AS TIME GOES BY

March 18, 2003 

Dear Reader, 

A friend of mine named Patricia recently left her office at the end of a busy workday, but suddenly came to a complete halt when she realized she had no idea where she'd parked her car. After a few moments she remembered and was soon behind the wheel and on her way home. But Patricia, who is 
51, was unsettled enough by this incident (and other recent memory lapses) to call me and ask if I knew of something she could do to address this trend of forgetfulness. 

Fortunately - yes - there are many things we can do to help manage age-related memory lapses and difficulty with concentration. 

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Typical - but not inevitable 
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As we age, it's very common to observe a gradual decline in mental ability. This is the result of structural changes that take place in the brain. Although these changes may be "normal" in the sense that they happen to almost all of us, that doesn't mean they're inevitable. 

In an e-Alert I sent you last month ("Making Memories" 
2/20/03), I told you how the gradual increase of insulin resistance (which is typical of aging) can elevate blood sugar levels and result in the gradual deterioration of memory. Regular exercise is a good way to help control insulin sensitivity - especially when combined with a diet that balances protein and carbohydrates with fiber (such as broccoli, apples, oranges, etc.). 

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Ancients of India 
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Once we're up and exercising and we realign our diets to support brain functions, there are also a number of herbal formulations and dietary supplements that can help the cause. 

In a Members Alert we sent you in January 2002, we told you about several herbs used in Ayurveda - the ancient medical system of India that focuses on nutrition to heal and prevent illness. Ayurvedic herbs that are used to enhance cognitive function include: 

* Bacopa - affects higher-order cognitive processes by rejuvenating nerves and brain cells 
* Gotu kola - helps maintain microvessels in the brain 
* Mucuna - optimizes performance of the nervous system, including the brain 
* Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) - fights stress, improves memory, and helps rejuvenate those suffering from exhaustion, or stress-induced fatigue 

You should be able to find all of these herbs individually in health food stores and on the Internet. 

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More help to the rescue 
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In another Members Alert (February 2000), we told you about an essential fatty acid called phosphatidylserine (PS) that has been shown to boost brain function and revitalize memory. PS facilitates the delivery of nutrients to the brain cells and activates nerve-transmitter production. Our bodies naturally produce PS, but in lesser amounts as we age. Fortunately there are supplements available that contain PS. 

Some time ago, for instance, we told you about a memory- enhancing formula called Sense of Mind that contains PS and other familiar brain nutrients, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B-12 and Inositol. In addition to these, Sense of Mind also contains: 

* Dimetheyaminoethanol (DMAE) - helps improve memory and elevate mood 
* Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) - supports cells critical for memory 
* Trimethylglycine (TMG) - helps blood and muscles absorb more oxygen 

Sense of Mind is available through NorthStar Nutritionals. For more information about this unique formulation (which includes vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, folate, vitamins B1, B2, B6, and other supplements that improve cognitive function) click here: http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/650SV08/W650D343/home.cfm 

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Other factors 
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The effects of aging on the brain begin when aging is the last thing on our minds. On average, we lose nerve cells at a rate of one percent a year, starting in our mid-20's. As a result, by age 70, we've lost more than one-third of the cells critical to memory functions. 

Memory loss can be exacerbated by other factors too: stress, depression, disease, nutritional deficiencies (especially of vitamins B1 and B12), and certain prescription medications. Trauma, strokes, and heart attacks can also reduce oxygen flow to the brain, killing cells and causing memory loss. 

The good news is that we don't have to accept any of these assaults on the brain as indefensible. Through good diet, exercise and helpful supplements, we can help keep the mind sharp and memory intact. Which comes in very handy at the end of a busy day when you go looking for your car. 

...and another thing 

"Whatever is going on in supplements?" 

That question comes from an HSI member named Nancy who wrote to ask about a specific supplement ingredient that has her concerned. Nancy says, "I picked up a bottle of calcium citrate and looked at the label and found sodium lauryl sulfate! Since when is this detergent (known irritant and suspected carcinogen), which I pay good money to avoid in my body wash, shampoo, and toothpaste, approved for internal consumption? And why?" 

The "when" is the easy question to answer: The FDA approved the use of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on April 1, 2002. 

Is SLS safe? That depends on whom you ask. 

Various sources on the Internet claim that SLS consumption can lead to kidney and liver damage and even cancer. But according to other sources, such as The Berkeley Wellness Newsletter and The Washington Post, these claims are in error and are considered to be a hoax or an urban legend. 

SLS is a foaming agent that's naturally derived from coconut oil. When it's prepared for cosmetic purposes (such as shampoo) or for use in toothpastes, it's formulated in a completely different manner and concentration than when it's prepared as a detergent. The detergent form of SLS can be irritating to the skin. 

Apparently there is no current evidence that SLS is toxic or contains cancer-causing agents in the concentrations permitted for human contact or consumption. 

In the end it comes down to this question: Who do you trust? If you read the available commentaries about SLS and decide that you're not comfortable using toothpastes or shampoos that contain it, you can avoid contact with it by choosing products that are SLS-free. But Nancy's question serves as a good reminder: ALWAYS read the label. 

To Your Good Health, 

Jenny Thompson Health Sciences Institute

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