Memory Loss - How to Improve Memory as discussed in the book Mind Boosters by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Dozens of new supplements have been introduced over the past few years that promise to improve short term and long term memory loss, intelligence, mood, vision, and mental performance. I have reviewed the very latest research regarding these breakthrough nutrients, amino acids, herbs, herbal extracts, coenzymes, and hormones, and offer a scientific and practical evaluation of their benefits and risks. Mind Boosters book discusses how to combine mind- and memory -boosting supplements for patients with depression, memory loss, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and other conditions. A step by step and sensible mind and memory -boosting program is provided for the young, middle-aged, and seniors.
     I have taken all of the supplements discussed in Mind Boosters, and report my personal observations and the experiences of users, including interviews with experts. Mind Boosters  is one of the most comprehensive and practical books ever written on the topic of mind and memory enhancement using natural supplements. As part of my experience in writing the book, and learning about individual herbs and nutrients that influence the mind, I have formulated a very popular brain supplement called Mind Power Rx. Click on the blue link below if you would like to buy this Mind Boosters book. See the link below in blue if you wish to purchase Mind Boosters.

Mind Power Rx -- formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Mind Power Rx is a sophisticated cognitive and memory formula with memory herb and memory vitamin supplements. Mind Power Rx combines a delicate balance of brain circulation agents and neurotransmitter precursors with powerful natural brain chemicals that support:

• Memory and Mood
• Mental clarity
• Concentration 
• Alertness & Focus

The herbs in Mind Power Rx include: Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba,  Ginseng, Gotu kola, Mucuna pruriens, Reishi, and Rhodiola.  The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Cyanocobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.

Click here to purchase Mind Power Rx or for a full description of the ingredients. Also consider reading the Mind Boosters book, or to sign up to a FREE newsletter
Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Twice a month you will receive an email with brief abstracts of several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics -- including memory loss and how to improve long term and short term memory loss, mood and mental function, memory herb use, memory vitamin -- and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

High Quality products formulated by Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D.
Consider highly popular all natural products. These top quality products include Mind Power Rx for better mental focus, concentration, and mood; Diet Rx which helps you eat less. It really does curb appetite; Good Night Rx with magnolia bark for better sleep; Eyesight Rx for better vision, often within days; MultiVit Rx a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and vitality; Joint Power Rx for healthy joints; Prostate Power Rx for a healthy prostate gland; and Passion Rx for sexual enhancement, better libido, and improved performance and stamina in men and women.
 

Mind Boosters book Index

PART I: USING YOUR BRAIN TO BOOST YOUR MIND

1. The Born-Again Brain
        Age Related Cognitive Decline - short term memory loss and long term memory loss
        Can Natural Supplements improve memory loss?
        Personalizing Your Mind and Memory improving regimen
        The Experience of Patients and Users regarding memory and mind herbs
        The Experience of Clinicians and Experts regarding memory improvement
        The Author’s Experience

2. The Top Ten Mind-Boosting Principles
        A discussion of ten principles you should keep in mind while taking supplements that influence your mind and memory. How to improve memory naturally.

PART II: YOUR BRAIN: AN OWNER'S GUIDE

3. The ABCs of the Brain
        Neuron-to-Neuron Communication
        Composition of the Cell Membrane
        Training Neurons for better memory and reverse memory loss
        What Happens When the Brain Gets Old?
        What Can You Do To Keep Your Mind Young and prevent memory loss?

4. Brain Chemistry Made Simple
        Acetylcholine the memory neurotransmitter
        Dopamine
        Norepinephrine and Epinephrine
        Serotonin
        GABA
        Additional Neurotransmitters
        The Connection between the Brain and the Immune System

PART III: LIFESTYLE HABITS FOR A LONG LASTING BRAIN

5. How to Cultivate a Naturally Healthy Mind and Upgrade Memory
        Emotional Connections
        Exercise can help with memory loss  Exercise boosts brainpower by building new brain cells in a brain region linked with memory and memory loss.
        Training Neurons to reverse memory loss
        Learn How to Learn
        Cultivate Your Creativity
        Sample! Explore! Expand!
        Smart Eating -- foods that improve memory loss
        A Note to Vegetarians

Watching your weight, quitting smoking, cutting back on junk foods and exercising regularly will help your heart. But did you know that these steps might also help your brain, and protect your memory? Sleep helps the brain consolidate memories so that they are readily available during waking hours.

