Many of my readers have written asking me what I think of using Ginkgo Biloba to help them with their memory. Indeed, there are multiple research studies that show this popular herbal supplement can help improve memory and cognitive functioning. However, in the same way I don't put higher test gas in my car engine when I don't think it's working well, I'm not an advocate of supplement use to manage symptoms until we look for the underlying cause for the problem we're attempting to treat. In the case of memory the research shows that, like muscle, if you don't use it you lose it. That's why I like the book KEEP THE BRAIN ALIVE. Author Lawrence Katz encourages us to use a variety of strategies (he calls them neurobics-neurological aerobics) to keep building brain cells including activities like crossword or logic puzzles, brushing hair and teeth with an opposite hand, driving to a destination a new way-anything that requires us to "think!"

Despite what you may believe, everyone has "senior moments" from time to time, even people who aren't so senior. You know what I mean-when you can't remember where you left your keys-or worse, when the name of that good friend simply won't come to you at a critical moment or if you're talking and the point of the conversation suddenly disappears?

Getting back to that sluggish car-the problem could be a blocked fuel supply. Guess what? The brain works best when it's getting good blood flow. That's the reasoning behind the use of Ginkgo Biloba. It has a blood thinning property that makes blood flow to the brain easier. That, in itself, brings up the potential for other problems. If you're on a medication that thins blood (coumadin or aspirin, for example) you shouldn't be combining it with other products that have the same effect.

The evolving research about how the brain works reveals that this incredible organ, which happens to use carbohydrate for fuel, prefers to get its blood supply from living a healthy lifestyle. For example, there's a higher risk of Alzheimer's in overweight people, who often have poor blood supply due to clogged arteries, than in people who are of normal weight. Fit people tend to avoid problems with dementia whether they're overweight or not. Ginkgo Bioloba may help people predisposed to dementia but it's not the place to start your effort to keep your brain alive.

Bottom line: If you want your memory to be in top form, start with maintaining a desirable weight, daily exercise and a diet rich in brain preferring complex carbohydrates including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dried beans and peas. Challenge your brain with new ways of doing things including learning more about the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual ways to improve your lifestyle. Maintain a positive attitude, count your blessings, be grateful and forgiving rather than resentful and you'll improve your chances of reaching old age with a healthy brain.