12.17.15
New findings suggest daily use of Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from French maritime pine tree bark, may help improve attention span, memory, daily decision-making and the ability to manage people and finances, as well as overall cognitive function.
The year long, peer-reviewed study conducted at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy and published in the Dec. 2015 Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences, included 77 participants between ages 55–70, all of whom were generally fit and followed a healthy lifestyle but had high levels of oxidative stress.
"Cognitive function continues to be a health priority, especially for my Boomer patients," said physician and nutritional medicine expert, Dr. Fred Pescatore. "This research is good news to those seeking safe and scientifically-supported natural options for daily cognitive function. What I found compelling about this study is the measurable effect Pycnogenol had on the adult participants in relation to memory, attention span and ability to manage everyday tasks. Those who took Pycnogenol in this study reported feeling more focused while making decisions and stronger when it came to tasks like dealing with people and managing finances."
According to a survey conducted by the CDC (2013), one in eight Baby Boomers report confusion and memory loss more often. Of these people, one-third reported that confusion or memory loss interfered with their work, social activities or ability to do household chores.
In the university study, 38 participants supplemented Pycnogenol 50mg/twice daily in combination with a controlled health plan; 39 participants in the control group followed the controlled health plan alone. The health plan involved a regular sleep regimen of at least eight hours per night, balanced meals with reduced caffeine, salt and sugar intake, and regular exercise.
While there is no single solution to improved cognitive function, lifestyle patterns —including adequate amounts of sleep, diet and daily exercise routines have shown to increase attention span and improve mood.
In the study, after 12 months of daily supplementation with Pycnogenol, results were shown to:
Results of the study were measured using an Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the elderly (IQ Code), daily tasks, cognitive function, oxidative stress and the short Blessed tests (SBT) to evaluate cognitive functions (COFU).
Dr. Pescatore also noted study findings on improving mood and quality of sleep. "Intriguingly, the sleeping score of participants increased by 72% in this study indicating a measurable improvement in sleep quality. As science shows, the better quality of sleep we get, the better cognitive function we have as we age."
For more information: www.pycnogenol.com
The year long, peer-reviewed study conducted at Chieti-Pescara University in Italy and published in the Dec. 2015 Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences, included 77 participants between ages 55–70, all of whom were generally fit and followed a healthy lifestyle but had high levels of oxidative stress.
"Cognitive function continues to be a health priority, especially for my Boomer patients," said physician and nutritional medicine expert, Dr. Fred Pescatore. "This research is good news to those seeking safe and scientifically-supported natural options for daily cognitive function. What I found compelling about this study is the measurable effect Pycnogenol had on the adult participants in relation to memory, attention span and ability to manage everyday tasks. Those who took Pycnogenol in this study reported feeling more focused while making decisions and stronger when it came to tasks like dealing with people and managing finances."
According to a survey conducted by the CDC (2013), one in eight Baby Boomers report confusion and memory loss more often. Of these people, one-third reported that confusion or memory loss interfered with their work, social activities or ability to do household chores.
In the university study, 38 participants supplemented Pycnogenol 50mg/twice daily in combination with a controlled health plan; 39 participants in the control group followed the controlled health plan alone. The health plan involved a regular sleep regimen of at least eight hours per night, balanced meals with reduced caffeine, salt and sugar intake, and regular exercise.
While there is no single solution to improved cognitive function, lifestyle patterns —including adequate amounts of sleep, diet and daily exercise routines have shown to increase attention span and improve mood.
In the study, after 12 months of daily supplementation with Pycnogenol, results were shown to:
- Significantly improve daily decision making (72% improvement Pycnogenol /-5% control)
- Measurably improve attention span (41.2% improvement Pycnogenol / 1.9% control)
- Significantly decrease oxidative stress (-28% decrease with Pycnogenol / no significant variation in control)
- Significantly improve memory (37.3% improvement Pycnogenol / -9.8% control)
- Boost ability to deal with people (57% increase Pycnogenol / -5% control)
- Strengthen ability to manage finances (32% increase Pycnogenol / -12% control)
Results of the study were measured using an Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the elderly (IQ Code), daily tasks, cognitive function, oxidative stress and the short Blessed tests (SBT) to evaluate cognitive functions (COFU).
Dr. Pescatore also noted study findings on improving mood and quality of sleep. "Intriguingly, the sleeping score of participants increased by 72% in this study indicating a measurable improvement in sleep quality. As science shows, the better quality of sleep we get, the better cognitive function we have as we age."
For more information: www.pycnogenol.com