Memory

Health Concerns Herbalist

 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Brain Herbs and Nutrients
    Andrew Gaedder 

     

     

    There is a sharp increase in diagnosed cases of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect about 10% of people 65 and older. Among those in their mid-80s and older, up to half have a significant degree of cognitive impairment. Millions of younger Americans suffer from less obvious mental impairments, including mild memory loss and diminished alertness, as well as brain-related disorders, such as depression and chronic anxiety.

     

     

    Neurologists now believe that most mental impairments are caused by lifelong exposure to toxic agents, including pollution and tobacco, and to naturally occurring molecules that damage brain tissue and impair circulation to the brain. Research clearly shows that some foods, herbs, and nutritional supplements can improve mental performance and help prevent long-term damage. A handful or two of walnuts per day reduces brain and arterial inflammation, and B12 found in meats and seafood is critical for brain health. Eating fish and taking fish oil nutritional supplements helps reduce learning disabilities, dementia, and depression. Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA from breast milk helps neural development in infants. Increased DHA intake by infants has a positive impact on mental processing and development.1, 2

     

     

    In adults, DHA is important for nerve health and function, as well as healthy neurological function. Consumption of fish, which is rich in DHA, has long been linked to improved IQ and lower risk of dementia.

     

     

    DHA is an integral partner of PhosphatidylSerine (PS), a phospholipid found in the membranes of cells, including neuronal cells. Although not all studies are positive, research suggests that PS improves memory, learning, concentration, word recall and mood in middle aged and elderly subjects with dementia or age-related cognitive decline.3

     

     

    Part of the role PS plays in brain function may be in boosting production of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine (ACL), which is involved in synaptic plasticity, a mechanism of memory and learning. One of the best fish oil formulas on the market is EPAQ extracted from pure krill oil. EPAQ contains naturally occurring EPA, DHA, phosphatidylserine, and the antioxidant astaxanthin. For nourishing brain function, EPAQ can be used by both children and adults.

     

     

    A few natural ingredients for improved cognition and memory are precursors of ACL. Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine (Alpha-GPC) is an ACL precursor, that has shown a modest improvement of cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative and vascular dementia.4 Alpha-GPC combined with a cholinesterase inhibitor not only increases ACL levels in the brain but also helps in cases of altered cholinergic neurotransmission.5 Alpha-GPC may also provide neuroprotection in cases of vascular brain damage.6 In a review of 13 trials on dementia disorders of degenerative or vascular origin, Alpha-GPC was found to match or best clinical improvements achieved by reference drug or placebo.7 A 2003 multicenter, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving Alpha-GPC administration in patients affected by mild to moderate Alzheimer-like dementia resulted in cognitive improvements in the treatment group after 90 and 180 days of supplementation.8 Cogni-Spark contains Alpha-GPC extracted from soy lecithin.

     

     

    Ginkgo biloba is a vasodilator used as a stroke treatment in China and Europe, and has been popular globally as a memory aid supplement. More recently, Oregon Health & Science University researchers reported Ginkgo biloba supplementation may help protect the memory of people aged 85 and older.9 When adjusting for compliance, they found subjects who reliably took the ginkgo supplements had a 70-percent lower risk of developing mild memory problems than those who took placebo. Health Concerns’ Flavonex is formulated with a ginkgo flavonoid extract and supportive ingredients for brain and circulatory health.

     

     

    In summary, EPAQ is recommended for adults and children to increase mental processing, Cogni-Spark is useful for adults and children who have neurodegenerative disorders, such as ADD, post stroke, and dementia disorders. Clients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), relatives diagnosed with AD.. Flavonex contains ginkgo and other circulatory and anti-inflammatory herbs and is usually used for middle age and senior patients.

     

     

    Endnotes

     

     

       

        1. Makrides, M., et. al. Are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids essential nutrients in infancy? Lancet, 345: 1463-68, 1995.

