Memory Loss And Dementia Causes And Treatment (Ginkgo biloba)

Memory Loss And Dementia

Memory loss and dementia nature, causes and O.T.C medications

Memory loss or forgetfulness is associated frequently with normal aging, and more severe memory loss and dementia are associated with a number of serious medical conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Aging process causes the blood vessels to be less elastic and solidified (atherosclerosis),

So the blood flow to the brain decreases dramatically, this causes the damage of many brain cells which are not replaceable, something leads to these characteristic aging strange behaviors that may include Memory loss and dementia.

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases both are due two the disturbances of the dopamine-acetyl choline balance inside the brain, a problem which requires lifelong treatment and follow up.

Investigation: requires patient profile, patient examination, history and C.T or M.R.I imaging.

Treatment for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer: many different types of treatments that may include surgical operations.

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Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba extracts are dietary supplements that have been promoted as memory enhancers for many years. Studies of short duration (6–12 weeks) have produced contradictory results in randomized clinical trials. However, a study lasting over 6 years and involving more than 3000 individuals over the age of 75 who had normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment failed to prevent dementia from all causes or from Alzheimer’s disease with standardized ginkgo or placebo.

Ginkgo biloba may be helpful in preventing memory loss. It may also help to relieve pain associated with claudication (impaired circulation that causes pain when walking).

Mode of action

Active constituents present in ginkgo may increase blood supply to tissues through their ability to reduce the viscosity of blood and cause vasodilatation.

Warnings and precautions

Bleeding has been reported with the use of ginkgo, and excessive bleeding may occur if an individual is taking anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin or Warfarin. Individuals taking anticoagulant drugs should consult a physician before using ginkgo. Individuals may experience headache and nausea.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) And Diet Supplement

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) And Diet Supplement

Coronary heart (artery) disease (CHD)

The coronary artery is that artery which feeds the heart muscles. Any narrowing of its cavity  du to the disposition of lipids will reduce the blood supply to the heart muscules leads to what we call (CHD) like angina.

Coronary heart (artery) disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and death in the USA. Risks factors such as age, gender, and family history cannot be controlled, but obesity, high serum lipids, and smoking may be controlled or modified.

Investigation:

Usually involves blood lipid profile for (low density lipoprotein or L.D.L, high density lipoprotein or H.D.L, and triglycerides).

Diagnosis: Depends completely upon history and lab results.

Treatment: most widely used are the Fibrates and the Statins groups but we will focus on the diet supplements. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, and no smoking are behaviors that can reduce the risk of CHD. The American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association recommend reducing saturated animals fats in the daily diet and increasing polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) obtained from certain fish (salmon, mackerel, herring, trout, sardine, and tuna), nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseed), and plant oils (soy and canola),These foods contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids

The FDA recommended that individuals increase omega-3 fatty acids in their diets.

Drugs and indications for use

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) may reduce the risk of CHD.

Mode of action

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce levels of triglycerides, reduce

Insulin resistance, and may decease ventricular arrhythmias

Warnings and precautions

Individuals who are taking anticoagulant drugs or who have bleeding problems should consult a physician before using omega-3 products. Individuals may experience a fishy taste and may have diarrhea.