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Monday, September 21, 2009

Memory Loss: Menopause or Something Else?

Last week I began a thread on the topic of memory loss in menopause. I mentioned that some physicians believe memory loss is due in part to insomnia, as well as stress and general aging. I believe these are factors and not necessarily the root cause. This week I address the more age advanced issue that many women are afraid may happen to them: Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Last week I had two different clients, one in her early 80’s the other in her early 70’s, questioning me about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One said that she saw a TV show on PBS about how the incidents of these two diagnoses are on the rise. She was very worried about the possible onset of either of these diseases.

One of the reasons dementia and Alzheimer’s is on the rise is the over use of cholesterol blocking agents, which I’ll address in Part 2 of this topic next week.

Just so you don’t think you are losing your mind some general memory loss does not mean you are headed for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These are very different conditions from the type of memory loss that women experience as a menopausal symptom.

So that begs the question: What does cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Much of what I’m about to say is theory because quite frankly there is still a lot we do not know about what causes these diseases.

Basic physiology states that your brain cells need oxygen to function optimally. Oxygen is delivered by the blood and blood vessels. As you age your "pipes” or blood vessels start to lose their elasticity and "harden.” You know this happens because your blood pressure rises in response. The way you know this is you go to the doctor’s office and have our blood pressure taken. (Please be aware that there can be other reasons for your blood pressure to rise. This does not necessarily mean you need to be on blood pressure meds and this is not always a black and white situation. Please also remember this discussion is in the context of aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease).

Generally speaking, the Western approach to high blood pressure is almost always to take anti-hypertensive medications to bring down your blood pressure. Now, in fairness some of the drugs used will address the issue of blood vessel elasticity and some will not. You may now gather that hypertension or high blood pressure is actually a symptom and not a disease, although in Western medicine it is now characterized as a disease.

There are several herbs and vitamins that will address the issue of vessel repair. For a more detailed discussion about your personal health situation, you can call my office to schedule a consultation.

In the meantime, studies have shown that by doing brain challenges you keep the pathways open. Challenge yourself by finding number or word games that make you think in different ways and stimulate pathways that don't get worked as often. I also recommend reading books, newspapers and anything that is out of your comfort zone.

Finally, you always want to pay attention to how your mind, body and emotions are changing so you can address any issues early on.

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