A smart pill for seniors?
By Janet Raloff
From Washington, D.C., at the Experimental Biology 2007 Conference
Many people approaching retirement age find that memories fade and quick-wittedness flags. Scientists at the University of Massachusetts in Lowell have formulated what they call a “smart pill” to optimize brain health in such people. In pilot trials, its combination of dietary supplements boosted performance on simple mental tests by middle-aged and elderly adults.
Throughout life, the brain and other tissues are assaulted by biologically damaging oxidative chemical reactions triggered by pollutants, disease, and more. Although the body makes protective antioxidants, its capacity to do so wanes with age.