Natural Remedies for Memory Loss/Alzheimer's/Dementia
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I hope this is useful to you...and that you send me your additions! If something ends up working for you (or not!), let me know so that I can pass the word on to others via this page. :)
Disclaimer: What I'm sharing with you here are my notes for myself, just to trigger my own memory and knowledge. As these are just my notes to myself, you may want to use this list as a starting place to do more research on your own (check the herbal glossary on the previous page, the web, etc) on any particular plant/herb/etc. before taking it. If you have any special medical conditions, or are taking any medications, you'll probably want to check with a doctor beforehand. In short, use my notes here as a starting place, and at your own risk, rather than as a particular recommendation! :-)
*** Of course, being the special and completely unique person that you are, you might need to play around a bit with these to see what your body responds to best. As with any new anything you put into your body, it's best to take the minimal dosage once first and pay vigilent attention to your body for a day or so, to make sure that you don't have any abnormal negative reactions (such as an allergic one) to it. :-)
In addition to what you find below, you can also click here for => a page on memory loss/dementia from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, by C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
As you'll see, what's great about this book is that it includes
remedies from many different disciplines. You can buy it online here.
Note: These remedies are
roughly prioritized by efficacy, with the exception of the Piracetam,
which is listed last since it's (somewhat) non-natural.
(It's a pharmaceutical product, but my understanding is that it's
a substance that occurs naturally in the brain but gets depleted
with age [thus, the extremely low toxicidy].)
FOR MEMORY LOSS/ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE:
Lifestyle: I've read that
aluminum (such as that in beverage cans and
anti-perspirants) has been linked to Alzheimer's. You can avoid
buying/drinking from cans, and use "Crystal Stick Body Deodorant," "Laff's Natural Crystal Deodorant Stick," or similar, which
are 100% natural mineral salts and contain no aluminum chlorohydrate
(available at health food stores like Whole Foods, etc). Also, from
personal experience, I can say that if you're not getting enough sleep,
your memory will suffer. After I noticed this, I checked into it
and learned that the brain's neurotransmitters are replenished and a
lot of memory formation happens while we sleep. Stress also seems
to interfere with the natrual memory formation process (high levels of
cortisol, adrenalin, etc. in the brain). Ie, if
stress/sleep/lifestyle is the true cause of your memory problems, it's
probably best to work with the cause first (or at least in conjunction
with whatever remedies you find here--just my $.02. :-)
- Reduce exposure to radiation: Do not stand near your micorwave while it's on, stay away from and do not use WiFi/wireless internet whenever possible, do not use bluetooth nor GPS devices, and...
... especially ...
** Do Not Use Cell Phones (nor Cordless Phones in the 2.4 GHz or Greater Frequency Range) if at all possible. **
** The multi-billion dollar cell phone/wireless industry has done a massive dis-information campaign, spending hundreds of millions of dollars to suppress reams of evidence and research proving that extended exposure to this type of radiation (in the same frequency range as your microwave oven) causes both cellular and DNA damage. (Obviously, it's in those corporations' best financial interest for you to neither know nor believe the actual health effects of their products. The truth is currently more available in Non-US countries, such as those of Europe and Australia, however.)
** When the cells/DNA being damaged by the radiation are in your head, which is most common with radiation sources that you put up to your head (ie, cell and cordless phones), a couple common short-term symptom of this are disruptive sleep patterns, headaches, memory loss, chronic fatigue, depression, hypersensitivity and allergies, rashes and skin complaints, behavioral patterns in children, nausea, heart palpitations/tachycardia, concentration problems, aggression, blood disorders, and erratic blood pressure. [ References: 1, 2, 3 ]
** Long-term symptoms (after ~10 years) are things like, "increased risk of brain tumors, as well as increased risk of eye cancer, salivary gland tumors, testicular cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia." [ References: 1, 2, 3 ]
** I've done many hours of research on this, and have verified most of this with the two meters that I've purchased, but feel free to research it yourself. Here are some places to start (in addition to the 6 references above :) that include helpful solutions, too: The Radiation Poisoning of America, Videos, http://www.wireless-protection.org/, http://www.emfields.org/publications/overview.asp, CNET article, Cellphone and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern, Science, Spin and the Truth Behind Interphone, EMF Resource Library, Dr. Mercola's article, Are You Zapped? (Quick Lifestyle Quiz, etc). Also, you can check out the Environmental Working Group's comprehensive, 10-month science evaluation of the hazards of cell phone radiation, that includes data from more than 200 peer-reviewed studies, government advisories, and industry documents.
