Everyone wants a simple fix for their memory and health. If only you could take a supplement that “fixes brain wiring so you dramatically improve your memory.” If only you could take a supplement that “restores lost neurotransmitters for a steel-trap memory.” Marketing is clever and plays to our fears with a mix of a few findings from tangentially related studies, “miracle memory molecules,” or “guarantees of your money back.” There are no short cuts. It takes time and effort to remain healthy. The latest Mayo Clinic Health Letter (March 2012) puts vitamin supplements in objective perspective without selling anything. Their review of well conducted research concludes that many vitamins and minerals that we used to think prevented diseases may not help after all. Furthermore, there are small but consistent findings that vitamins and supplements may cause harm – even […]
Archive for March, 2012
I am often confronted by questions about whether to take cholinesterase inhibitors such as Aricept, Exelon, or Razadyne. Anyone with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is better off taking one of these medications (it may not matter which one based on limited studies that directly compare these drugs) – if they tolerate them. The most troublesome early side effects are gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, and vivid dreams. Longer term use may slow heart rate and cause fainting. There are studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these medications in all stages of Alzheimer’s disease from mild to severe. For example, I conducted a study a few years ago on the effect of Aricept on total score on the Dementia Rating Scale. The Dementia Rating Scale provides an objective measure of severity of cognitive decline. A perfect score is 144 points and we should all […]
I was asked an interesting question during my last workshop. To paraphrase, “I go to my doctor and complain of anxiety, depression, memory …. Often, he or she gives me a prescription and reassures me that I will do better. What if I don’t want to take a medication? Is that my only choice?” Fortunately the answer is no. We live in a reductionist world. Biological interventions such as medications are helpful for many problems. Drugs change physiological systems. But behavioral and psychological interventions also change physiological systems. When I learn something new, I alter my brain. When I exercise, I alter my biology. We often lose sight of the fact that biology changes behavior and behavior changes biology. The best interventions focus on both sides of this equation. For example, there are medications that help manage changes in motor […]