6. Beware of Brain Busters - Cause of Memory Loss
This chapter discusses causes of long term and short term memory loss due to lifestyle habits, prescription drugs, recreational drugs such as marijuana, and medical problems that lead to a memory deficit.
     Did you know? Elderly people who smoke show a five-fold faster rate of age-related mental decline and memory loss than people who never smoked. Although women are generally less likely than men to become dependent on alcohol, they appear to develop alcoholic brain damage and memory loss more rapidly than men.

PART IV: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO MIND-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS

7. Mind Your Brain Fats
        This chapter has a full discussion of the chemistry of fats and oils, along with the latest research on the memory enhancement effects of fish oils--eicosapentanoic acid, docosahexanoic acid--and flaxseed oil.

8. Memory Boosters — Phospholipids, Choline, and Related Nutrients for memory loss
        Choline converts into the memory chemical acetylcholine. Does it help memory loss?
        CDP-Choline
        Phosphatidylcholine
        Phosphatidylserine -- also known as PS.... or should we call it BS?       

9. Mood Lifters—Vitamin B Coenzyme complex - crucial B vitamins to prevent memory loss
        Thiamin and Cocarboxylase
        Riboflavin and Flavin Mono Nucleotide (FMN)
        Niacin, Nicotinamide, and NADH-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
        Pantothenic acid and Pantothene
        Pyridoxine and Pyridoxal Phosphate
        B12- Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, and Dibencozide
        Down with Homocysteine

10. Methyl Donors—For More Energy, Better Mood, (and Longer Life?)
        DMAE, dimethylaminoethanol
        DMG, Dimethylglycine and TMG, Trimethyglycine
        Sam-e, S-Adenosyl-methionine - a powerful mood supplement

11. Keep Your Brain Young with Old and New Antioxidants         
         A discussion of how antioxidants works and their role in brain health. Topics include carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins C and E, glutathione, N-acetyl-cysteine and selenium. The chapter ends with dosage recommendations.

12. Mind Energizers—Think Faster, Sharper, and Longer 
        Acetyl-l-Carnitine and Carnitine
        CoQ10
        Lipoic Acid

13. Amino Acids—Building Blocks for Brain Chemicals
        Tryptophan, 5-Hydroxytryptophan ( 5-HTP ), Phenylalanine and Tyrosine

14. Brain Hormones: Potent Memory and Sex Boosters
        What Can Brain Hormones Do for You?
        Figure 14.1 The Making of Steroid Hormones from Cholesterol
        Estrogen and the Brain
        Do Middle-Aged and Older Women Need Male Hormones?
        DHEA: The Parent of Estrogen and Testosterone - can it reverse memory loss?
        Pregnenolone: The Grandmother of All Steroid Hormones - powerful memory booster
        Melatonin: Nature’s Sleeping Pill - deep sleep enhances memory
        The Multi-Hormone Replacement Solution for Different Age Groups
        Cautions and Potential Side Effects pf hormones

15. Psychoactive Herbs: Recommended by Mother Nature
        Ashwagandha   
        Ginkgo Biloba
        Ginseng
        Huperzine A - for Alzheimer's
        Kava
        St. John’s Wort
        Vinpocetine
        Additional Herbs and Food-Like Supplements
            Bacopa
            Maca
            Reishi
            Pyroglutamate smart drug?
 

PART V: STAYING SMART AFTER SCHOOL

16. The Mind and Memory Boosting Program for Ages 25 to 40
            What supplements should you take if you're in this age group if you want to enhance your mind?

17. The Mind and Memory Boosting Program for Ages 41 to 60
            What supplements should you take if you're in this age group and want to improve memory?