- What is "ElectroSmog?"
SUGGESTIONS TO MINIMIZE YOUR RISK and POTENTIALLY IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP, MEMORY AND MOOD:
- Use a land-line phone whenEver possible.
- If you must use a cell or cordless phone, use them as sparingly as possible, keep them as far from your body as possible, use only 900MHz or lower cordless phones (especially avoid the new DECT phones), and use only in speaker phone mode or with a AIRTUBE headset. Also, when you buy, factor cell phone radiation levels into your purchase decision (CNET List of Cell Phone Models and Their Radiation Levels, EWG's List of Cell Phone Radiation Levels).
[ I researched, bought, tested, and returned several air-tube-type headsets. The Blue TUBE Headset was (past tense!) the best one in terms of comfort and quality/volume of sound in 2008, but they changed the design, and I now offer this caveat: Some find Mercola's current Blue TUBE Headset (which has no ear hook, no volume control, and what I consider and inferior microphone) just fine...and, others hate it. I think it depends on your phone. I haven't bought/tested these and can't recommend them yet either, but this is where I'll start when 2008 Blue TUBE headsets wear out: http://www.totallycellphones.com/rafrherf3ste.html If you find a good one, please let me know! ]
- Do not use wired headsets
[ The wire acts as an antenna, just like the one on your car stereo--ie, collecting and concentrating the radiation by up to 300% and then delivering it right to your inner ear. Ie, wired headsets are up to 3 times more dangerous than putting the phone up to your head! Use in speaker-phone mode or with an air-tube type headset, and keep the cell or cordless phone as far from your body as possible during use. I've measured this myself with my own meter, but here are some references: 1, 2, 3 ]
- Do not use BlueTOOTH headsets, either [they have a wireless transmitter inside and are a source of radiation themselves...that you also put right into your inner ear, bypassing much of the natural protection your skull provides]. Use in speaker-phone mode or with an air-tube type headset, and keep the cell or cordless phone as far from your body as possible during use.
- Move any electrical devices as far away from your sleep area as possible, including your alarm clock, stereo, TV, computer, etc. Especially, do not leave a plugged-in cell or cordless phone charging near your bed. (Put in a $10 land-line phone in your bedroom...which is also extremely useful during a power outage [cordless phones won't work] or a disaster [cell network could be down or overloaded].)
- Keep cell and cordless phones as far from your body as possible unless they are completely powered off. (You cell phone emits an intermittent signal even when you're not talking on it. The base station of 2.4GHz and greater cordless phones--especially DECT phones--emit a continuous stream of radiation at maximum power, even when nobody is speaking on them! Most 900MHz base stations only emit radiation when a call comes in.) In addition, I suggest looking into Safer Cordless Phones, BlocSocks, and AirTube Headsets, and other solutions (protective fabrics/clothing, paints, bed canopies, WiFi alternatives, etc)
- 10 Cell Phone Radiation Protection Tips
- EWG's 8 Tips to Reduce Cell Phone Radiation Exposure (I'd ignore what they say about headsets in deference to what I say above, tho)
Memory exercises, FAQ, more info...
