce the impact of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Vitamin E and Blueberry Extract: Antioxidant Protection
Two major contributors to brain aging are oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamin E and blueberry extract work together in Unforgettables to combat both.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. The brain contains a high concentration of lipids, which are especially vulnerable to oxidative damage. When oxidative stress overwhelms brain tissue, memory and cognitive function begin to decline.
Studies suggest that vitamin E may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by reducing oxidative stress and protecting neurons. In fact, vitamin E has been shown to block neuron death, helping preserve cognitive function as the brain ages.
Blueberry extract complements vitamin E by targeting inflammation. Research conducted by Dr. Thomas Kuhn of the University of Alaska found that blueberries reduce inflammation in both the brain and spinal cord—two critical areas affected by aging.
Even more impressive, blueberries have been shown to improve communication between brain cells and may actually reverse damage to neural circuitry. In studies involving memory-impaired older rats, blueberry supplementation restored brain structure and prevented breakdowns in neuron signaling. These findings gained widespread attention in major health publications in late 2007 and continue to influence brain health research today.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is widely known for its role in cardiovascular health due to its ability to improve blood flow and reduce excessive blood clotting. These same properties make it valuable for brain health, as proper circulation is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue.
Ginkgo biloba also acts as an antioxidant, protecting brain cells from free radical damage.
In a six-month study involving individuals with mild memory loss (but no dementia), supplementation with 120 mg of ginkgo biloba twice daily led to improved verbal recall. PET scans revealed increased activity in brain regions associated with memory.
A long-term French study found that consistent ginkgo biloba supplementation helped maintain cognitive performance over time and suggested it may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
A meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials showed a small but statistically significant improvement in short-term memory when participants took between 120 mg and 240 mg daily for three to six months.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid found in nearly every cell of the body and plays a vital role in cell structure and communication. In the brain, PS is essential for efficient signaling between nerve cells.
Early research focused on phosphatidylserine derived from bovine brain tissue, which showed strong benefits for age-related cognitive decline. However, due to safety concerns, this form is no longer used in the United States.
Modern formulations, including Unforgettables, use soy-derived phosphatidylserine, which has been shown to be both safe and effective.
Recent studies suggest that combining standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) with soy-derived phosphatidylserine enhances the bioavailability and effectiveness of ginkgo’s active compounds.
One study found that participants who took ginkgo biloba complexed with phosphatidylserine experienced improved secondary memory performance and faster memory task processing compared to ginkgo alone.
This synergy suggests that phosphatidylserine may significantly enhance cognitive benefits, even at lower doses of ginkgo biloba.
Conclusion
The ingredients in Melaleuca’s Unforgettables® represent a carefully selected blend of research-supported nutrients designed to support brain health and cognitive longevity.
Aging affects the brain primarily through oxidative stress, inflammation, reduced circulation, and impaired cell communication. The ingredients in Unforgettables work synergistically to address each of these factors—helping protect neurons, support memory, and maintain cognitive performance as we age.
While no supplement can replace a healthy lifestyle, quality nutrition, and mental stimulation, Unforgettables offers a science-based approach to supporting brain health in older adults.
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