Be Realistic: Long-Term Therapy Is Needed to Protect against Memory Loss
Be Realistic: Long-Term Therapy Is Needed to Protect against Memory Loss
You must not forget that a truly effective preventive strategy will take many months to years to exert its full effects, and being impatient about the fact that medications are not giving you a rapid response will be self-defeating. Bear in mind the reality that for age-related memory loss without a specific reversible cause, there is no miracle cure. Blocking further decline, and hopefully experiencing a moderate degree of improvement in memory, should be your goal.
This list of questions to ask your doctor (ask only those questions on the list that are important to you) applies mainly to prescription medications, though it is always a good idea to consult your doctor about over-the-counter and alternative medications as well.
What to Ask Your Doctor about Medications
to Improve Memory
Why am I taking this particular medication?
How does this medication work on my memory?
How much improvement can I reasonably expect?
What is the right dose to take?
Does it interfere with any other medicines I am taking?
What are the common side effects?
How long do I need to take it?
Is the medicine addictive in any way?
Can I drink alcohol while taking it?
Is there any risk in stopping it for a few days at a time?
First-Level Medications: Doses, Actions, Side Effects
My primary or first-level nonprescription choices are vitamin E and phosphatidylserine, with donepezil and estrogen (for women only) making the prescription list.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E’s broad antioxidant and antiaging properties vaulted it to the top, particularly as a longterm preventive measure against future memory loss. Vitamin E should be taken as a single daily capsule of 400 to 800 IUs, but you can go up to 1,200 IUs (a maximum of 2,000 IUs if you’re very adventurous). There is a very small risk of bleeding if you also take anticoagulants like Coumadin; for the same reason, be cautious about combining vitamin E with aspirin or ginkgo biloba. Fortunately, in the very rare instances of bleeding caused by taking vitamin E, it is likely to begin gradually, so there will be time to reverse the problem by just stopping vitamin E.
Taken From: The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss
and Enhance Memory Power