18. The Mind and Memory Boosting Program for Ages 61 and Over
            What supplements should you take to prevent memory loss if you're in this age group and have memory loss? Are there supplements that improve memory loss? Aging is known to lead to memory loss, but this can be reduced or mostly prevented through lifestyle habits and supplements.

PART VI: NATURAL PRESCRIPTIONS FOR DEPRESSION, VISION ENHANCEMENT,
ALZHEIMER'S, AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE

19. Supplements that Fight Depression
            A step-by-step strategy to improve mood with natural supplements and rely less on pharmaceutical antidepressants.
20. Supplements that Sharpen Vision and Hearing
            Yes, it is possible to improve vision and hearing with supplements. Colors become brighter and clearer, near and long-distance vision improve, everything becomes more in focus. Seeing can be a real joy!
21. Supplements for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease - Memory loss medication and treatment.

22. Supplements for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Glossary --pages and pages of definitions
References --a complete list of scientific studies
Index

What readers are saying:
Dr. Sahelian, a few sentences cannot tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate "Mind Boosters". I have ordered 10 copies and given them to friends to improve memory. I use it as a reference and have studied it as you intended it to be used.

I Recently purchased your book "Mind Boosters - A guide to Natural Supplements that Enhance your Mind, Improve Memory, and Mood" and I have to say it has been exceptional reading. I am a 31 yo male and suffer from long term memory loss problems, a borderline insomniac, mild anxiety, and mild depression. All of these traits seem to run in my family and I have tried numerous things, even Celexa and other prescription drugs. I have been off the prescriptions for some time because quite frankly they killed my sex life but in the short time I have taken some of the supplements you recommended, I have notice improvement in these areas.

Finally - objective and detailed information about natural supplements for memory loss. I've been searching the internet for good information about vitamins, herbs and other food supplements that might help improve my mood, energy and clarity of thought. However almost all the hits are at sites that sell these products. They don't spend much time talking about bad side effects, and they won't tell you 'hey this product doesn't really do anything but if you want to throw away your money, throw it our way'. Apparently, this book's author, Ray Sahelian, is a medical doctor. He tries the supplements himself and reports their effects, if any. He provides scientific explanations of how the supplements work, and of brain chemistry in general. However it is written in a way that can be easily understood by those like me who have no medical training or knowledge.

Your improve memory book, Mind Boosters, falls nothing short of superb. I have no doubt that Mind Boosters will make a significant impact to the quality of many peoples lives and it really should be compulsory reading for everyone interested in mind and memory improvement.

Your "Mind Boosters" is written is such a clear and concise way, that in just reading 2 or 3 chapters I was blown away with the clarity and sensibility with which you write, and the vast amount of knowledge that you impart. Consequently, I have urged my local health food store, Whole Foods in Beverly Hills, to purchase your improve memory book and put it on their shelf now. I will push them to do so, this is a very important book for those losing their creative memory, and thanks again.

Memory of Past Events
When recalling memories of negative or positive events that helped to shape our identity, such as a break-up or marriage, we tend to downplay the fear, anger or other negative emotions experienced at the time and remember more of the positive emotions.

MIND BOOSTERSory boosters, mind supplements, creative memory
A GUIDE TO NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS
THAT ENHANCE YOUR
MIND, MEMORY, AND MOOD

22-Chapter, 300 page comprehensive memory book discussing memory loss and how to improve memory, written by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

          GET SMARTER Within Hours!

Improve Memory, Mood and Motivation
Stay Focused and Alert All Day
Enhance Your Eyesight and Hearing
Be More Creative and Productive
Keep Your Mind Youthful

Click Mind Boosters to purchase or to see a complete list of books and herbal products.  You will also find Mind Power Rx, a product formulated by Dr. Sahelian for optimal brain function.

Recent emails
Hi Dr. Sahelian, just wondering if you have any sequels for Mind Boosters. That book was the most valuable book on human memory loss supplements which I have ever encountered. I can even suggest a title of a sequel  which I would like to see: Mood Boosters. Thanks for your great work.
     Dr. Sahelian says: Thank you very much. I have thought about a book on mood boosters, but I'm just overwhelmed with so many ongoing projects that this will be on hold for now.

