What Are the Treatments for Memory Loss?

The memory loss of aging and diseases like Alzheimer's is a frightening prospect. A tinge or two of forgetfulness can lead to extreme fear that a greater deal of memory loss might be on the way. If you are worried that you may be experiencing memory loss, there are natural, alternative and drug-related ways of dealing with the problem. Consult your physician before treating yourself.

Herbs and Vitamins

• At the first sign of memory loss, it is important to make sure that you don't overreact. Natural ways exist to improve your memory and the systems that help your memory function. Gingko biloba has been touted as a miracle herb, as it has many potential health benefits. It has been used as a mental stimulant due to its ability to improve circulation and increase the amount of oxygen that goes to the brain. More oxygen in the brain equals a more effective brain. Blessed thistle is another herb that functions in the same way by improving cerebral oxygenation. The B complex vitamins and compounds like inositol and choline may be connected to an improvement in active memory-recall and the reduction of stress. Lastly, vitamins C and E are strong antioxidants and can help stop any damage that free radicals might cause to the brain. Begin supplementing foods or multivitamins that contain these nutrients and see if your memory loss symptoms change after three months. If they do, continue taking them indefinitely.

Alternative Treatments

• If your memory loss has continued to worsen, you may not need to begin taking prescription drugs right away. Some life changes and alternative treatments may be able to curb your dysfunction. The obvious healthy choices of having eight hours of sleep a night, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day, cutting out alcohol and poor eating habits, and enjoying 30 minutes of relaxation a day can improve your memory over the course of just a couple of weeks. Try aromatherapy with the essential oils of rosemary and geranium. Geranium may help with stress and depression, and rosemary generally stimulates the brain. Practicing yoga daily can add more meditation and concentration to your life. One yoga and concentration exercise you can try is to not think about anything else as you silently count backwards from 50; as you get better, you can move the count higher to 100 to 500. Add these practices into your life in combination with your herbal and vitamin therapy, and you may experience a positive memory change.

Drugs for Memory Loss

• It is suggested that even if the other tactics do not stop your memory loss, they may help limit the effects. The next step if you are unhappy with your memory loss progression is to use prescription drugs. Four government-approved drugs are available. Three have the similar properties of inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine (Ach), an important brain compound; these are donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne) and rivastigmine (Exelon). Memantine (which is also known as Akatinol, Auxura and Memox) is the fourth drug. It blocks receptors of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) to limit the effect of excess glutamine on brain cell death. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen have been connected to preventing Alzheimer's disease, but they have not been shown to treat the problems. Only your doctor can make the best recommendation to slow your particular memory loss. Start slowly with the herbs, vitamins and life changes to keep your brain as healthy as possible during your memory loss battle.