Memory loss is becoming much more common. While we currently lack effective treatments for end-stage Alzheimer’s disease, there is much that can be done to slow or reverse early cognitive decline.
Memory loss is a scary topic for several reasons:
- There are many types of memory loss that are totally disabling (e.g., multi infarct dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) and eventually require 24-hour family or institutional support.
- It runs in families and people with early memory loss often have memories of watching a loved-one suffer.
- Eventually all of us will have some memory loss, but we do not know to what degree it will progress and we do not currently have simple tests that can answer this question for us.
- Once someone has advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it is too late to reverse this process as the brain has essentially shrunk.
The good news is that there are promising treatments that appear to slow or stop cognitive decline and memory loss.
In fact, at the Masley Optimal Health Center we have data showing that many of our patients have cognitive improvement—they are growing mentally sharper over time.
For treatment options, see the articles below.
