Page 59 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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she was younger. This is what we have observed in the Memory Disorders Center at Columbia
University. Therefore, since age-related memory loss is likely to affect most of you in the years to
come, you should begin to implement preventive strategies at this stage. And if you already have
mild memory loss, you should get started on the Memory Program immediately.

The Three Main Elements in the Memory Program

There are three broad components to the Memory Program that I will describe in detail in the rest of
this book:

1. Proactive general health measures that include a proper diet with appropriate nutritional
supplements, regular moderate physical exercise, and practical training aids and techniques to
boost your ability to remember.
2. Identifying specific causes of memory loss, many of which can be completely reversed if
treated correctly. These include depression, stress, alcohol, hormonal abnormalities, nutritional
deficiencies, and brain toxicity resulting from specific over-the-counter and prescription
medications. Preventing stroke, particularly ministrokes, is another important element in this
part of the Memory Program.
3. Medications to improve your memory. These include a variety of promemory medications—
alternative, over-the-counter, and prescription. Some of them are useful in preventing or
treating mild memory loss, others have questionable utility, and still others either don't work or
are too toxic to use on a daily basis. I will review the evidence for and against each of these
medications to help provide a sound basis for their inclusion or exclusion from the Memory
Program.

Reversible and Less Reversible Memory Loss

All three sections of the Memory Program are important. Most of you will accept the idea that a
sound diet with moderate, regular physical exercise supplemented by memory training techniques
will help pro-