Medizines

Does this describe you: You walk into the living room to get
something, only to get there and forget what you needed? You
often hear "Yes, you already told me about that" or maybe you
thought you told someone, but you never actually verbalized it.
Someone tells you their name and then ninety seconds later you
say, "Ok, tell me your name again."
Perhaps you're not as young as you used to be, you have more on
your plate to keep track of or you have a diagnosed or even
undiagnosed medical condition. Whatever the reason, you seem to
be plagued with a bad case CRS - Can't Remember Squat. First and
foremost if you haven't had a physical exam in a while, go see
your doctor. You'll want to rule out anything serious that may
be causing your CRS. Barring any serious findings, you can take
some herbs, vitamins and other supplements to help regain some of
your memory. The vitamins, herbs and supplements listed below
may help.
Essential Fatty Acids, otherwise known as fish oils or EPA-DHA
are well known for their anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore,
DHA is required for normal brain function in adults. Decreases in
brain DHA content are associated with age-related cognitive
decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Studies suggest that Polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes
and various other plants may protect against inflammation and
cognitive disorders.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also an excellent antioxidant agent in
neurodegenerative diseases due to the fact that it can interrupt
free radical damage at several points. It has been shown to
elevate antioxidants in various brain regions and improves
memory. Further, ALA supports healthy blood glucose levels and
insulin activity.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant cofactor that has been shown to
protect the brain. In addition to being a potent free radical
scavenger, CoQ10 has proven to be effective in a wide variety of
age-related conditions.
Vitamin E is the primary antioxidant found in all tissues. Low
vitamin E levels are consistently associated with an increased
risk and occurrence of neurological diseases, including
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In a study of patients with
Alzheimer's, treatment with 2000 IU of vitamin E per day for 2
years was beneficial in delaying the primary outcome (time to the
occurrence of death, institutionalization, loss of ability to
perform activities of daily living, and severe dementia) of
disease progression.
Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for dementia in
Germany, and it is the only nonprescription substance considered
a treatment for dementia in Canada. Ginkgo biloba is one extract
readily available. It enhances mental efficiency in elderly
patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. It is also
shown to improve cognitive function in patients with dementia, to
enhance blood flow to the brain, enhances cognitive performance
in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Further it is said to
enhance memory in young individuals.
Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to reduce the negative effects
of stress. Due to the decreased ability to handle stress and the
increased levels of glucocorticoids associated with aging and
neurodegeneration, herbs with adaptogenic properties may be
beneficial. Ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha, holy basil, and
brahmi have a positive influence on stress response, mental
function, and cognition.
Carotenoids are a class of naturally occurring plant pigments
that provide the bright red, orange, and yellow colors of fruits
and vegetables. A balanced intake of mixed carotenoids, as found
in a healthy diet, provides the best protection against oxidative
damage.
Folate and vitamins B6 and B12 are needed for proper brain
function. Insufficiencies of these nutrients may result in
forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, depression, dementia, and
mood and sensory changes. One study stated that age-related
impairment of cognitive function is likely related to vitamin
deficiencies, and is "preventable or reversible with improved
vitamins, especially vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate."
Additionally, scientists searching for a cure for Alzheimer's
disease have found a potential ally in the herb sage. Checking
the writings of herbalists working four centuries ago, scientists
in England found a marked improvement in the memory capabilities
of Alzheimer's patients who took sage oil extract. The finding
was consistent with a discovery by researchers at the
Universities' Medicinal Plant Research Center that sage protects
a key chemical destroyed in Alzheimer's.
This list is not all inclusive and there could be a number of
other factors (environment, diet, disease) that could be the root
cause of your CRS. However, starting with a few supplements may
help you remember where you left your car keys!
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

By Emily Clark

Most people eat enough food, but what we eat sometimes lacks the vitamins and minerals for proper memory function. Most Americans believe the food they are eating is enough to maintain good health and brain function, but the fact is we don't get enough brain boosting nutrients. And just because you get the daily recommended values of vitamins and nutrients does not mean you are home free as far as memory loss is concerned.
Some doctors wonder if the daily values of vitamins and nutrients are set high enough to prevent memory loss, it is also possible to consume the right amounts of vitamins and nutrients and still be left short if your body does not absorb them. So a combination of poor nutrition and low nutrient absorption is setting yourself up for memory loss.
Memory power with B12
One study shows that symptoms related to vitamin b12 deficiency are memory loss,disorientation and fatigue. B12 deficiency also causes problems with the nervous system and difficulty with short term memory.
Studies show that almost one third of people over 60 can not get the vitamin b12 from the food they eat because their stomachs do not produce enough gastric acid to turn it into fuel for the brain and body.
Iron and Zinc help you think
It is well known that Iron and zinc are important for the mental development of children, but some research shows that these minerals also help with the memories of adults.
Some studies have found that short term memory loss in women improved by as much as 15 to 20 percent with taking 30 milligrams of iron and zinc for eight weeks.
Although they took only supplements during the study there are foods that are a better source for these nutrients such as steamed clams and oysters, cream of wheat, soybeans and pumpkin seeds are a great source of iron, while whole grains,wheat brand,wheat germ, seafood and meats are the best sources of zinc.
Women who menstruate should be taking 2 or 2.5 milligrams of iron per day to offset the loss. Men need about 1 milligram per day.
Protection at its best
For even more help to avoid memory loss think about thiamin and riboflavin the other important b vitamins, these are usually added to flours and cereals and other grain products.
Mild deficiencies in these vitamins can also have some effect on memory loss and even your everyday thinking.U.S. Department of Agriculture's study showed that people over 60 with low thiamin show some brain activity impairment.
A deficiency of thiamin has also had some effect on mood changes, vague feelings of fear, scattered thinking and other signs of mental depression---symptoms that affect memory.
However it does not take much thiamin to make a difference. Most women only absorb about.33 milligrams per day and this can make someone irritable, fatigued and a bit unsociable. The proper amount should be about 1.5 milligrams per day.
Daily intake of nutrients to avoid memory loss:
B-complex containing:
Riboflavin... 1.7 milligrams
Thiamin... 1.5 milligrams
Vitamin B6... 2 milligrams
Vitamin B12... 6 micrograms
...
Iron... 18 milligrams
Zinc... 15 milligrams

By Paul A Richer