Evidence-based brain supplements specifically evaluated for adults over 60. Safety, drug interactions, and age-specific research prioritized alongside cognitive benefits.
Brain supplement research often shows the strongest benefits in older adults — but this population also faces unique safety considerations:
Our recommendation: Show this page to your doctor or pharmacist and discuss which supplements are appropriate given your current medications.
Ranked by evidence quality in older adult populations specifically, with safety profile weighted heavily.
The 2025 meta-analysis of 58 RCTs showed the strongest cognitive benefits in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and those with low baseline omega-3 intake — a profile that describes many seniors. DHA makes up 40% of brain polyunsaturated fats and declines with age. This is the single most evidence-supported brain supplement for the 60+ population.
The Nakazaki et al. 2021 trial specifically enrolled 100 older adults and showed 500 mg/day improved episodic memory over 12 weeks. The Cochrane review of 13 studies focused on cognitive impairment in older populations. Citicoline has an exceptionally clean safety profile with no serious adverse events reported across decades of clinical use — a critical factor for seniors.
A 2022 meta-analysis of 9 studies (961 participants) found positive effects on memory specifically in older adults with age-associated cognitive decline. Phosphatidylserine is a key component of neuronal cell membranes that declines with age. Earlier bovine-cortex studies showed clearer results; modern soy-derived PS has more mixed outcomes, but the age-specific evidence remains meaningful.
Meta-analyses show creatine’s cognitive benefits are greatest in elderly adults and vegetarians. The brain’s energy demands don’t decrease with age, but creatine stores can. At 3–5 grams per day and pennies per dose, creatine offers an exceptional value proposition for seniors. It also supports muscle maintenance — a dual benefit for aging adults.
The 2014 meta-analysis showed Bacopa’s benefits on speed of attention and cognition, with elderly populations showing the clearest improvements. Its calming properties can also help seniors who experience anxiety-related cognitive issues. Requires 12+ weeks of consistent use and is mildly sedating, which some seniors may actually welcome.
Supplements are one piece of the puzzle. The strongest evidence for protecting cognitive function with age comes from lifestyle factors.
The single most evidence-backed intervention for brain aging. Even 150 minutes/week of moderate walking shows significant cognitive benefits.
Sleep is when the brain clears metabolic waste (including amyloid beta). Prioritizing 7–8 hours of quality sleep may matter more than any supplement.
The MIND diet (a Mediterranean-DASH hybrid) has been associated with significantly slower cognitive decline in observational studies spanning years.
Novel cognitive challenges — learning a language, playing music, strategic games — build cognitive reserve that buffers against age-related decline.
Loneliness is now recognized as a significant risk factor for cognitive decline. Regular social engagement is genuinely protective for brain health.
Manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Vascular health is brain health — cardiovascular risk factors significantly impact cognitive decline.
Our complete evidence-ranked list covers all ages and goals.
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