Citicoline (CDP-choline) is a molecule that helps the brain produce phospholipids, a crucial part of the cell membrane and nerve coating. It also boosts essential neurotransmitters and helps protect your nerve cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
It’s also used to treat certain brain disorders and mental health issues. Some studies have found that it improves memory, reduces mental fatigue and even relieves symptoms of depression and Parkinson’s disease.
Improves memory
Cognizin citicoline is a form of the B vitamin choline, which supports memory and mental performance. It works by increasing the synthesis of phospholipids that build cell membranes and protect nerves in the brain.
Cognizin also supports the production of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that sends messages throughout the brain. This helps improve focus, concentration, and memory.
Compared to participants who received a placebo, those taking 250 mg of Citicoline performed better on the Stroop test (a test of attention and reaction time), as well as the Morris Water Maze task that tests spatial memory. These results were statistically significant, McGlade said.
In addition, a study in elderly patients with vascular dementia revealed that Citicoline supplementation increased delayed recall and memory. This was found in both intramuscular and oral citicoline treatments. These effects may be attributed to citicoline’s ability to cross the blood brain barrier.
Treats stroke
Cognizin citicoline is a powerful brain-health nutrient that has been proven to enhance mental performance, concentration and attention. It also helps you stay sharp without a ‘crash’ in your brain – because it supports an ongoing supply of energy and healthy communication between neurons.
The molecule citicoline (CDP-choline) is the same as what your brain naturally makes. It is a critical precursor in the production of phospholipids, molecules that build cell membranes and protect nerve coatings.
It is also able to improve glucose metabolism, and increase blood flow to the brain. This is important, because the brain can’t store energy and needs a constant source of fuel.
Citicoline also fights the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, two major causes of aging in the brain. It does this by protecting the cells in the brain from these toxins. It also helps to maintain healthy choline levels.
Treats Alzheimer’s disease
Taking a daily dose of Cognizin citicoline helps to treat Alzheimer’s disease. This is because the compound improves memory and motor function.
Citicoline is a natural, essential compound that builds and maintains cell membranes. It also works to promote neuroplasticity and prevents apoptosis.
Every brain cell has a semipermeable membrane that allows in nutrients, water, and oxygen while filtering out metabolic waste and other unwanted substances. When this membrane breaks down, these harmful substances can enter the brain and cause serious health problems.
To counteract this, citicoline has been shown to reduce acetylcholine levels and enhance neurotransmitter production. It also protects the cell membrane from oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
Citicoline has also been shown to improve cognitive function in elderly patients suffering from vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A recent clinical trial showed that it can significantly improve the MMSE scores of elderly people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia over a period of 2-9 weeks.
Treats Parkinson’s disease
Citicoline is a natural metabolite of the essential amino acid choline. It is a vital component of cell membranes and is involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, the major phospholipid in the brain.
In laboratory studies, citicoline has been found to help patients with Parkinson’s disease and to improve the effects of levodopa, a drug used to treat this condition. Research also shows that it can increase the effectiveness of antidepressants, and may be helpful in reducing symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Conclusion:
Citicoline can also be beneficial for people recovering from a stroke or traumatic brain injury. It can improve memory and muscle strength. Early research shows that giving it intravenously (by IV) after a stroke can reduce the risk of having a second stroke. It can also help people recover from delirium after surgery.