Horesebalm (add several dropperfuls of horesebalm tincture to your favorite herbal shampoo)
Rosemary (contains a couple
dozen antioxidants--ie, compounds that mop up free radicals; rosemary
shampoo, tea, rosemary in bathwater; you can buy herbal shampoo that
contains rosemary, or make your own by adding rosemary tincture to your
favorite herbal shampoo)Brazil nutDandelion (flowers are best, and very nutritious anyway)
Fava beans
Fenugreek
Ginko biloba (60-240mg of standardized extract a day; reduce dosage in case of diarrhea, irritability or restlessness)
- There’s also some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so never take ginkgo biloba if you are on any kind of anticoagulant drugs or have any kind of bleeding disorder. You also should not take ginkgo before undergoing surgery or dental procedures, for the same reason. (Reference.)
Procera AVH — Haven't tried this, but it's natural, the research looks good, and there's a money-back guarantee
- Pls let me know if you try it, but don't take with high doeses of Vitamin E, aspirin, or Ginko and, as always, consult a healthcare professional prior to use if you have or suspect a medical condition, are taking prescription or OTC drugs, including “blood thinners”, e.g., warfarin (Coumadin), Plavix, Heparin, et al. This may also include other non-prescription products, including Vitamin E, ginkgo, aspirin and ibuprofen. Also consult with a healthcare professional if you’re taking MAO inhibitors or anti-psychotics, or have hypotension (low blood pressure), epilepsy or bi-polar disorder.
Sage
Stinging nettle
Willow (the herbal source of aspirin; if you're allergic to aspirin, be careful with willow)
Gotu kola
Omega-3: "A high intake of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA can help protect the brain from memory loss and cell damage caused by Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 is high in two fatty acids crucial to human health, DHA and EPA. These two fatty acids are pivotal in preventing heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. The human brain is also highly dependent on DHA - low DHA levels have been linked to depression, schizophrenia, memory loss, and a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Mercury levels in almost all fish have now hit dangerously high levels around the world, and the risks of mercury now heavily outweigh fishes' omega-3 benefits. The best way to get omega-3 benefits is to take fish, krill or cod liver oil. This is a clean, safe and pure alternative to fresh fish." More...
Note: It's my understanding that fish-oil omega-3 supplements are not as environmentally renewable, effective, nor high-quality as the krill oil Mercola recommends.
Caution:
If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, use omega-3 supplements only under the supervision of your physician. Blood tests that measure clotting time can be used to ensure these nutrients are not reducing the clotting factors in your blood to abnormal levels. Do not take with fiber supplements.
AROMATHERAPY: oils of rosemary, balm, fennel and sage
To really boost your brain health, don’t forget to incorporate these essential lifestyle changes:
* Start an exercise program
* Challenge your mind
* Avoid most fish and flu vaccinations, and remove mercury from your body
* Avoid aluminum, such as antiperspirants and cookware
* Correct abnormal zinc and copper levels
- New Info: Reduced levels of zinc are being linked to Alzheimer's disease. In one study, 38 elements were evaluated by neutron activation and mass spectrometry in the post-mortem brain tissue of eleven Alzheimer’s patients and six controls. An increase was found in aluminum, silicon and calcium; a significant decrease was found in zinc and selenium. The lower level of zinc in all areas of the tissue studied correlates with reports indicating low serum levels of zinc in other dementia studies. [Reduction of Zinc and Selenium in Brain Alzheimer's Disease: Corigan, et al., Trace Elements in Medicine, 91;8(1): pp.1-5]. See also: Increased Risk of Alzheimer's/Dementia
* Eat plenty of
vegetables according to your
nutritional type
* Eat plenty of good
omega-3 krill oil
Sources:
- The Green Pharmacy, book by James A. Duke, Ph.D. (He worked for 30 years as a botanist specializing in medicinal plants...ie, an ethnobotanist...for the USDA. Duke left to write this book when he realized that the USDA, which as you're likely aware is in the pocket of the pharmaceutical companies, was actually prohibiting this info from getting out...since many of these plants work much better than the non-natural pharmaceutical drugs. He felt that since YOU paid for this research, that YOU had a right to it!)
