Cognitive impairment

This article is based on Mayo Clinic’s content.

What is cognitive impairment?

Mild cognitive impairment is an intermediate stage between normal cognitive deterioration that comes naturally with age and the more serious deterioration of dementia. It can involve problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment.

If you have mild cognitive impairment, you may be aware that your memory or your mental functions are ‘not quite right’. Your family and close friends may also have noticed some changes, though generally, these changes are not so serious as to interfere in your daily life and normal activities.

Mild cognitive impairment may increase your risk of later developing dementia, caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological conditions. Although some people with mild cognitive impairment do not worsen and a few eventually improve.

Do you want to know more about cognitive impairment?

We recommend that you continue reading the Disease and Conditions page of the Mayo Clinic for the public.

Which mushrooms have useful properties for cognitive impairment?

Lion’s Mane and Reishi are significant mushrooms in supporting the decline of cognitive abilities because they work together to support neuron activity and tissue damage.

Lion’s mane

LLion’s Mane is a remarkable mushroom known to regenerate the brain tissues that isresponsible for healthy nerve activity, vital for cognitive ability. It aids the communication of nerve impulses, regrowth of myelin sheath and enhances nerve growth factor (NGF) which is important in the survival of nerve cells.

Reishi

Reishi is the premium anti-aging mushroom. It is highly antioxidant and known to improve cognitive function by reducing tissue damage and cell aging that may lead to reduced mental functions.

References

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3. Kozarski MS, Klaus AS, Nikšić MP (2011) Extract from wild strain of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum as natural antioxidant. Proceedings for Natural Science, Matica Srpska Novi Sad 120, 287-295.
4. Ma BJ, Shen JW, Yu HY, Ruan Y, Wu TT, Zhao X (2010) Hericenones and erinacines: stimulators of nerve growth factor (NGF) biosynthesis in Hericium erinaceus. Mycology 1, 92-98.
5. Moldavan M, Grygansky AP, Kolotushkina OV, Kirchhoff B, Skibo GG, Pedarzani P (2007) Neurotropic and trophic action of Lion’s Mane mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) extracts on nerve cells in vitro. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 9, 15-28.
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