       

       

        1. Crawford, M. The role of essential fatty acids in neural development: Implications for perinatal nutrition. Am J Clin Nutr, 57: 703S-710S, 1993.

       

       

        1. Kidd, Ph.D., Parris M. Brain Nutrients for Memory and Cognition. Virgo Publishing. 2009. http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2008/08/brain-nutrients-for-memory-and-cognition.aspx. 8/7/08. Accessed on 11/13/09.

       

       

        1. Holmes-McNary, MQ., Cheng, WL., Mar, MH., Fussell, S., Zeisei, SH. Choline and choline esters in human and rat milk and in infant formulas. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996 Oct; 64(4): 572-576.

       

       

        1. Smith, RC., Vroulis, G., Johnson, R., Morgan, R. Comparison on the therapeutic response to long-term treatment with lecithin versus piracetam plus lecithin in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Psychopharmacol. Bull. 1984; 20(3): 542-545.

       

       

        1. Malouf, R., Birks, J. Donepezil for vascular cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst. Res. 2004; (1): CD004395.

       

       

        1. Amenta, F., Franch, F., Ricci, A., Yega, J.A Cholinergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus of aged rats: influence of L-alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine treatment. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1993 Sept 24; 695: 311-313

       

       

        1. Barbagallo Sangiorgi et al., University of Palermo, Italy, 1994.

       

       

        1. www.reuters.com

       

       

        1. Chung Kuo, Yao Li, Hsueh Pao. 1995, Sept: 116(5)391-395.

       

       

       

      Cognitive Formulas Q & A
      Andrew Gaeddert

       

       

      Why learn about Cognitive Formulas?

       

       

      There are millions of people suffering from ADD/ADHD, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, the after effects of stroke, chemotherapy, radiation, Parkinson’s disease, and head injuries. Many patients are unaware that herbs and nutritional supplements can help improve mental processing, resulting in better concentration, focus and memory recall.

       

       

      What can I expect to observe?

       

       

      Ability to remember conversations, appoint­ments, names is enhanced; less stubbornness and social withdrawal; better attention span and work performance; increased periods of clear thinking.

       

       

      When can my patients begin noticing a difference?

       

       

      In our experience, people with moderate symptoms show improved cognition usually after taking herbs and supplements for three months. For people who are looking to correct mild cognitive impairment, or for healthy people looking to improve study performance, usually the results are considerably quicker. For example, we have found that students can often improve their mental focus in a few days, or sometimes after the first dosage, whereas the Alzheimer‘s patient we saw who thought our clinic was a restaurant took about fourteen weeks to observe cognitive improve­ment. It is important to note that clinicians and family members are usually able to evaluate response better than the patients.

       

       

      How do you treat cognitive dysfunction?

       

       

      I have a three-part program, which includes EPAQ™ krill oil, TCMs and select nutrition­al supplements. Although ideally the TCM formula should be selected by pattern differentiation, the most widely used tonics are Flavonex and CordySeng. Nutrition­al supplements that have demonstrated to produce improvements in cognitive function­ing based on scientific research include Cogni-Spark.

       

       

      How can I pick the best formula for a client?

       

       

      We try to tailor the formulas we administer to the patient’s symptoms and constitu­tion. Everyone receives EPAQ, which includes naturally occurring EPA, DHA, PS, and astaxanthin. Flavonex works as a kidney tonic, which improves circulation and cardiovascu­lar health. CordySeng is a kidney and Qi tonic; Cogni-Spark, an extract from soy lecithin, can be used by all ages and can be mixed with water and juice if desired, and Vinpurazine is a potent formula for cognitive deficits usually used for people fifty years of age or older. For older aged clients, we may select EPAQ, a formula based on their constitution, and either Cogni-Spark or Vinpurazine.

       

       

      What are the differences between Flavonex, Cogni-Spark and Vinpurazine? Can they be combined?

