As doctors continue to discuss President Joe Biden’s concerning speech patterns and behavior during Thursday night’s presidential debate, Dr. Nicole Saphier is focusing on natural remedies for cognitive function.

“Cognitive decline is a hot topic right now,” Saphier — who is an associate professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Monmouth, New Jersey — said during a Sunday appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend.”

A proponent of natural remedies and herbs for certain aspects of health, Saphier recommended a trio of supplements to help improve mental focus and prevent dementia.

DOCTORS EXPRESS CONCERN ABOUT BIDEN’S APPARENT COGNITIVE ISSUES DURING DEBATE: ‘TROUBLING INDICATORS’

“When it comes to improving memory and reducing the risk of cognitive decline, my three favorites are Bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba and ginseng,” she told Rachel Campos-Duffy of Fox News Channel.

In studies with human participants, all three supplements have been shown to improve memory, improve visual recognition and potentially decrease the risk of cognitive decline, according to Saphier.

Some of the studies have even linked these supplements to a longer life span, she said.

“Now as we know, when it comes to dementia, oftentimes it only gets worse and doesn’t get better,” Saphier said. 

DAILY MULTIVITAMINS MIGHT NOT HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, STUDY FINDS: ‘NO DIFFERENCES IN MORTALITY’

“So you want to be eating healthy and leading a healthy life before it happens, to try and decrease your risk.”

Bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba and ginseng are all natural plants, Saphier emphasized.

“I like to take them in liquid nutraceutical forms, because that gets absorbed the best,” she recommended.

Dr. Saphier, a Fox News medical contributor, recommended taking this trio of natural herbs to help boost brain power. (Fox News)

The doctor also pointed out that all supplements are not created equal.

“A lot of herbal supplements don’t really have positive benefits — they’re more of a marketing scheme,” she said.

“But there are some things that are backed by science, and that’s the only stuff I talk about.”

Here’s a deeper dive into the three she recommends. 

1. What is Bacopa monnieri?

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) — also referred to as Brahmi — is a plant that’s been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, according to WebMD.

The plant could help to increase chemicals in the brain that assist with learning, memory and other cognitive functions, the website stated.

Bacopa monnieri can be added to hot water to make tea. (iStock)

It also could potentially serve as a protective mechanism against Alzheimer’s disease, per WebMD.

Bacopa is generally safe for adults to consume by mouth in doses of 300-600 mg daily for 12 weeks, and can be added to hot water to make tea.

WebMD recommends speaking with a doctor first to determine optimal dosage, potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

2. What is ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is derived from an extract taken from the tree species’ fan-shaped leaves, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.

“While some evidence suggests that ginkgo extract might modestly improve memory in healthy adults, most studies indicate that ginkgo doesn’t improve memory, attention or brain function,” Mayo Clinic states.

REGULAR SNACKS OF BABY CARROTS BRING SIGNIFICANTLY MORE ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION, NEW STUDY FINDS

Gingko can be consumed in a pill, extract, capsule or tea.

“Don’t eat raw or roasted ginkgo seeds, which can be poisonous,” Mayo Clinic warns.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is derived from an extract taken from the tree species’ fan-shaped leaves. (iStock)

While gingko is generally safe for healthy adults to consume in “moderate amounts,” experts say it is best to consult your doctor about potential side effects and drug interactions.

3. What is ginseng?

A popular herbal medicine, ginseng is a plant that has long been used in medical treatments in Asia and North America, according to WebMD.

Although more research is needed to confirm its benefits, some studies have linked ginseng to improved mental focus.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“There’s some early evidence that ginseng might give a small, short-term boost to concentration and learning,” stated WebMD.

A popular herbal medicine, ginseng is a plant that has long been used in medical treatments in Asia and North America. (iStock)

“Some studies of mental performance have combined ginseng with extract from leaves of the ginkgo tree, another traditional remedy said to help with dementia. While these studies are intriguing, many experts feel we need more evidence.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

Ginseng can be consumed in the form of dried herbs, tea, capsules or powder, per WebMD.

As with any supplement plans, it’s always best to talk early on with a doctor about dosage, side effects and drug interactions. 

Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on key wellness topics: disease prevention, nutrition, medical research, health care and more. We also share personal stories of people and families overcoming great health obstacles.

