How to Maintain Mental Energy With Age

Cognitive changes are a natural, expected part of aging. Starting in midlife, it’s normal to notice dips in focus, mental stamina, and concentration. While these shifts are common, they don’t have to slow you down. It’s possible to maintain your mental energy and stay focused by making smart lifestyle choices and choosing effective supplements with proven brain support ingredients.

Why Mental Energy Declines with Age

The brain changes with age. Around age 40, it begins to shrink in weight and volume by about 5% per decade, and this shrinkage accelerates after age 70.1 These changes are especially notable in the frontal lobe, which controls higher-level cognition, and the hippocampus, which forms memories. Meanwhile, connections between brain cells may diminish, along with the chemicals that allow brain cells to communicate.²

As a result, multitasking gets harder, memory may slip, and mental endurance isn’t what it used to be. Even so, many people remain sharp at advanced ages. Why? Partly it’s the genetic hand everyone is dealt, but everyday habits and targeted nutrition can strongly influence the trajectory of changes in the brain.

Cognitive Function: A Top Consumer Concern

Proprietary research commissioned by Nutrition 21 shows that maintaining cognitive function is a priority to consumers of all ages. In a survey of 400 U.S. adults—all of whom had purchased dietary supplements in the past year—about half of Gen Z and Millennial respondents identified cognitive function as one of their top healthy aging concerns. That number climbed to around 60% among Gen X and Boomers.

Everyday Ways to Support Mental Sharpness

There are several scientifically proven ways to maintain cognitive health:

• Physical activity improves circulation and increases brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), a protein that stimulates and controls the growth of new neurons.³
• Sleep is vital for memory consolidation and alertness. Several elements can help: a consistent sleep schedule, a relaxing bedtime routine, and a cool, dark, quiet bedroom environment.
• Cognitive stimulation such as learning new skills, doing puzzles, or learning new languages helps keep the brain engaged.
• Stress management can address the effects of stress on memory and focus. Useful strategies include meditation, yoga, time with friends and family, or help from a therapist.
• Good nutrition ensures the brain and body are well fed. Leafy green vegetables, berries, fatty fish, and walnuts are especially good for brain health.⁴
• Effective supplements—featuring ingredients clinically shown to support various aspects of cognitive function.
  
  

The Role of Cognitive Support Supplements

Cognition-support supplements can complement brain-friendly lifestyle and diet strategies. Some work by supporting neurotransmitter activity, others by promoting stress resilience or supporting blood flow to the brain.

• Neurotransmitter supporters aid communication between neurons. Some of the most well-known ingredients in this category include choline, acetyl-L-carnitine, phosphatidylserine, inositol, and L-tyrosine.
• Adaptogens—such as ginseng, ashwagandha, eleuthero, and rhodiola—help the body adapt to stress, which can, in turn, support cognition and mood.
• Circulation supporters promote healthy blood flow, supporting oxygen delivery to the brain. These include nutrients like B vitamins, beetroot, ginger, L-arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin. One of the newest entries into this space is nooLVL®.

Available exclusively from Nutrition 21, nooLVL® is a patented complex that combines bonded arginine silicate—a well-known nitric oxide booster—with inositol, an important signaling molecule that supports neuron function. nooLVL® helps deliver the oxygen and nutrients the brain needs to promote energy without the crash or harmful side effects of stimulants. Clinically studied, it’s been shown to support focus, concentration, and memory while optimizing energy levels.

Mental sharpness may naturally change with age. However, the right ingredients and daily habits can help consumers can stay clear, focused, and mentally energized for years to come.

Learn more about delivering clinically studied cognitive benefits with nooLVL^® here!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

1. Lee J, Kim HJ. Normal Aging Induces Changes in the Brain and Neurodegeneration Progress: Review of the Structural, Biochemical, Metabolic, Cellular, and Molecular Changes. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.931536
2. Nichols H, Han S. What happens to the brain as we age? May 26, 2023. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319185
3. Bathina S, Das UN. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its clinical implications. Arch Med Sci AMS. 2015;11(6):1164-1178. doi:10.5114/aoms.2015.56342
4. LeWine HE. Foods linked to better brainpower. Harvard Health. April 3, 2024. Accessed June 12, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower