Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is occasionally used to support memory and brain function, with its rationale based primarily on scientific exploration rather than strong tradition or folklore. ALA is a potent antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is hypothesized to help reduce oxidative stress—a factor implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that ALA can reduce oxidative damage in brain cells and may protect neurons from toxic insults. Some small human studies, particularly in people with Alzheimer’s disease, suggest modest benefits. For example, limited clinical trials have reported that ALA supplementation may slow cognitive decline in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease when used alongside conventional treatments.

However, the evidence base in humans is limited and not robust. Most studies are small, open-label, or lack placebo controls, which limits the strength of their conclusions. There is insufficient data to recommend ALA as a standalone or primary therapy for memory loss or dementia. Major medical organizations do not currently endorse ALA for cognitive health due to the lack of large, well-controlled trials. In summary, while the use of alpha lipoic acid for memory and brain function is grounded in plausible scientific theory and preliminary studies, the clinical evidence is weak (rated 2/5) and more rigorous research is needed before it can be recommended for this purpose.

More about alpha lipoic acid
More about Memory and Brain Function

Other ingredients used for Memory and Brain Function

Other health conditions supported by alpha lipoic acid

Products containing alpha lipoic acid

Vitabase ALA/ALC 750mg
Thorne Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 100 mg
Douglas Laboratories Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 400 mg
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 400 mg
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations Alpha Lipoic Acid 600 mg
Pure Encapsulations Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations Athletic Nutrients
Douglas Laboratories Berberine Balance
Designs For Health Berberine Synergy™
Vitabase Blood Sugar Formula
Designs For Health Detox Antiox™
Designs For Health Detoxification Support Packets
Thorne Diabenil
Pure Encapsulations DIM Detox
Pure Encapsulations GlucoFunction
Pure Encapsulations GlucoFunction
Pure Encapsulations Glucose Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations Glucose Support Formula
Integrative Therapeutics Glycemic Manager
Pure Encapsulations HM Complex
Pure Encapsulations HM Complex
Douglas Laboratories Juvenon Pro Cognitive
Integrative Therapeutics K-PAX MitoNutrients
Klean Athlete Klean Antioxidant ™
Klean Athlete Klean Focus®
Thorne L-Arginine Plus Perfusia Plus
Designs For Health Lipoic Acid Supreme
Pure Encapsulations Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Metagenics Meta Lipoate® 300 mg
Designs For Health Metabolic Synergy™
Designs For Health Metabolic Synergy™
Metagenics MetaGlycemX™
Metagenics MetaGlycemX
Designs For Health Metal-X-Synergy™
Pure Encapsulations Mitochondria-ATP
Designs For Health Mitochondrial NRG™
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Designs For Health NeuroRenew™
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations O.N.E.™ Multivitamin
Designs For Health OcuForce™
Pure Encapsulations Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations PureGenomics® UltraMultivitamin
Pure Encapsulations R-Lipoic Acid Stabilized
Pure Encapsulations RevitalAge™ Nerve
Pure Encapsulations RevitalAge™ Ultra
Designs For Health Sensitol™
Designs For Health Stabilized R-Lipoic Acid Supreme
Vitabase Super Antioxidant Formula
Pure Encapsulations Ultra B-Complex with PQQ
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Benfotiamine
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive One Daily
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Preventive® X
Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations VisionPro Nutrients
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients