Smart drugs and supplements

HeadDoc

Psychologist
This is a small sampler of smart drugs and supplements that I found on Dr. MarK Gordon's website for the Millennium Health Center. I'll post his web addresses below. Smart drugs and supplements come in the form of OTC supplements, prescriptive nootropics (at least they require a prescription in the USA), hormones, and prescriptive medications used for psychotropic and neurological purposes. In future threads, I will take each of these seperately and then go on to present a schema for deciding which to consider and for which purpose.






This recently added section on Brain Smart Drugs or Nootropics, will present the science behind food based supplements that help to improve Mental Functioning and Acuity. Something that we can't forget about.....

Phosphatidylserine: is a phospholipid found in all cells, but is most concentrated in the brain. This "brain nutrient" improves cognitive function, emotional well-being and behavioral performance by restoring cell membrane composition. Phosphatidylserine is a well tolerated way to restore the phospholipid balance of cell membranes,and positively affect mental acuity.

Vinpocetine: is derived from the voaconga seed and is primarily used as a source of vincamine, an alkaloid used widely in geriatrics for the treatment of cerebral senility. Vinpocetine has been documented to promote healthy cerebral blood flow, enhanced oxygenation, improved glucose transport and healthy red blood cell function in the brain, maintaining optimal cognitive ability.

Ginkgosides A-D: The active components of Ginkgo biloba enhance the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain and improve transmission of nerve impulses, supporting mental acuity.

DL-Phenylalanine: has been shown to promote mental functioning, support a positive outlook, and relax the musculoskeletal system. As a precursor to the neurotransmitters found in the brain, Phenylalanine increases the levels of norepinephrine, epinepherine, dopamine and tyramine leading to improvement in mental acuity and function.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Has demonstrated the ability to slow and even reverse many signs of brain aging in controlled human trials, suggesting that it may have the ability to slow the very process of brain aging. It benefits mitochondrial efficiency and functions as an antioxidant within the mitochondria, helping neurons maintain optimal energy levels. It also increases acetylcholine levels in the brain, one of the main neurotransmitters needed for learning and memory.

Hydergine: : Has demonstrated the ability to increase brain blood flow and oxygenation of blood. Over 30 studies have documented the significant benefits in relation to enhancement and improvement of cognitive function in individuals with strokes, depression, cognitive dysfunction and alcoholic brain syndrome.
 
Good post thanks I am a care giver I take care of my mother in-law during the day she is 85 now. She is starting to lose her memory. Her Dr. gave us a drug Exelon some samples to try I hope this helps the other day she asked me how long she knew me.
Phil
 
this leads you to Dr. Gordon's group.

http://www.vrmed.com/millennium.htm

and here's a link to his credentials

http://home.earthlink.net/~gordonmd/altmed/markl_.htm

There's a sizable chunk of information to be presented on supplements and meds for the brain. So rather than just lead you to other areas or just tell you everything I've read or used, how about some questions? What would this group like to know?
 
pmgamer18 said:
Good post thanks I am a care giver I take care of my mother in-law during the day she is 85 now. She is starting to lose her memory. Her Dr. gave us a drug Exelon some samples to try I hope this helps the other day she asked me how long she knew me.
Phil

this drug is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It's actions are to slow the reduction of acytlecholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is one of the most common chemicals in the brain. It's presence accounts for speed of signal transmission between cells.

Supplements that enhance the levels of acetylcholine in the brain are phosphytidalserine, acetyl-l-carnitine, alpha glycophosocholine, and phosphytidalcholine. Fish oil is also helps here. Disorders of memory and language are related to problems with acetylcholine.
 
This is good stuff...just wanted to bump and maintain interest in this info.
Thanks HeadDoc!
Sphinx
 
Yeah,,,I'm using N-acetyl, Ginko, Phosphatidylserine, Vinpocetine,,,They do help,,,BTG you can get vinpocetine at Kilosports.com cheap,,,FF
 
Where can I get these supplements?

This is a good read about the supplements also!

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/resourceareas_supp/1,1442,489,00.html
 
I get most of mine thru Pure Encapsulations, Life Extension Foundation, nettrition. com, 1-800-Fast, to name a few. I've also used CERI and smartsupplement.com.
 
Head Doc,
Where can I find research information about supplements mention above that documents the safety of the supplements? My wife is very cautious about what I take. For her peace of mind I would like to assure her that they are okay.
 
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Zek said:
Head Doc,
Where can I find research information about supplements mention above that documents the safety of the supplements? My wife is very cautious about what I take. For her peace of mind I would like to assure her that they are okay.

Pure Encapsulations and Life Extension Foundation.
 
HeadDoc,
If I wanted to use a product(s) for a period of time, say 3-6 months, in order to prepare for a major exam, like the CPA, what would you suggest? Namely, what would be beneficial for 1) focus, and 2) memory retention?
 
Bob Smith said:
HeadDoc,
If I wanted to use a product(s) for a period of time, say 3-6 months, in order to prepare for a major exam, like the CPA, what would you suggest? Namely, what would be beneficial for 1) focus, and 2) memory retention?

when I first got interested in these products, I was working with a doc who advocated their use and I went thru many one by one or a few at a time. If I were to start all over and had the constrains of time that you sited, I'd use a good formulation from a reliable, informed source. I'd go the Pure Encapsulations and consider a trial of Cognitive Factors and/or Cognitive Aminos for a month or so. LEF also sells a combinaton under a similar name. The components are pharmaceutical grade and each site has a health library to validate the need and dose for each component. Of course all of this presupposes a healthy, balanced diet and adequate rest.
 
HeadDoc said:
when I first got interested in these products, I was working with a doc who advocated their use and I went thru many one by one or a few at a time. If I were to start all over and had the constrains of time that you sited, I'd use a good formulation from a reliable, informed source. I'd go the Pure Encapsulations and consider a trial of Cognitive Factors and/or Cognitive Aminos for a month or so. LEF also sells a combinaton under a similar name. The components are pharmaceutical grade and each site has a health library to validate the need and dose for each component. Of course all of this presupposes a healthy, balanced diet and adequate rest.
How much does that type supplement regimen cost?

Also, what are the effects of drugs like ritalin in normal adults (ie, not ADHD)? Would that be a viable option if it were legal?
 
Bob Smith said:
How much does that type supplement regimen cost?

Also, what are the effects of drugs like ritalin in normal adults (ie, not ADHD)? Would that be a viable option if it were legal?

one of my former docs used Provigil to get thru massive amounts of material consumed over some very long study periods and did very well. He did well on his family medicine boards. Yes, ritalin could be used and has been. There is a phenomenon called " state dependant learning". However, for that last minute push, and under some conditions of sleep deprivation, many an MD and PhD have made friends with the amphetamines. The military made no secret over the use of amphetamines with fighter pilots during both Gulf Wars.
 
HeadDoc said:
one of my former docs used Provigil to get thru massive amounts of material consumed over some very long study periods and did very well. He did well on his family medicine boards. Yes, ritalin could be used and has been. There is a phenomenon called " state dependant learning". However, for that last minute push, and under some conditions of sleep deprivation, many an MD and PhD have made friends with the amphetamines. The military made no secret over the use of amphetamines with fighter pilots during both Gulf Wars.
HeadDoc my Dr. tried a lot of meds to help me with fatigue. First stimulants that made my BP go up and my heart race witch was not good for my panic. Then a slow release Ritalin came out called Concerta we tried this and wow my engery was up and my brain fog was much better. I can focus on things much better. I was doing this long before trying SWALE's protocol now I could do with out it buy don't want to. My Dr. said that they are using it for HIV people to help with fatigue and brain fog.
 
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