Check out some of the top stories of the week in Health that you may have missed or have been meaning to check out. 

These are just a few of what’s new. There are many more to see at Fox News Health.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Without further ado, dive right into these eight stories. 

1. Service dog gives peace of mind to woman with epilepsy

Channing Seideman, 30 — who has lived with daily seizures since childhood — revealed that her life has been changed by her dedicated service dog, Bishop. “In addition to bringing peace of mind, the dogs make epilepsy approachable to the public,” she said. Click here to get the story.

2. Doctor shares 10 big ‘lies’ he says health care is telling

Dr. Robert Lufkin, a California physician, said he “woke up” to flaws in the medical system when he himself was diagnosed with four chronic diseases. He shares what he believes are the 10 biggest lies told to patients. Click here to get the story.

Dr. Robert Lufkin, pictured at left, was diagnosed with four chronic diseases, which inspired him to write a book, “Lies I Taught in Medical School.” (Dr. Robert Lufkin/iStock)

3. Sleep apnea patients could soon have solution

In a Finland study, a new breathing device showed promising results in reducing symptoms of sleep apnea, according to researchers. The device, called WellO2, uses resistance training to strengthen throat muscles and steam breathing to humidify airways. Click here to get the story.

In a Finland study, a new breathing device, shown at right, showed promising results in reducing symptoms of sleep apnea, according to researchers. (iStock/WellO)

4. Researchers announce progress against Parkinson’s

An experimental drug is showing promise in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease in clinical trials. Researchers and Parkinson’s experts discuss what this could mean for patients. Click here to get the story.

In a new study, Parkinson’s patients reported improved daily movement after being administered UB-312, an experimental drug.  (iStock)

5. ‘Is it ever OK to take someone else’s prescription?’

In this week’s installment of Ask a Doctor, two pharmacists weigh in on whether it’s ever safe to share medications. Click here to get the story.

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

This week’s health stories included a story of a service dog helping a woman with epilepsy, a doctor’s take on 10 medical “lies,” an amazing kidney transplant, and more. (Channing Seideman/iStock/Northwestern Medical)

6. Good news revealed for diabetes patients

Most of the 38 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. use daily injections or insulin pumps to keep glucose at safe levels — but new research suggests that an inhaler could be just as effective. Researchers and doctors weigh the benefits and limitations. Click here to get the story.

An inhaled form of insulin worked just as well as injections or pumps to control type 1 diabetes in a recent study. (iStock/MannKind)

7. Chicago man gets kidney transplant while wide awake

John Nicholas, 28, called his organ transplant surgery “a pretty cool experience.” Surgeries without general anesthesia can increase access to care for patients who are considered high-risk or have phobias surrounding anesthesia. Click here to get the story.

John Nicholas, the patient, is pictured with his surgeons in the operating room after a kidney transplant. (Northwestern Medicine)

8. Daily multivitamins not shown to increase longevity, study finds

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that taking multivitamins did not reduce mortality risk, but a longevity doctor has questions. Click here to get the story.

Those who took daily multivitamins were actually found to have a 4% higher mortality risk, according to the study published in JAMA Network Open. (iStock)

The first presidential debate of 2024 left many Americans and even some traditional Democratic allies wondering about President Biden’s mental fitness for office based on what appeared to be his unclear train of thought at times and his raspy voice on Thursday night.

The White House responded to these concerns, claiming that the president, who is 81, was fighting a cold, but some doctors said they perceive the health issues go beyond the sniffles — with one noting that “it is an issue of fitness, not of age.”

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who specializes in cognitive function, told Fox News Digital on Friday about his concerns. 

IN ALZHEIMER’S BREAKTHROUGH, RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY ‘PROTECTIVE GENE’ THAT DELAYS DISEASE IN HIGH-RISK FAMILY

“President Biden’s performance in [Thursday] night’s debate reignited longstanding discussions about his cognitive abilities and his overall leadership capacity,” Osborn told Fox News Digital. 

“Throughout the evening, Biden struggled to maintain a coherent narrative, often losing his train of thought mid-sentence, and providing vague, rambling and undecipherable answers to highly critical questions,” said Osborn, expressing his professional opinion.

“His frequent pauses, stumbling over words and reliance on notes underscored concerns about his mental acuity,” Osborn added. 

