Researchers Identify Need for Standardized Cognition Measurements in Studies of Brain Supplements

The global brain health supplement industry market is expected to be valued at approximately $15 billion by 2030. Available memory supplements continue to grow despite the lack of scientific research for marketing claims that promote improved cognition. The Table indicates which substances are associated with no compelling evidence, which have some evidence of benefit, and which have mixed results for the 18 most common ingredients in memory supplements.¹

Table.¹ Current Evidence Surrounding Brain Health Substances

With widespread increased and long-term use of memory supplements, there is a need for more rigorous studies with standardized measurements of cognition. The BMJ has published a scoping review that shows diverse measurement methods for brain health across studies. Of the 727 studies published in the past 20 years, researchers used 478 unique methods of brain health measurement, 56.1% of these which were only employed once. The number of studies utilizing multiple brain health measurement methods has been increasing.²

Brain health is primarily measured by imaging modalities (70.7%) and cognitive testing (45.4%), and a combination of these 2 (33%). Interestingly, MRI-based imaging measures and data accumulation have resulted in the ability to predict brain age using population comparisons or to estimate brain health by detecting and scoring pathological changes.²

The most common cognitive testing was the Trail Making Test A and/or B and Mini-Mental Status Examination. Both are validated tests used as clinical screening tools to assess cognitive impairment.²

Of note, no validated standard test to measure mental health exists. A more holistic view of brain health is being studied with the following methods²:

1. Mental health assessments (most common measure was Baratt Impulsiveness Scale)
2. Biological markers (e.g., ApoE4 genotyping, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurofilament light for cerebrospinal fluid, tau protein levels)
3. Clinical tests (most common measure was electroencephalography)

This study showed wide variation in outcome measures used in brain health research. With consensus about a standard outcome measure, effective interventions may be established to preserve and optimize brain health.

REFERENCES

1. Hersant H, He S, Maliha P, Grossberg G. Over the counter supplements for memory: a review of available evidence. CNS Drugs. 2023;37(797-817).

2. Lee A, Shah S, Atha K, et al. Brain health measurement: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024;14:e080334. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-20230080334