Acetylcholine Function in the Brain & for Memory

Acetylcholine functions in the body as a neurotransmitter, a chemical that acts as a signal or chemical messenger in the brain.

In its role as a neurotransmitter, Acetylcholine plays a critical part in the formation of memories, the ability to concentrate and logical reasoning.

Acetylcholine’s function in the brain seems to also provide protective benefits and may be able to limit neurological deterioration. Acetylcholine levels tend to decrease during the normal aging process and this decrease is thought to play a role in the episodic lapses of short-term memory that are often associated with aging and the elderly.

Growing understanding of the significance of Acetylcholine in normal neurological function has created interest in supporting Acetylcholine levels in the body through diet or supplementation. A healthy diet rich in choline may help support Acetylcholine function and production, and supplements are also available for those concerned they do not get enough Choline in their diet.

Acetylcholine Precursors

Cholinergic Supplement

Memory

Brain Health

Cognition

How It Works:

• Supports memory and synaptic plasticity
• Raises acetylcholine levels
• Promotes brain health and focus

Dosage:

Varies Depending on Supplement

Safety:

Varies Depending on Supplement

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Understanding Acetylcholine Function

The brain and nervous system communicate through special cells known as neurons.

These neurons communicate with each other by sending and receiving messages at receptors which are located at junctions known as synapses.

Acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that are released into these synapses to send messages to other neurons.

The outside of each neuron is dotted with receptors. To pass a chemical message, neurotransmitters lock onto these receptors.

Depending on the job of the specific neurotransmitter, the neuron reacts to this union in certain pre-determined ways and then passes the message along to the next neuron. Sometimes the neurotransmitter message excites the neuron to stimulate activity and, at other times, the neurotransmitter can inhibit action in the neuron.

Scientists have identified more than 100 neurotransmitters in the human body and each carries out a unique function. Acetylcholine was discovered in 1914 and was the first neurotransmitter ever identified.

Some neurons and parts of the nervous system respond only to Acetylcholine; scientists refer to these areas as “cholinergic.” One such cholinergic system, the parasympathetic nervous system, is responsible for regulating heart rate, intestinal, and glandular activity, and for constricting or relaxing certain muscles. The parasympathetic nervous system uses mostly Acetylcholine and very few other neurotransmitters to send messages.

There are many cholinergic cells distributed throughout different parts of the brain. When activated by Acetylcholine, these cholinergic cells allow communication between two areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning: the basal forebrain and the hippocampus.

Role of Acetylcholine Function in the Body

Acetylcholine improves the quality and frequency of the signals passed between neurons. The chemical neurotransmitter does this by boosting theta waves, a type of brain wave that helps store and retrieve long-term memories. Slow theta waves are associated with poor memory storage and retrieval. Acetylcholine increases theta waves to enhance memory creation and speed memory recall.

Acetylcholine function also promotes the healthy growth of synapses throughout the brain to further enhance the encoding of memory. The robust growth of synapses also facilitates the action of other neurotransmitters to improve communication within the brain and nervous system.

The growth of new synapses allows the brain to reorganize itself in response to learning, thinking, changes in the environment and behavior. Scientists refer to this growth and reorganization as neuroplasticity.

Lack of neuroplasticity may be associated with ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, and other learning and memory problems. In Alzheimer’s disease, a condition marked by progressive cognitive decline and inability to retrieve memories, the brain produces less and less acetylcholine. Acetylcholine function also affects other areas of the body, including cardiovascular and respiratory function.

Acetylcholine Synthesis

The body can manufacture its own Acetylcholine using natural nutrients and enzymes normally present in the brain. The body uses the enzyme choline acetyltransferase to synthesize Acetylcholine from Choline and Acetyl Coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA).

The human body must supply the brain with as much as 550 mg of choline each day to maintain optimal learning and memory. The body acquires choline from various foods, especially:

• Low fat dairy
• Eggs
• Beef, chicken, or turkey liver
• Seafood
• Nuts
• Oat bran

Even a diet rich in these foods may not provide all the choline necessary to produce an adequate amount of acetylcholine. It is estimated that as much as 90% of the population is at least mildly deficient in choline.

How to Effectively Supplement Acetylcholine

Simply taking an Acetylcholine pill is not an effective way to boost levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain for two main reasons: First, the digestive tract will destroy Acetylcholine; second, acetylcholine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, which means the brain cannot absorb it from the bloodstream.

There are, however, ways to increase levels of choline to enhance Acetylcholine function and production in the brain.

Citicoline is one of the most highly bio-available forms of choline available. This means citicoline delivers more of this nutrient directly to the brain for enzymatic conversion into Acetylcholine.

Alpha GPC is a direct pre-cursor to Acetylcholine, which means it breaks down directly into Acetylcholine, skipping the conversion process. It provides more free choline per dosage than citicoline does. Alpha GPC helps improve overall learning and memory abilities.

Some enzymes prevent Acetylcholine levels from going too high, which can also impair brain function. Acetylcholinesterase, for example, suppresses Acetylcholine. One way to increase Acetylcholine levels is to inhibit Acetylcholinesterase with compounds such as Huperzine A and Galantamine (Reminyl ER).

These Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors allow the body to retain more of the Acetylcholine it makes. Doctors often prescribe Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.

Choline supplements and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are available as health supplements only, and at this time the FDA has not approved these compounds as drugs to prevent or treat any conditions.

Conclusion

The primary Acetylcholine function in the brain is to improve cognitive skills, especially learning and memory storage and recall. There is a strong association between low Acetylcholine levels, poor learning and memory, and even some cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

Fortunately, dietary supplements may help keep acetylcholine levels within a healthy range. It is important to speak to you doctor or healthcare professional before beginning any supplementation program.

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