- "Ginko Biloba Protects Your Memory," article by Dr. Mercola
PHARMACEUTICAL:
Ok, this is an exception from the all natural remedies listed
here. It's the only non-natural anything that I take, but the
research is so sound, the toxicidy is less than that of salt, it was
recommended to me by someone I trust who's memory astounds me, and I've
had great results using it myself:
Piracetam. (
more info here and
here and via any web search).
Piracetam (water soluble) can be used in conjunction with the more powerful Aniracetam (a fat soluble analog of Piracetam), and/or the even more powerful Oxiracetam. Something I haven't tried, but might if I suspected Alzheimers, is
Memantine.
*
Here's how I used Piracetam for the first year (purchased from International Antiaging Systems):
START: 3 800mg tablets, 2X per day, with meal, for 1st month (4800mg per day)
CONTINUE: 2 800mg tablets, 2X per day, with meal, after 1st month (3200mg per day)
In general, you're supposed to be able to safely take up to
2400-3200mg, 2-3 times per day (4800-9600mg per day), with a
meal...although, according to the folks at Unique Nutrition, some
studies have given people up to 45g (45,000mg) per day with no negative
effects.
*
Here's how I'm currently using Piracetam with Oxiracetam (NutraceuticsRx brand purchased from American Nutrition):
I switched vendors because of what I learned about the potential dangers of products containing the Magnesium Stearate/Stearic Acid, Silica/Silicon Dioxide, or Titanium Dioxide...which allegedly not only negatively impact the immune system, but also build up in your system, causing a biofilm barrier in the small intestine. As you can read about easily from many sources if you research it (just one of many examples,
here), these unnecessary chemicals are said to cause autoimmune disorders, suppress natural killer cells, and inhibit nutrient absorption from the foods you eat...as they build up more and more blockage in your intestines the more you ingest them. While I'm not an expert on this and can't say for certain if these claims are true or not, what I do know is that these substances are neither organic/natural, nor the active ingredient I'm after...rather, they're added for convenience to the manufacturer and reasons like that.
(Magnesium Stearate/Stearic Acid, for example, is meant to be similar to chalk. It is added in the manufacturing process as a lubricant...ie, to reduce products from sticking to the machinery and improve yields. Now imagine ingesting a bit of chalk each time you take a supplement that uses this filler...and the chalk building up in your intestines...and, over time, creating a barrier inside you that blocks more and more of your natural ability to absorb nutrients.)
(NOTE: PLEASE do NOT do business with Relentless Improvement!! Their products contain non-essential and potentially harmful fillers like magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide. When I respectfully requested that they request their suppliers to stop using these unnecessary and potentially damaging chemicals, and included clinical documentation to support what I was saying, the owner sent me a very nasty note and said he didn't want my business, and even canceled my order for other products!!
RELENTLESS IMPROVEMENT DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND IS AN UNSCRUPULOUS RETAILER.)
I was planning to raise my Piracetam dose along with the vendor switch. Upon further research, however, I decided to switch over to the Oxiracetam exclusively instead.
PREVIOUS DOSAGE: 3 800mg capsules of Piracetam, 1
750mg capsule of Aniracetam, and 1 800mg capsule of Oxiracetam daily. I take 1 of the Piracetam, the
1 Aniracetam, 1 Oxiracetam and 1 60mg capsule of Ginko with breakfast, then the
other 3 Piracetam and another 60mg of Ginko with lunch or dinner.
(Note: I also slowly built up the amount of Ginko I was taking. I started with just 60mg/day.)
CURRENT DOSAGE: I'm currently taking 2 800mg capsules of Oxiracetam, and 1 120mg capsule of Ginko per day.
Reclaim Your Brain - the most powerful tool for health/healing that exists!
(I use and recommend this fun tool, developed after 30+ years of research
by psychologist Dr. Patrick Porter, Ph.D, to reprogram the unconscious mind)
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