Citicoline and Memory
???? Featured in Aging and Disease
A review in Aging and Disease explores how citicoline, a naturally occurring compound now widely available as a food supplement, supports memory in healthy middle-aged and older adults. As memory decline becomes a nearly universal part of aging—even without dementia—citicoline offers a scientifically supported way to slow that decline.
The review highlights how citicoline may enhance neurotransmitter levels, protect brain cell membranes, and improve brain energy metabolism—all key to maintaining memory function.
Why Citicoline May Help Memory
Key mechanisms and findings include:
Boosts Choline and Uridine: Citicoline breaks down into choline and cytidine (converted to uridine), which play vital roles in neurotransmission and synaptic membrane formation. Choline helps produce acetylcholine and phospholipids, while uridine supports brain cell membrane repair and synaptic plasticity.
Supports Acetylcholine Production: Choline fuels the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory. Supplementing with citicoline may help maintain adequate levels in the aging brain.
Protects Neuronal Membranes: Citicoline promotes the synthesis of phospholipids like phosphatidylcholine, crucial for the integrity of brain cells and myelin sheaths.
Improves Brain Bioenergetics: MRI and spectroscopy studies show that citicoline enhances brain energy metabolites and membrane phospholipid markers, especially in regions affected by aging.
What Does the Research Say?
Multiple placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrate that citicoline supplementation improves verbal memory, delayed recall, and overall memory scores in cognitively healthy older adults. One study even showed that citicoline slowed the progression of white matter damage (leukoaraiosis) in the brain. Population studies further link higher dietary choline intake to better memory performance.
Dr. Hunt on What This Means for You?
If you’re concerned about age-related memory changes, citicoline is one of the few supplements with solid clinical backing. Look for trusted products that use clinically studied forms like Cognizin®, known for its purity and bioavailability. In the EU, supplements can contain up to 250 mg of citicoline per serving—so it’s a good idea to complement them with choline-rich foods like eggs, liver, salmon, and soybeans to reach optimal daily intake.