I do not mind growing old as long as I have my memory. I do many things to keep my memory as sharp as I need it. I constantly am learning new things
Studies have shown that patients on the conventional drug, Aricept (Donepezil) scored higher on the Mini Mental State Examiantion than did patients who discontinued the drug. In addition those taking Aricepot scored lower on the Activities of Daily Living Scale which means they had less impairment. I use this drug in combination with herbs/supplements. I do find that older patients sometimes get gastrointestinal upset from Aricept. This is why I utilize an integrative approach to memory loss.
It is not easy to find studies on botanicals for memory loss. It is easier to find studies of vitamin/supplements like acetyl L carnitine, phosphotidylserine, phosphotidylcholine and omega 3, 6 9 fish oils. I use an herb called Bacopa often at 300mg twice a day.
Culpepper referred to this plant as 'a great binder' In older times, herbalists used to believe that the planets of our solar system governed the plants. Periwinkle (Vinca major and Vinca minor) were said to be governed by the planet Venus. Both have similar herbal properties. These plants have helped cancer patients with two medicines, vinblastine and vincristine. One of the other major uses of vinpocetine is for memory. According to Matthew Wood in Earthwise Herbal, Lord Bacon believed that a cramp in the leg could be cured by wrapping periwinkle vine around the leg. I have seen herbalists use periwinkle for heavy menstrual bleeding, ulcers, skin disorders, and even vertigo. I have not used Periwinkle species as much as I should with the exception of the substance vinpocetine being present in many memory formulas. I use 20 mg capsules twice a day.
The other herbs in Memory formulas include ginkgo, garlic and huperzine.
Even the glowing jellyfish has a substance called Prevagen which has gained popularity in helping memory. Many of my patients have used Prevagen with success. In addition to constantly learning I do word games constantly. I do Luminosity everyday . I stitch everyday and I read something new everyday
For the New Year 2024, I want to continually learn to increase my memory