Page 217 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

Page 206

2. Add vitamin A and C supplements (see table on page 203) to your diet, which should already
be rich in these vitamins.
3. Consider taking phosphatidylserine as a cognitive enhancer.
4. If you're postmenopausal, consult your doctor about taking estrogen, both for its promemory
and antiosteoporosis effects.
5. Talk to your doctor about prescribing donepezil (Aricept; or Exelon or Reminyl), especially if
you don't have a clearly identifiable cause of memory loss.
6. You can also ask your doctor about selegiline. Ginkgo biloba is another option. Consider
taking only one (or none) of these two medications.
7. Take an aspirin a day if you have risk factors for stroke.

Male, Forty to Fifty-nine Years Old, Mild Memory Loss

Identifying a reversible cause of memory loss should be your top priority; carefully go through
the list in this chapter and read the earlier relevant chapters to see if you have a condition
worsening your memory. If you think there might be such a cause, or you're not sure, consult
your doctor.
Follow the entire promemory diet (chapter 5 and this chapter).
Follow the physical exercise regimen (chapter 5 and this chapter): perform moderate, regular
exercise three to six times per week; use any mixture of aerobic and anaerobic exercise that
suits your interests.
Memory exercises and training: try the methods to improve learning and recall that you can use.
If you can't do some components, stick to those that you can do without getting too frustrated.

Medications

1. Vitamin E 400 to 1,200 IUs daily (400 if you bleed easily, otherwise 800 to 1,200; avoid if
taking anticoagulants for medical reasons; do not exceed 400 IUs if you also take aspirin or
ginkgo).
2. Add vitamin A and C supplements (see table on page 203) to your diet, which should already
be rich in these vitamins.
3. Consider taking phosphatidylserine as a cognitive enhancer.
4. Talk to your doctor about prescribing donepezil (Aricept; or Exelon or Reminyl), especially if
you don't have a clearly identifiable cause of memory loss.