FolaNAC: Triple Protection Against Memory Loss

According to the most recent (2021) Alzheimer’s Association statistics, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common type of dementia.

For most people, cognitive health and performance remain mostly stable over their lifetimes, with only a gradual decline in short-term memory and processing speed. For millions of others, on the other hand, declines in memory and other cognitive functions progress to a more serious state of impairment or into various forms of dementia.

Since first described by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in 1906, AD has gone from a rarely diagnosed disorder to one of the most common disabling diseases among the elderly. 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia — it kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Because effective treatments for moderate to severe AD are sorely lacking, the key is to intervene long before frank dementia sets in.  Even early memory loss is associated with loss of brain cells (neurons) so, the sooner definitive strategies can be employed all the better for your health, longevity, and quality of life. It is more important than ever to identify and aggressively address signs and symptoms of early cognitive decline including memory loss. Many Integrative Psychiatry clients (and, yes, even Dr. Dave himself) start brain protective habits and supplements even before overt signs of brain rot show up.

As you age, maintaining and enhancing brain function becomes increasingly important. The good news is that your cognitive destiny lies not so much in your genes, or your stars, as in your habits and choices. Be physically and socially active, learn new information and stimulate your mind, maintain a healthy diet, keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control, and, if you smoke, stop.

Dr. Dave Scheiderer, MD, MBA, DFAPA believes strongly in helping yourself out by taking high grade nutratceuticals and supplements. One favorite that he regularly takes himself for general health, mood, and cognition is FolaNAC.

FolaNaC combines three critical compounds — L-methylfolate, methylcobalamine (Vitamin B-12), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) — into one capsule. This combo packs a wallop and was specially formulated as an alternative to prescription Cerefolin NAC, which is approved by the FDA for memory loss. Our multi-pronged product offers many potential benefits for your brain health.

FolaNAC’s Protective Power

First, let’s look more closely at L-methylfolate (L-MTHF), the biologically active form of folate (vitamin B-9). This form of folate readily crosses from your blood through your blood-brain-barrier and into your brain wherein it plays a crucial role in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Up to 1/3 of the U.S. population may have a genetic defect that prevents the conversion of folic acid (folic acid is the synthetic form of the body’s natural folate) into the biologically active form of L-MTHF, putting them at increased risk for depression and dementia.

Next, FolaNAC contains, methylcobalamine (vitamin B-12), a biologically active form of Vitamin B-12.  This form of B12 can be better utilized by your peripheral tissues where it aids in red blood cell formation and the metabolism of homocysteine and provides general nervous system support.

Finally, NAC is a precursor to glutathione, one of the body’s most potent natural anti-oxidants which facilitates the ability of nerve tissue to utilize Vitamin B-12 and subsequently reduce or eliminate oxidative stress in those tissues while increasing the body’s total anti-oxidant capacity. NAC can also significantly lower homocysteine levels.

This last activity is particularly important as accumulating data demonstrates a relationship between elevated levels of homocysteine and neurodegenerative diseases including cognitive disorders and dementia.The chronic inflammation and oxidative stress driving these conditions have been associated with folate and Vitamin B12 depletion or deficiency.

Given the close inter-dependent relationship between homocysteine and oxidative stress, it makes sense to simultaneously include anti-oxidants when addressing folate and Vitamin B-12 deficiencies. FolaNAC provides a unique option for addressing the complex and inter-related mechanisms associated with oxidative stress, folate and Vitamin B-12.

Integrative Psychiatry’s Recommendations

As such, in addition to screening for early memory loss, at our practice we proactively promote the health of nerve cells and optimize neurotransmitter and hormonal balance before you begin to experience memory and other cognitive decline.

Dr. Dave has formulated several of our supplements and ensures the products we carry are based on science and experience, and have the best efficacy rates and highest ingredient quality available. In addition to our IP Brand FolaNAC, we also offer an IP formulated stand alone NAC supplement.

If you have questions about how NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) might benefit you or a loved one, or which NAC supplement to choose: Call Integrative Psychiatry at 800-385-7863.