Prescription for Enhancing Memory

by Linda Hegstrand, MD, PhD

Do you ever find yourself wondering where you put your keys, why you went to a specific room or why you are unable to remember someone’s name you should know? You are not the only one that experiences memory lapses. Fortunately, the vast majority of these forgetful moments are not associated with Alzheimer’s or irreversible memory loss.

Gary Small, MD, is the author of a recently published book: Memory Prescription. His prescription includes 4 basic categories: mental activity, physical conditioning, stress reduction, and a healthy diet. Following his advice can serve both to improve and maintain memory. On the other hand, when this prescription is not followed memory may decline. As the familiar adage goes “use it or lose it.”

My additions to the memory prescription are dietary supplements and toxin removal:

Because of the way our foods are grown and brought to market, it is virtually impossible to get all the essential nutrients our bodies require to function optimally. I agree with the healthcare providers who believe dietary supplements are a necessity. Generally, whole food supplements are preferable. When one is suffering from significant Dis-Ease, therapeutic amounts not found in whole foods may be required.

There are numerous toxins that may impair memory, including mercury and other metals such as aluminum, cadmium, and lead; food additives – aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG); fluoride; and many other chemicals too numerous to list.

The two largest exposures we have to mercury are dental amalgams (silver fillings) and vaccines. Research from the University of Calgary has shown that levels of mercury lower than those released from dental amalgams cause nerve damage. A video of the effect of mercury on nerve cells can be seen by going to http://commons.ucalgary.ca/mercury/ with Quicktime.

Russell Blaylock’s, MD, recent book Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life is an excellent source for learning more about how toxins adversely impact the brain, what to do to remove these toxins and what nutrients to take to allow the brain to heal itself as well as to enhance memory.

One of the most effective ways to remove toxins from the brain, including mercury, is with a peptide chaltrating agent (PCA-Rx). This is taken orally by spraying it under one’s tongue. This can be used with people who have mercury-containing amalgams. Many agents that may remove toxins from other parts of the body do not cross the blood brain barrier.

Nutrients that are especially important for enhancing memory include acetyl-l-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins E and C, B vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, selenium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, medicinal mushrooms, and more.

If you are experiencing marked changes in your memory, integrating complementary medicine and western medicine is strongly suggested. Before taking any supplements it is recommended that you consult with a doctor who is knowledgeable about these supplements.

Linda Hegstrand, MD, PhD, is a board certified and licensed physician whose clinical practice focuses on natural approaches to healing including nutrition and energy medicine. She serves as Medical Director for The Complete Wellness Center, The Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences, and Techmedica in Grand Rapids, MI. For personal consultations contact (616) 464-0470 or (616) 443-3571 or e-mail her at DrLindaMD@gmail.com. She is also available for seminars on a variety of clinical topics.