Page 210 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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on the notion that a smaller dose is sufficient after the neuronal cell membranes have been saturated
with phosphatidylserine. Its lack of side effects, together with its established success in several
studies of age-associated memory impairment, helped to get it into the first-level category.

Donepezil (Aricept)

Although donepezil (Aricept) has not been tested in people with mild memory loss, the strength of
the data in Alzheimer's disease, which includes FDA approval, as well as clinical experience, led me
to elevate it to the A list. You need to be alert to its side effects of nausea and diarrhea, which means
that if you are taking another medication that can cause such side effects, such as aspirin, be prepared
for stomach discomfort. If this becomes severe, you may need to stop Aricept. Your physician will
prescribe Aricept 5 to 10 mg as a single daily dose. Rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine
(Reminyl) are very similar to Aricept and can substitute for Aricept in the Memory Program.

Estrogen (for Women Only)

Estrogen is only now being directly tested as both a preventive and treatment strategy for mild
memory loss due to aging. Even though the results are not yet out, the weight of the evidence
supporting its promemory properties is strong. Also, estrogen has broad antiaging properties that
include actions against osteoporosis and heart disease, which helped it get top billing. Gynecologic
monitoring is essential because of the potential risk of uterine and breast cancer, though using an
estrogen-progesterone combination virtually eliminates the increased risk of cancer of the uterus.
You need a prescription from your doctor for Premarin 0.625 mg daily (or equivalent), or estrogen-
progesterone combinations such as Prempro (over a dozen such combination medications exist).

Second-Level Medications: Doses, Actions, Side Effects

Vitamins A and C

The main reason that vitamins A and C did not make it to the first level is that they have not been
rigorously tested against memory loss. Nevertheless, their powerful antioxidant properties, which in
animal