       

       

      Flavonex contains ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) and other circulatory herbs such as salvia (dan shen) and kidney tonics. Flavonex is typically used by middle age and senior patients who are looking to improve their cardiovascular and cognitive health. Cogni-Spark, extracted from soy lecithin, can be used by all age groups, and can be swallowed or mixed with water or juice (it does not taste bad) and tends to work quickly. It is the main formula for those with autism, children with ADD and for post-stroke conditions. Vinpurazine, (a combination of two proven cognitive enhancers), is typically used for clients with mild cognitive impairment, symptoms of demen­tia or early stage Alzheimer’s disease. For clients with moderate Alzheimer’s disease, we would recommend Vinpurazine combined with Cogni-Spark and/or a constitutional formula.

       

       

      Do you have any dispensing advice?

       

       

      Dispense cognitive formulas in your office. Most of the time clients try to purchase these products on their own, they usually end up with the wrong product, or a “kitchen sink” cognitive formula that has some good ingredients, but unfortunately not enough of any one substance to effect a change. It is also important to monitor compliance and to have someone, in addition to the patient, monitor his or her progress. One of our clients, aged seventy, could not remember to take Vinpurazine. He denied it had any benefits; however, his wife noticed that Vinpurazine improved his mental focus considerably and made him happier. Teens, pre-teens, and many other populations/patients do not take teas, powders, or complex dosing regimens; therefore, to treat ADD and ADHD, we often use Cogni-Spark because it has a neutral taste and can be mixed with water or juice.

       

       

      Cognitive Herbs and Nutrients
      By Andrew Gaeddert

       

       

      How would you like to feel more confident in helping clients, friends, and family cope with cognitive disorders? There are millions of patients suffering with ADD/ADHD, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, the after effects of stroke, chemotherapy and radiation, Parkinson disease, and head injuries. Drug treatments are typically limited in that they can cause debilitating side effects, and have limited efficacy. Many patients are unaware that herbs and nutritional supplements can help improve brain processing resulting in better concentration, focus, and memory including better recall of names, dates, and objects like keys.

       

       

      One advantage of Health Concerns formulas is that they tend to work with fewer side effects and less chance of interacting with medications. While it is gratifying to see the light in patient’s eyes shift from dim to bright, treating clients is a method of building your stature in the community by offering approaches that are not available elsewhere. One advantage of using Health Concerns formulas is they contain clinically validated ingredients that can be administered in lower dosages than typical traditional Chinese medicine formulas. They are available in easy to take pills.

       

       

      We have found through experience in our clinic, that compliance is particularly important for patients with cognitive disorders as they typically are not willing to prepare or drink foul tasting teas or gritty powders. It is also important to maintain clients on the same level of active components, which is why it is best not to use over the counter formulas or Chinatown brands that often have inconsistent levels of active components. Practically speaking, we have found dispensing a one-month or more supply of cognitive formulas at a time is important as it can take two or three months to observe a response, and sometimes patients with cognitive difficulties have trouble making frequent office visits. Requesting that clients bring in the empty or unfinished bottles is an important method for measuring compliance.

       

       

      Join us online for the webinar, Top Ten Cognitive Herbs and Nutrients where we discuss opportunities in treating patients with cognitive disorders, clinical tips, and getting the most out of cognitive formulas. We will also review protocols for ADD/ADHD, dementia, early stage Alzheimer’s disease, and mild cognitive impairment. For more information, visit www.healthconcerns.com.

       

       

      Cogni-Spark revitalization formula contains Alpha GPC, a nutrient that occurs naturally in the body; it is found in breast milk. Alpha GPC has been studied for its effects at improv­ing neurological functions. It provides choline for the nerve cells of the brain and protects the brain cell wall. Nineteen trials have been completed using Alpha GPC that show that it improves mental performance, with no reports of serious adverse effects. Cogni-Spark can be used by all age groups.

