Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Help with memory loss from sluggish cognitive tempo?

Hello, I am wondering if anybody has a suggestion of medications or anything that works to help with memory problems associated with SCT that will not cause more memory problems or possible brain damage with long term use? The reason that I have a fear of more memory damage or brain damage from certain meds or supplements is that while searching for medications and supplements to help with memory I have come across information that certain medications like aderall and others plus different types of supplements can actually cause memory damage with long term use, plus I already have memory problems and I don't need more and I am on other medications for other diseases that will have adverse effects when taken with certain supplements.I really need something to help because I am planning on going to college fand I want to be able to successfully store and retrieve  the information  that I learn instead of forgetting the information after some time of not constantly using the information. My doctor has prescribed to me provigil to relieve the feeling of constantly feeling tired and sleepy, but I am not sure it will help with memory retention and memory retrieval, so I was looking to also add something else to stabilize my memory. I take citalopram for major depression and anxiety which has helped my depression and anxiety significantly, I am on 2 types of insulin for type one diabetes, I am on Levothyroxin for autoimmune attacked thyroid/hypothyroidism like my pancreas, I am on lisinipril to protect my kidneys and lovastatin to keep my cholesterol in check. Please help me find something that will help my memory but not interfere with others meds that I have to take.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal

Lumosity
http://web.mail.comcast.net/zimbra/mail?app=mail#2
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What is SCT?  You're on so many medications and report so many serious illnesses that it's hard to follow.  We're not experts here, just folks.  There are many nutrients that are reputed to help protect the brain, but that doesn't mean that by themselves they will protect the brain of someone with a disorder or who takes as many medications as you're taking.  The above post is obviously completely theoretical, but it does show there is research being done on memory issues but as far as I know there's nothing conclusive -- again, it's all theoretical at this point.  Now, in a healthy person, there are substances that contain nutrients that the brain needs to be healthy.  Phosphatidyl serine and DHA are fats that the brain needs to function properly.  The brain needs choline for memory, and medications that interfere with choline can produce cognitive problems (some antidepressants, for example, such as Paxil have a great affinity for choline receptors, and when a person stops taking them the brain can have a hard time re-establishing its choline system).  Some herbs help to send oxygen to the brain, such as gota kola and gingko and many others.  There's no evidence these actually make someone have better memory, but theoretically they have what's needed to protect brain processes.  But with the amount of problems and medications you have going on, who knows how they interact?  I would suggest, therefore, that you bring a naturopath or even better a physician who practices integrated medicine into your team so you can perhaps come up with a program that will work for you.  Maybe you don't need all those medications -- it's possible some of your problems are creating some of the other ones and just aren't being treated optimally.  Thyroid problems, for example, are a prime cause of anxiety and depression, and if your medication for it isn't adjusted just so you will end up being put on an antidepressant when you don't really need one.  I hope you find the expert help you need.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Exercising Your Memory
Try these tips, which involve working your brain in new ways.
Be alert. It sounds elementary, but simply being aware of what is happening increases and exercises your memory.
Get organized. If it’s worth memorizing, it’s worth taking notes on it, no matter what “it” is. Scientists agree Short-term memory can only hold seven items at one time. Choose your seven and jot down notes on others.
Use association. For new information, ask yourself how the information relates to ideas with which you’re already familiar. Try familiar stimulis such as repeating or grouping like ideas. Remember through teaching. Explain your new memory/idea to someone else in your own words. This is a great tool for increasing memory.
Say it out loud. Don’t worry about what others are thinking when
you think out loud. Recite what you are reading; paraphrase; review notes
out loud. Set aside time for review. After learning something new, make time to review the information. Retention relies on review; that phrase itself will help you remember to review!
Exercise your memory. Learn a new subject or re-learn an old
