A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study Investigating the Efficacy of a Whole Coffee Cherry Extract and Phosphatidylserine Formulation on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Adults with Self-Perceived Memory Problems

Abstract

Introduction: Cognition refers to brain functions including memory, learning, and thought processing and is increasingly important to individuals. However, impairment of cognitive function is a concern among North American adults. Therefore, effective and reliable treatments are needed. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of 42 days of NeurivaÒ supplementation, a whole coffee cherry extract and phosphatidylserine supplement, on memory, accuracy, focus and concentration and learning among 138 healthy adults (40-65 years) with self-reported memory problems. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) tasks, the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), and Go/No-Go tests were assessed at baseline and day 42. Results: As compared to placebo, NeurivaÒ supplementation elicited greater improvements at day 42 in numeric working memory COM-PASS task accuracy outcomes (p B 0.024) which assessed memory, accuracy, and focus and concentration, and reaction time outcomes (p B 0.031) which assessed memory as well as focus and concentration. NeurivaÒ supplementation improved overall accuracy (p = 0.035) in the picture recognition task that assessed memory, accuracy, and learning compared to placebo. No significant differences between groups were observed for BDNF, the EMQ, or Go/No-Go tests. Conclusion: Results suggest 42 days of Neur-ivaÒ supplementation was safe, well tolerated, and beneficial in improving memory, accuracy, focus and concentration, and learning in a healthy adult population with self-reported memory problems.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of a Microalgae Extract Containing Fucoxanthin Combined with Guarana on Cognitive Function and Gaming Performance

“…Additionally, ingesting guarana (222 mg with 40 mg of caffeine) with a multivitamin and mineral blend improved task performance compared to placebo [11]. Similarly, Doma and colleagues [54] reported that ingesting a coffee and cherry extract with phosphatidylserine enhanced memory, focus, concentration, accuracy, and learning using the Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) battery of cognitive tests in healthy adults who self-reported memory problems. However, supplementation did not affect everyday memory questionnaire (EMQ) responses, or the Go/No-Go test used in the present study.…”

“…These findings are consistent with studies reporting that various nutrients (with and without caffeine) may influence cognitive function. Additionally, combining various nootropic nutrients may provide some additive and/or synergistic benefit [7,9,10,14,27,33,47,54,55,57,59,60].…”