Many researchers also believe that memory disorders, including stress-related changes, can potentially lead to a disabling memory loss, especially if left undetected and unaddressed.
It is now believed by some investigators that Alzheimer’s sets foot in the brain as early as 30-40 years before it is clinically expressed and diagnosed. This is typically in the 65+ age range, and manifests as dysfunctional memory loss of recent events, disorientation and loss of executive problem solving abilities.
ARF
ARF is typically characterized by “normal” forgetfulness, e.g. misplacing car keys, forgetting what one wore or had for lunch a day or two ago, forgetting an item or two on a mental shopping list, and forgetting names of recently met people. Perhaps the most noticeable sign is a slowing of memory recall speed, having a word or name get “stuck on the tip of the tongue.”
ARF is believed to result from the gradual degradation of neural receptor sites, and their ability to effectively bind to select brain neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine), in the memory centers of the brain. It may also be a result of lower levels of key neurotransmitters. With women, it can also be related to a drop in estrogen levels, post menopause, and during late stage pregnancy and lactation when the baby’s own nervous system is drawing heavily on an essential fatty acid called DHA.
“Normal” brain aging and the attendant memory loss process can be significantly accelerated by a number of factors including: stress; alcohol and drug abuse; high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, diabetes and other insulin-related conditions; severe head injuries; depression and anxiety; a virus, bacteria or fungus infection that reached the brain, and possibly cerebral (i.e., intellectual) inactivity. In other words, “Use it or lose it” may apply to the brain as well as the body.
In most cases normal age-associated memory loss seems to be reversible, as discussed later.
MCI
Mild cognitive impairment is a very recent term defining an early stage of memory impairment that often precedes Alzheimer’s. Although there is current hope that a significant percentage of MCI is reversible via direct intervention, it has been statistically revealed that left untreated MCI converts into Alzheimer’s (or other dementia) at the rate of 12% per year.
There is currently a large government sponsored consortium of university research centers evaluating various means for the early detection and treatment of MCI via both pharmacological and natural approaches. These include: Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and the drug donepezil (Aricept™ from Pfizer), as well as certain combinations of these and others.
Although the diagnosis of MCI can be made via tests of cognitive functioning including delayed recall, e.g., the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, tests of memory recall speed are probably more sensitive to the earliest stages of impairment. And, although memory loss in the MCI group has been shown to approach that of early stage Alzheimer’s, other cognitive functions are pretty much in tact, including, IQ, verbal reasoning skills, etc.
Reversing Memory Loss
The earlier the stage of the loss or impairment, the easier it is to reverse or at least arrest. Memory loss from normal aging, stress and possibly accumulated abusive lifestyle factors is relatively the most easy to stop if not reverse. Memory loss from head injury, stroke and possibly early stage pre-dementia, such as MCI, may be reversible under certain conditions. However, memory loss from a underlying disease, e.g., Alzheimer’s, appears not to be reversible, at least at the present time. Note: there’s at least one new regenerative drugs (Neotrofin™ from Neotherapeutics; NASDAQ:NEOT) in clinical trials that shows promise of effectively treating Alzheimer’s, especially in the earlier stages.
Depending upon the underlying cause(s) and the stage of the disorder or disease, the following approach can possibly reverse, arrest or, at least slow down the decline rate of memory loss.
The approach is multi-disciplinary, and includes:
* Drugs e.g., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (including Aricept™ & Cognex™ already approved by the FDA & many more improved versions in the approval process), and others not originally indicated for memory disorders, including selegiline (Eldepryl™) and ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine™) Nutraceuticals e.g., ginkgo, vitamin E and other brain-specific nutrients, including vinpocetine, CDP-choline, DHA, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, phosphatidylserine
* Dietary & lifestyle factors including: improved sleep, stress reduction, exercise (mental as well as physical), glucose/insulin management, and a highly reduced trans and hydrogenated fat intake replaced with a significant percentage of the unrefined (“virgin” or cold presssed) Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids as found in highly concentrated in certain fish, seeds and nuts.
Note: recent research has suggested a strong association between active learning and brain health. It is believed that learning a new skill or procedural process, e.g., playing chess or mastering a computer, at any age, results in increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. These are “growth factors” that stimulate the development of dendrites, the connective links between the neurons and synapses, and possibly generate the development of new neurons. In a sense, there is a possibility that you can actually grow your brain with the right type of mental exercise and stimulation, supported with proper nutrition and non-abusive lifestyle.
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