Dr. Sahelian, a few sentences cannot tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate "Mind Boosters". I have ordered 10 copies and given them to friends. I use it as a reference and have studied it as you intended it to be used.

PASSION Rx
Passion Rx is our #1 Bestseller

Medical Doctor Formulated Sexual Pleasure Pills

 For more information or to purchase, click Passion Rx 
       Passion Rx is an herbal supplement that supports healthy stamina, sensation, and sexuality in men and women, along with healthy erectile function and orgasms/climaxes. In recent years science has made breakthroughs in the understanding of sexual dysfunction. But, for hundreds of years, civilizations around the world have known about locally grown herbs that achieve wonderful results with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs.

Now, renowned physician and herbal expert Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Natural Sex Boosters, has discovered a combination of exotic herbs from the Amazon jungle, India, China, Malaysia, and Africa, that support healthy desire and performance, as well as to simply enhance sexual pleasure. Passion Rx provides a natural solution for those looking a natural alternative to pharmaceutical medicines.

Depression can lead to memory loss.

Human Memory loss Emails
Q. Due to the plethora of information I discovered from reading your memory book Mind Boosters, my atypical depression symptoms are now minimized. I'm now enjoying a much more active lifestyle thanks in part to you.

Q. I'm currently reading Mind Boosters, and enjoy the objective approach and explanations of the science behind how the brain works. I notice that since this book is all about natural supplements, it doesn't mention anything like Piracetam, Hydergine, or other chemicals from the Nootropic class of drugs. Do you plan on writing a book like this in the future to improve memory and mind? I think many people would be interested!
   A. Thank you for your email. I currently do not have plans to write a book on drugs that improve memory or mind function. There are still many natural supplements and combinations that have so much potential that I prefer to concentrate on these memory herbs and learn them really well before moving on.

Q. Your memory book Mind Boosters, which I have just purchased, is full of useful info, especially the reports of personal experiences. I am interested in Alzheimer's Disease. One substance not specifically mentioned in the book is the synthetic form of CoQ10, "Idebenone", which is claimed to work better than CoQ10, and especially in AD. It works as an antioxidant, brain metabolism enhancer (like CoQ10) but is said also to regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, stimulate production of Nerve Growth Factor, and protect against glutamate/aspartate nerve damage. Long-term trials with it in AD in Japan have apparently had very good results. I would be very interested to hear if you have any opinions/comments or personal experiences concerning Idebenone, either in general or specifically concerning AD.
   A. I was planning to include idebenone and other less known nutrients in my improve memory book, but then I decided to limit them since it would have been too thick a book and too complicated and detailed for the mainstream consumer. There is some good research with idebenone but it will take a long time to find out more about it and its practical uses. I have not used it clinically so I don't have any first hand experience.

Q. I always enjoy reading your articles. I enjoy your moderate voice regarding supplements. In Whole Life Times August 2001 issue you talk about a Harvard study which reported Predictors of Long Life. You quoted that "Depression was the only factor that affected the quality of aging which was beyond individual control" Beyond control ? Nothing is beyond our control. I know you do not believe this. Depression whether caused by physical reasons or behavioral reasons can be overcome. Please elaborate what you meant by this statement because it is definitely not very empowering.
   A. The article should have included the word "often" or "sometimes" beyond our control. Just as insulin deficient diabetics have no control over how much insulin their pancreas releases, certain individuals who are depressed have a deficiency of some brain chemicals such as serotonin or dopamine which causes this depression, or may have an anatomical or neural damage that leads to memory problems or depression. The brain is living tissue and it can become damaged or diseased just like the pancreas. Anatomical regions in the brain can lose oxygen supply and neurons could be lost leading to confusion and memory loss. If we had complete control over our brain and body, our physical bodies would live forever and we could do any kind of mental problem solving or memorizing or stay euphoric at all times, even during physical torture. But our mind does not have complete control over itself.