       

       

      Flavonex is formulated with extracts of ginkgo, salvia, pueraria and other circulatory sup­porting herbs, Flavonex promotes cardiovascular health and cerebral functioning. Many of the herbs are also found in Chinese longevity formulas.

       

       

      Dementia
      Andrew Gaeddert 

       

       

      There is a sharp increase in diagnosed cases of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect about 10% of people 65 and older. Among those in their mid-80s and older, up to half have a significant degree of cognitive impairment. Millions of younger Americans suffer from less obvious mental impairments, including mild memory loss and diminished alertness, as well as brain-related disorders, such as depression and chronic anxiety.

       

       

      Neurologists now believe that most mental impairments are caused by lifelong exposure to toxic agents, including pollution and tobacco, and to naturally occurring molecules that damage brain tissue and impair circulation to the brain. Research clearly shows that some foods, herbs, and nutritional supplements can improve mental performance and help prevent long-term damage. A handful or two of walnuts per day reduces brain and arterial inflammation, and B12 found in meats and seafood is critical for brain health. Eating fish and taking fish oil nutritional supplements helps reduce learning disabilities, dementia, and depression. Fish oil contains Omega 3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA from breast milk helps neural development in infants. Increased DHA intake by infants has a positive impact on mental processing and development.1, 2

       

       

      In adults, DHA is important for nerve health and function, as well as healthy neurological function. Consumption of fish, which is rich in DHA, has long been linked to improved IQ and lower risk of dementia.

       

       

      DHA is an integral partner of PhosphatidylSerine (PS), a phospholipid found in the membranes of cells, including neuronal cells. Although not all studies are positive, research suggests that PS improves memory, learning, concentration, word recall and mood in middle aged and elderly subjects with dementia or age-related cognitive decline.3

       

       

      Part of the role PS plays in brain function may be in boosting production of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine (ACL), which is involved in synaptic plasticity, a mechanism of memory and learning. One of the best fish oil formulas on the market is EPAQ extracted from pure krill oil. EPAQ contains naturally occurring EPA, DHA, phosphatidylserine, and the antioxidant astaxanthin. For nourishing brain function, EPAQ can be used by both children and adults.

       

       

      A few natural ingredients for improved cognition and memory are precursors of ACL. Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine (Alpha-GPC) is an ACL precursor, that has shown a modest improvement of cognitive dysfunction in neurodegenerative and vascular dementia.4 Alpha-GPC combined with a cholinesterase inhibitor not only increases ACL levels in the brain but also helps in cases of altered cholinergic neurotransmission.5 Alpha-GPC may also provide neuroprotection in cases of vascular brain damage.6 In a review of 13 trials on dementia disorders of degenerative or vascular origin, Alpha-GPC was found to match or best clinical improvements achieved by reference drug or placebo.7 A 2003 multicenter, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving Alpha-GPC administration in patients affected by mild to moderate Alzheimer-like dementia resulted in cognitive improvements in the treatment group after 90 and 180 days of supplementation.8 Cogni-Spark contains Alpha-GPC extracted from soy lecithin.

       

       

      Ginkgo biloba is a vasodilator used as a stroke treatment in China and Europe, and has been popular globally as a memory aid supplement. More recently, Oregon Health & Science University researchers reported Ginkgo biloba supplementation may help protect the memory of people aged 85 and older.9 When adjusting for compliance, they found subjects who reliably took the ginkgo supplements had a 70-percent lower risk of developing mild memory problems than those who took placebo. Health Concerns’ Flavonex is formulated with a ginkgo flavonoid extract and supportive ingredients for brain and circulatory health.

       

       

      In summary, EPAQ is recommended for adults and children to increase mental processing, Cogni-Spark is useful for adults and children who have neurodegenerative disorders, such as ADD, post stroke, and dementia disorders. Clients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), relatives diagnosed with AD, and other dementia’s can benefit from Vinpurazine. Flavonex contains ginkgo and other circulatory and anti-inflammatory herbs and is usually used for middle age and senior patients.

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