Quick and Easy Brain Health QUIZ (Try It!)

Have you ever wondered HOW you would even know if you were “losing your marbles?”

After all, you’re the one going through it, right? Chances are, you wouldn’t notice.

Turns out, there’s a simple test that scientists use to identify someone who might be headed down the dark road to dementia.

And while you CAN’T diagnose yourself (and shouldn’t try to), you CAN use this same kind of test to clue you in to the state of your own “marbles.”

(Then make an appointment with your doc to review your results and get official testing if needed.)

It’s called a verbal fluency test. And when I said “simple,” I meant it.

When taking a verbal fluency test, participants are given a category of words and timed as they come up with as many as they can think of that fit the bill.

This might be like naming as many animals or fruits as possible before the clock runs out. Or coming up with as many words as possible that start with a particular letter in 30 seconds.

Generally, providing 10 to 15 words in 30 seconds means you’re reasonably fluent or normal. (Although the measurements may differ if your doctor gives you an official test.)

While not perfect, a verbal fluency test is a quick and easy way to assess your brain.

But here’s the thing…

Recent research uncovered a way to IMPROVE your verbal fluency.

And that’s to take an alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) supplement.

A recent study published in the journal Nutrients found that supplementing with alpha-linolenic acid significantly improved verbal fluency in a group of 65–80-year-olds compared to a group that received a look-alike placebo.

Volunteers receiving the real-deal supplement received 3.7 grams of flaxseed oil daily (2.2 grams of ALA a day).

The researchers believe the ALA improves brain cell-to-cell communication (intercellular connectivity), which makes brains work better.

ALA is one essential fatty acid your body needs, but it’s not the only one. DHA and EPA (found in fish oil) are ALSO vital to keep your brain working well into your golden years.

But why stop there?

Build yourself a “steel trap” brain by getting plenty of these other brain-protecting nutrients, too, including:

  • Creatine is an amino acid that’s good for the brain and supports energy production. Studies show that the amino acid can improve cognition and communication.
  • CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant with neuroprotective effects and helps provide energy throughout the body, including the brain.
  • Antioxidants protect against cell damage and include vitamins A and C. But I especially like the phytonutrients (polyphenols, carotenes, etc.) found in superfood supplements.
  • Herbs, such as curcumin and bacopa, decrease inflammation and act as powerful antioxidants. Bacopa has been used for centuries to improve memory in Ayurvedic medicine. And modern research confirms it may help improve brain function. And curcumin boosts levels of the hormone BDNF which triggers the growth of new neurons.

And remember exercise, lowering stress levels, and getting good sleep are ALSO great for your brain.

P.S. Want a “younger,” more flexible brain? Believe it or not, it starts with a trip to the grocery store. I’ve got the whole scoop RIGHT HERE.

Source:

Study: “Supplementation with Flaxseed Oil Rich in Alpha-Linolenic Acid Improves Verbal Fluency in Healthy Older Adults.” Nutrients 2023, 15, 1499. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061499

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds

I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...

Read This

50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging

Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...

Read This

The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room

If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....

Read This

“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How

You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...

Read This

Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance

For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...

Read This

Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery

“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...

Read This

The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries

We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...

Read This

20-Minute AM Hack Will Revolutionize How You Wake Up

If you feel like you’re in a fog for the first hour after your alarm goes off, you’re not alone. Mornings can be rough. That groggy, disoriented feeling isn’t just annoying—it’s a real physiological phenomenon called “sleep inertia.” And it can drag on for up to two hours after waking, even if you’ve had a...

Read This

Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk

Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...

Read This

Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure

Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...

Read This