Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and Chess are games that can help strengthen our brains. But what about vitamins? According to recent studies, taking multivitamins for memory loss may be a promising approach. Here’s what you should know about multivitamins and memory.

Everyone forgets where they put their keys or makes a wrong turn on the way home now and then. But memory  loss that interferes with your daily life is not a normal part of getting older. Memory loss can limit your ability to do everyday tasks, like finding your way to familiar places  and recalling very recent events.

Unfortunately, memory loss is common. About 1 in 10 adults aged 45 and older say they have worsening memory problems.

To prevent memory loss, some turn to various tactics, like crossword puzzles, musical instruments, games, and new hobbies. While these are all great ways to keep your mind sharp, you might also want to try a daily multivitamin, which may improve memory as you get older — a common concern of many older adults.

Multivitamins may support your memory, but there’s more to it than that. Here’s what you should know about multivitamins, memory loss, and if you might benefit from taking this supplement each day.

Recent Findings on Multivitamins and Memory Loss

As of 2023, there are two notable studies that have found an improvement in memory from taking daily multivitamins.

The first, published in 2022, involved over 2,000  people ages 65 and older. It showed that a daily multivitamin may slow cognitive aging by up to 60 percent, particularly in people who have a history of cardiovascular disease.

In 2023, a similar study was published. This one included more than 3,500 participants ages 60 and older and took place over the course of three years. At the end of the first year, those who took a daily multivitamin (compared to those who took a placebo pill) had much higher scores on tests where they were asked to immediately recall information.

This study showed that those who took a daily multivitamin had about 3.1 fewer years of memory decline  compared to the placebo group. As with the other study, this one showed more improvement among those who had a history of cardiovascular disease.

What Do These Results Mean?

Together, these studies are promising. What’s particularly important is that not one but two studies reached similar conclusions about how a daily multivitamin might help preserve your memory.

What’s more, both studies were randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. This is one of the most effective ways to truly determine how effective a medical approach or drug will be for the population at large.

Notably, each study demonstrated that multivitamins have an even stronger chance of improving the memory of those who have cardiovascular disease. The reason for this is not entirely clear, though it may have to do with a lack of micronutrients in people with cardiovascular disease that multivitamins can balance out. As for which nutrients might impact your memory, more research is needed to better understand this connection.

Other Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp

While multivitamins may keep your memory strong — especially if you have a history of cardiovascular disease — it’s not the complete answer. Other ways to sharpen your memory include exercising regularly, spending time with others, engaging in mental stimulation, getting enough quality sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing other health conditions.

As with any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you should take a daily multivitamin. While they’re unlikely to be harmful, they may make it so you’re getting too many nutrients, such as iron or zinc.

If you’re worried about memory loss, it’s always best to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. They’ll check your memory and cognition to determine the next steps.

Your memory is a critical component of your daily life. By taking steps now to preserve your memory skills, you’ll set yourself up for a healthy — and memorable — future.

Do You Have Questions or Concerns About Your Memory As You Age?

Make an appointment with your Chester County Hospital Primary Care Provider, who will assess your cognitive skills and help make a plan to keep your memory strong. 

Learn more at Chester County Hospital.