Q. I really enjoyed "Mind Boosters". It's one of the best memory books on the subject I've ever read regarding precious memory supplements. In "Mind boosters", you don't say a great deal about long-term cumulative positive effects of supplements. For example, the purported memory supplement phosphatidylserine might not have an effect if you use it on occasional days, but it might give benefit if used daily for several weeks. Do you have any comments on this? Keep up the good work.
   A. I'm still trying to form a good opinion on PS, and you raise a good point that some improve memory supplements will not provide an immediate benefit but could be helpful with time. Whether soy-derived PS falls in this category is difficult to say at this time.

Q. Dear Doctor Sahelian, i was most impressed by your Mind Boosters memory book and have already had some success exploring your memory supplement nutritional strategies for memory loss. I was especially interested by your reference to "verbal fluency" as one benefit of certain nutritional memory supplements. This is an area that I dearly need to know more about, but one which your book touches on only briefly. I wonder if you could expand upon this topic.
   A. Generally, any supplements that stimulate the mind can also help with verbal fluency, to think faster, be more motivated, more upbeat, and have the urge to be more social and talk. There are a number of supplements that can do this, including CoQ10, methyl donors such as DMAE, TMG, DMG, SAMe, certain hormones such as DHEA and pregnenolone, B vitamins, choline, etc. The response of each individual to these nutrients is difficult to predict, hence I can't be any more specific. Most people find out which works best for them through trail and error.

Q. I am 21 years old and have tried numerous herbs, for example alpha lipoic acid , hupernize A, just plain choline, and ginkgo biloba in order to improve my memory, particularly creative memory. All except ginkgo seem to give overstimulation. Can amino acids or vinpocetine give the same cognitive benefits as ginkgo to improve memory and concentration?
   A. It's difficult to notice a significant improvement in cognition and memory at your age. Most of these supplements, particularly huperzine are best appreciated by older individuals. If you notice being overstimulated, just take less. Mind and memory boosters at your age should only be used once in a while, not daily. Vinpocetine is not likely to benefit you much, it is best for people who have poor circulation to the brain which is unlikely to be a problem for anyone younger than 50. Amino acids such as tyrosine can be used occasionally to help with alertness.

Q. I just got your Mind Boosters improve memory book and really enjoyed it. Having the author’s comments on his experience with the various supplements brings a more realistic element to the information. One thing that I wasn’t able to pick up from the book is the effect the different supplements have on each other. As an example, if you want CoQ10 for the antioxidant aspect but vinpocetine for the concentration, will they work together?
   A. It's almost impossible to predict since the reaction may be different in each individual, the dosage could be a factor, whether taken with or without food, the type of food, the absorption and digestion of each person, current medicines they are taking, etc. Trial and error since the best approach for now to improve memory loss.

Q. What's the relationship between Lipitor and long term memory loss?
   A. Statin drugs interfere with cholesterol metabolism in the brain and hence Lipitor may lead to short term and long term memory loss in some people and reduced cognitive function. Memory is crucial at any age. Take as little a dose of a statin drug as possible, and occasionally take breaks from statin drug use if your cholesterol level is manageable. For instance, if your cholesterol has reached a good level, you can take Lipitor every other day to avoid possible memory loss.

Q. I've noticed some short term memory loss when taking Ambien. Is this possible?
   A. Most sleeping pills when used frequently can cause short term memory loss, particularly Halcyon.

Q. Does menopause cause memory loss?
   A. It's possible that a reduction of estrogen or other hormones could lead to memory loss or decline, but menopause is not know to cause a significant loss of memory.

AlphaGPC is not discussed in the memory book.
health food stores that may carry Mind Boosters memory book
For information about the brain.

Q. Which is your favorite memory supplement?
   A. I don't have a favorite memory supplement since none of them is perfect by itself. I prefer a memory supplement to be a formula with a blend of various herbs and nutrients.

Q. Do you recommend a supplement for short term memory improvement? I am now 52 and I think I am beginning with some short term memory loss.
   A. For better memory you could try cdp-choline or acetylcarnitine which work quickly.