“Biden struggled to maintain a coherent narrative, often losing his train of thought mid-sentence.”

These seeming signs of cognitive decline highlight a “growing inability” to manage the complexities required by the job of the presidency, according to the neurosurgeon.

“His difficulty in articulating clear, concise responses and his apparent disorientation during the debate were seen by many – including his own constituents – as very troubling indicators of his overall health and an obvious decline in his cognitive function,” Osborn said.

Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are shown during the first presidential debate of the 2024 election at CNN’s studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

“President Biden lacks the mental sharpness required for the highest office in the land … especially amid [today’s] current national and international crises.”

The neurosurgeon, who has not treated Biden personally, also mentioned the 46th president has undergone multiple surgeries for brain aneurysms.

EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER’S DRUG GETS FDA ADVISORY PANEL’S THUMBS-UP: ‘PROGRESS IS HAPPENING’

There is a famous saying in neurosurgery, Osborn noted: “When the air hits your brain, you’re never the same.” 

The surgeon surmised, “The odds have been stacked against him for years, long before his presidency.”

Joe Biden reacts as supporters greet him at his debate watch party at Hyatt Regency Atlanta on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Derek White/Getty Images for DNC)

Dr. Marc Siegel, physician, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, also spoke with Fox News Digital about concerns from his end.

“The debate is, in a way, a psychiatric or cognitive stress test,” he told Fox News Digital. 

Although Biden was able to respond to questions and seemed to be spatially aware, according to Siegel, the president did display “frequent disorientation” and had “problems with spontaneity or redirecting,” the doctor said. 

He has not personally examined Biden.

Dr. Marc Siegel, at right, joined “Fox & Friends” on Friday, June 28, to discuss the presidential debate on Thursday evening.  (Kevin D. Liles for The Washington Post via Getty Images; Fox News)

Siegel described Biden’s speech as “meandering,” noting that he ended sentences in different places than intended, and “often mixed up ‘trillions’ and ‘billions’ and ‘millions.’”

Siegel confirmed that a physical illness, even with a cold, can bring out cognitive issues “even more.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“Even so, it’s hard to believe this is all from a cold,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. “Either way, we need someone who is sharp despite a cold.” 

The NYU Langone physician noted that cognitive issues “wax and wane,” so they won’t always present the same way.

President Joe Biden looks over at former President Donald Trump during the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season on June 27, 2024.  (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

While the age of both candidates has been raised as a concern, Siegel countered that what’s important is a president’s physical and mental fitness.

“It is an issue of fitness, not of age,” he said. “It is an issue of mental acuity, which is especially important if there is a crisis.” 

While Biden is 81 (he turns 82 in November), Trump is 78 years old. 

During an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Friday morning, Siegel also spoke about the possibility of cold medications impacting Biden’s performance.

“It is an issue of fitness, not of age. It is an issue of mental acuity.”

“None of the medications that he would be taking for a cold, except something that might make him drowsy, would be relevant here,” he said. 

“And I don’t think they would give him something that would make him drowsy before a debate,” he said.

He added, “We’ve been watching this a long time. This is something progressive.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Biden campaign and to the White House press office for comment.

Earlier this year, concerns emerged about Biden’s age and memory after the release of a special counsel’s report.  (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Earlier this year, concerns emerged about Biden’s age and memory after the release of a special counsel’s report. The report described the Democrat’s memory as “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations,” the Associated Press noted at the time.

The report indicated that Biden could not recall certain milestones in his own life, such as the date his own son Beau died of brain cancer, as Fox News Digital reported at the time. (Beau Biden passed away on May 30, 2015.)

“My memory is fine,” Biden responded afterward from the White House. 

“A person with growing problems of memory and judgment is frequently the last to acknowledge it.”

The New York Times editorial board and others have called on Biden to step out of the race after his debate performance. 

Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged that Biden had a “slow start” to the debate, but she defended his performance overall and his record during his time in the White House.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

Said Dr. Siegel in a New York Post opinion piece that ran in the publication on Saturday morning, “This isn’t a question of age. Cognition varies widely with age, and it isn’t fair to say that executive function is automatically impaired at a certain point in life. But it’s a sad medical fact that a person with growing problems of memory and judgment is frequently the last to acknowledge it.”