subject from your previous schooling, such as math, science, or history
something you have forgotten. Keep a journal. A journal exercises the mind. It will also help you remember through review.
Do crossword puzzles. These are great exercises for the memory.
They will help you remember and sharpen your wit too.
Practice using visual imagery. Go through the steps of building or
creating something.
Include plenty of the following in your diet for improved memory.
Vitamin B-1 Helps those who have had drinking problems, or those who
have had high sugar diets. Vegetables Blenderize vegetables to get the most essential nutrients. Omega-3 Fats  For improved brain
function. Vitamin E The natural form is best. Magnesium Prevents
atherosclerosis of brain blood vessels and blocks excitotoxicity.
Foods high in omega-6 fats (corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, soybean and canola oils), protein, cheeses, sugar and carbohydrates
are known to significantly interfere with brain function. They can also lead to a number of health problems, such as insomnia, anxiety, panic
attacks, obsessive-compulsive behavior, anger, aggressiveness, suicide, and criminal behavior.
Our diets can make us more susceptible to crippling neurodegenerative
diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia. Our diet can alter our behavior, producing positive effects such as creativity and clear thinking, or negative effects such as anxiety or confusion.
Healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fats, improve brain function and have been shown to improve memory, IQ, and general behavior; and at the same time, they eliminate depression.
One of the biggest culprits is sugar. Americans consume huge amounts of it, mainly as sweetened drinks and colas. A 12-ounce cola contains 9
tablespoons of sugar. Since 1974 cola consumption has doubled, even among the elderly. Diet colas are not a solution either  the aspartame found
in many diet drinks is a powerful brain toxin and accumulates in the brain (as formaldehyde). Processed foods are the next culprit. They contain chemicals toxic to the brain including food dyes, MSG, protein extracts, natural flavoring, soy protein extracts and hundreds of other chemicals.
A great number of these additives have been shown to affect the brain even in small doses. Two recent studies confirm the benefit of vegetables. In one study, reported in the journal Neurology, October 2006, a group of 3,718 people over age 65 were followed and examined yearly. Researchers found that those who ate the highest amounts of green leafy vegetables had the slowest decline in cognitive function (thinking). People who ate at least 2.8 servings of vegetables a day had a 40 percent reduction in cognitive decline as compared to those who ate only one serving a day.
The second study, reported in the journal Annals of Neurology, April 2006, followed a group of 2,258 dementia-free elderly people. Those who adhered the closest to the Mediterranean diet had the lowest incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and mental decline. For really rigid Mediterranean
diet folks, the reduction was 40 percent, while those who were in the “middle” saw a 15 percent decline. This means that the closer you adhere to a good healthy diet, the lower your risk of getting Alzheimer’s. In this study the average age was 77 years. Both studies showed that the older you are, the more you need to eat your vegetables! Previous studies found that blueberry extract and spinach extract protected the brains of aging
mice from the usual effects of a brain getting older. Surprisingly, blueberry extract (a high concentration of blueberries) not only prevented brain aging, but reversed many of the existing effects.
A number of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) have been shown to powerfully protect the brain and even reverse Alzheimer’s pathology
in experimental animals genetically modified to develop the disease. Phytochemicals include curcumin, quercetin, luteolin (ginkgo biloba,
artichokes), silymarin (milk thistle extract), ellagic acid (raspberries and walnuts), resveratrol (grape skins), grape seed extract, and catechins (from
white tea).
fruits showed no protection. that this is because of the high amounts of sugars in fruits. When fruit concentrates are used with the sugar
removed (as with blueberry extract), protection against disease is dramatic.
Many studies have shown that combining large numbers of antioxidants gives better results. These antioxidants include magnesium, alpha-lipoic
acid, B vitamins (especially B-1, B-6, riboflavin, niacinamide, folate and vitamin B-12) , DHA, natural vitamin E and tocotrienol.
Source DR. Blaylock MD
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Complementary Medicine Community

Popular Resources
Many couples are turning to acupuncture to treat infertility. But does it work? We take a closer look.
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Learn ow this ancient healing Indian medicine can work for you
Before your drop a dime at the pharmacy, find out if these popular cold and flu home remedies are a wonder or a waste