Everyone worries about memory loss, but keep in mind that losing keys is not memory loss. Everyone misplaces their keys sometimes!
The Alzheimer’s Society’s 2020 numbers have 569,600 Canadians living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and almost two-thirds are women, but women live longer than men and Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of older age.
Alzheimer’s disease is defined as a cognitive decline which interferes with activities of daily living.
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Recent advertisements promote memory products such as Neuriva and Neuriva Plus for brain health. However, there have been no clinical trials.
For the most part, memory products are combinations of vitamins and trace substances. For example, Neuriva combines vitamin B6, coffee fruit extract and phosphatidylserine. Phosphatidylserine is a substance found in a wide variety of foods and is used in the body for the manufacture of cell walls.
Phosphatidylserine is synthesized from cabbage or soybean sources, but in higher doses can increase the risk for insomnia and indigestion. The “Plus” product contains other B vitamins such as vitamin B12 and folate. Unfortunately, as with all water soluble vitamins, excess amounts are excreted in the urine. A high price may only mean expensive urine.
The dietary supplement ginkgo biloba is heavily promoted for memory support but when it has been studied for the prevention or treatment of dementia or cognitive decline, it has shown no effectiveness.
Vitamin E supplements have also been touted to improve memory, but in a longterm prevention study of antioxidants such a vitamin E, no significant changes were found.
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Another remedy is apoaequorin, but it is considered ineffective in improving memory and is not available for sale in Canada.
With a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, early treatment is possible to delay the progression of the disease. This allows people time to make plans. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil and rivastigmine leave more of the neuro chemical acetylcholine in the brain.
N-methyl-D-aspartate or NMDA inhibitors are thought to prevent overstimulation at NMDA receptors, thereby reducing symptoms. The two types of drugs can be used together, but neither group is able to “cure” the disease, only slow it.
The most recent drug for dementia is an IV infusion of aducanumab. This is a monoclonal antibody that targets and reduces amyloid beta plaques in the brain. With a reduction of these plaques, nervous system messages are more readily transmitted.
It is not available in Canada and is only indicated for early Alzheimer’s disease. Controversy surrounds aducanumab in that the original clinical trials were terminated because results showed no better outcomes than with a placebo. However, when the data was re-examined, higher doses seemed to show improvement.
Even with the more recent announcement of lecanemab studies, it appears unlikely there will be a “magic pill” for memory, especially one without side effects. However, there are numerous non-drug approaches that can help.
Just like exercising muscles to keep them fit, exercising memory is also important. This can include doing puzzles, learning a new language or learning dance steps.
As well, exercise, especially aerobic exercise, increases the release of neurophins which in turn promote the development of neurons. Exercise can also result in the release of endorphins and the increase of synaptic transmission.
A good night’s sleep also improves working memory, language processing, creative thinking, and decision-making. Meditation, yoga, music and spirituality all improve attention and memory too.
Stay healthy, eat well, and socialize with friends and relatives. And remember, if you don’t use your memory, you may lose it!