Q. What's the best memory test?
   A. I am more of a clinician than a formal researcher or statistician, so I really don't know the best memory test currently used by memory experts.

Q. What's the relationship between exercise and memory?
   A. Research has shown that exercise and memory are related. Physical exercise and a deep sleep improve memory. Exercise is crucial for optimal memory retainment and consolidation.

Q. Besides a memory supplement, what else would you recommend for memory improvement?
   A. The most important things you can do for a healthy memory is getting a deep sleep at night, keeping stress to a minimum, eating lots of fish and vegetables, and exercising moderately.  These steps will minimize memory loss as you get older. Also, do crossword puzzles, memory teasers, and watch Jeopardy. Look up words you don't know in the dictionary. Memory loss is not inevitable.

Q. What's a common cause of short term memory loss ?
   A. An acute stressful event is a cause of short term memory loss, so is alcohol binging, certain sleep drugs, and a mini stroke, along with of course head trauma. Depression and memory loss are also related. In the young, excessive alcohol intake on weekends leads to short term memory loss.

Q. Does smoking cause memory loss?
   A. Smoking for many years in a row can be a cause of memory loss through poor circulation, clogging of blood supply to the brain or a stroke.

Q. What's a common memory loss disease?
   A. There are many memory loss diseases, from strokes to brain tumors to depression or meningitis, Alzheimer's disease, various forms of dementia, etc. Stress is a common cause of memory loss.

Q. Why does aging cause memory loss?
   A. For several reasons, one being that we lose brain cells as we get older and the brain does not process and store information as well as it did decades ago.

Q. I am currently a psychobiology major. Could you advise me in how to evaluate the focus and memory capabilities of the human brain. I am conducting an experiment to test the effectiveness of various memory-boosting supplements. How would one go about conducting a memory test and quantifying the results? Any help would be grately appreciated. Perhaps a simple memory test where I flash various numbers to a person for 3 seconds and have them write down what they can remember? Something along those lines?
   A. Dr. Sahelian is involved in clinical medicine seeing patients, the field of research testing is outside of his field of knowledge, a university professor is someone to ask.

Q. What is the cause of sudden memory loss ?
   A. Sudden memory loss needs to be thoroughly evaluated to make sure there is no brain cancer, lesion, bleeding in the brain, or other serious conditions such as head injury. Long term memory loss in the elderly over many years is not as pressing a medical concern as sudden memory loss.

Q. What is a good memory loss drug or memory medication?
   A. Some people like piracetam, but I prefer a natural memory supplement or vitamin, a nutrient already normally found in the brain as opposed to chemical unfamiliar to neurons.

Q. Does Ambien cause memory loss?
   A. I think just about all the sleep drugs and medications cause memory loss.

Q. Is a B vitamin complex good to take memory loss prevention?
   A. Yes, B vitamins can be taken for memory loss prevention as long as you don't take too high doses for too long. I think 2 or 3 times the RDA should be adequate.

Q. Dear Dr. Sahelian, we are writing to you on behalf of The Memory Secret Inc. an American based company located in Miami and with a branch in Madrid, Spain. Memory Secret´s goal is to improve your brain wellness, by offering unique dietary supplements. Our “star” product is Intelectol, containing the purest form of Vinpocetine, and it is currently being launched in a number of countries around the world, including the USA. We are entirely convinced of the huge potential of our dietary supplements aimed at enhancing the cognitive functions such as memory, alertness and attention span. Intelectol can be consumed by adults of all ages, be they elderly people who already suffer from memory loss, professionals who require high levels of concentration, or students who need a boost to help them remember their studies near exam time. The Memory Secret Inc. is backed by Covex, the leading manufacturer of Vinpocetine worldwide, and owner of intellectual property in more than 50 countries, which enables The Memory Secret Inc. to boast of numerous patents and trademarks registered worldwide. Intelectol is included in the Physician´s Desk Reference (PDR) for Non Prescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements.