Nerve cells dying with age lead to memory deterioration. This process is typical for people who have reached 50 years of age, and its peak occurs at 65-70 years of age. It is characterized by the inability of older people to remember dates, events, and the need to do something, for example, take medicine, do something around the house. First of all, if the ability to remember is lost, they resort to drug treatment. Medicines for improving memory are presented in a wide range on the pharmacological market.
- Treatment with nootropics
- Vitamins
- Medications
- Alternative to drugs
Treatment with nootropics
Thus, mainly nootropics are indicated for use. They enhance the process of supplying the brain with blood and, accordingly, oxygen, which leads to improved absorption of glucose. Glucose is one of the main substances that improves concentration, and therefore improves memory and mental abilities.
Treatment with nootropics, for example, nootropil, is prescribed to elderly people whose memory deterioration has reached such a level that they are unable to remember the names of relatives and friends, the way home, information about themselves: age, address, profession. The drug is used for one month up to 5 mg per day, and then the dose is reduced by half. Improvements in the condition are observed already in the first week of use.
Among the disadvantages of such treatment is addiction to the drug, which leads to the need to increase the consumed dose. In this regard, it is recommended to take breaks from taking medications, or regularly replace one medication with other drugs that are similar in purpose.
In addition, these drugs to improve memory are used in the following situations:
- depressive states;
- with a strict and long-term diet;
- head and brain injuries.
Features of medications for memory
Memory medications for older people will not return memories or restore lost functions in full, but they will improve the patient’s current condition. The active components cannot affect certain neurons in the brain. Because of this, some doctors consider them drugs with unproven effectiveness.
Features of memory medications:
- contribute to the normalization of blood supply to the brain;
- activate metabolic processes in the central nervous system;
- saturate brain tissue with oxygen;
- thin the blood, which reduces the risk of blood clots and emboli in the head.
There are drugs to improve memory in old age, both over-the-counter and prescription from pharmacies.
Vitamins
For prevention, vitamin complexes based on ginseng are recommended for use - this is a plant-based nootropic that stimulates memory improvement processes. Among them, Vision is the most popular. It can be taken not only by older people, but also by students during sessions and exams, as well as those engaged in intense mental work.
"Biotredin" has a wider spectrum of action - it enhances memory through a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. Indicated for use in stressful situations or long-term depression.
"Vitrum Memory" is a herbal medicine to improve brain activity and blood properties. It is used for weakening attention, memory, decreased degree of intellectual abilities, deterioration of hearing and vision in older people.
Admission rules
Effective dosages are determined by the attending physician based on the patient’s condition and age. Usually the daily dose of tablet drugs is divided into 2-3 doses. It is not advisable to take nootropics after 15.00. Otherwise, insomnia may develop.
Medicines are taken after meals with plenty of water. It is undesirable to use tea or coffee, and citrus juices - especially grapefruit - are completely prohibited.
Injectable forms are used in hospital settings. The rate of administration of the drug is determined by the doctor. The course of treatment with such drugs is long and can last several months.
Medications
Glycine
The drug “Glycine” has been known since Soviet times, today called “Glycine-Forte” and is used in the treatment of memory impairment in the elderly, manifested in the form of sclerosis or amnesia. Its action is aimed at improving and regulating metabolism, as a result of which performance increases, the degree of tension and anxiety decreases, and normal sleep is restored. Glycine is also prescribed to young people who have suffered head injuries, brain contusions or concussions. Intense mental stress, and as a result, nervous exhaustion and emotional fatigue are also grounds for its prescription.
Glycine has almost no contraindications, with the exception of individual intolerance to its components. Side effects include allergic reactions to the medication, drowsiness or tinnitus.
Intellan
This drug is a stimulant of brain activity. It is indicated for use in situations of severe stress, prolonged depression, impaired attention and memory. It is often prescribed to children with developmental delays and absent-mindedness. Contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus. Side effects may include insomnia if the medicine is taken at night.
Piracetam and Phenotropil
Broad-spectrum medications: helps improve blood circulation and activates metabolic processes. Piracetam is prescribed in combination with other drugs for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, atherosclerosis, and injuries that result in memory impairment. It should be taken with caution; allergic reactions, insomnia, and exacerbation of heart disease are possible. Medicine release form: ampoules, capsules, granules, for children - tablets.
Phenotropil is similar in action. But unlike piracetam, it has a psychostimulating effect. It is used for injuries, during the treatment of alcohol addiction to improve intellectual activity and memory. It is recommended to use before lunch. Side effects include increased blood pressure and sleep disturbances. There are no contraindications other than individual intolerance.
Tanakan and Phenibut
These drugs are prescribed only upon reaching adulthood. Tanakan is indicated for use in encephalopathy with impaired mental activity. Phenibut is prescribed for conditions of increased anxiety, fear, and irritability. Both drugs have similar side effects: abdominal pain, dizziness, bowel movements, itching. The list of contraindications is also identical: gastritis, ulcers, impaired cerebral circulation.
How effective
The opinions of specialists and patients were divided. Some note an improvement in cognitive functions, normalization of speech and memory impairments. Others were dissatisfied with the treatment.
Preservation of memory and activity in old age depends on:
- the patient's wishes;
- daily work on oneself - studying, reading, solving crossword puzzles;
- treatment of underlying and concomitant diseases in full;
- taking medications to improve cerebral circulation, vitamin and mineral complexes.
The price of medicines varies and an old proven drug is not always better than a new one. The choice is the prerogative of the doctor and sometimes the best option is selected by trial and error.
Alternative to drugs
Any medicine has certain side effects, and drug abuse can lead to the opposite effect. For this reason, it is recommended, along with taking them, to use alternative methods of restoring and improving memory. Traditional medicine recipes, for example, rowan berry decoction, are popular among them. Also, eating foods that affect brain function, memory and attention. Among them:
- salmon;
- blueberry;
- beef;
- as well as vegetables: broccoli, spinach, fruits: mango, kiwi.
A massage using essential oils: mustard and rosemary is useful. Remember the benefits of sleep.
The best multivitamins
This rating includes the best multivitamin complexes, according to real buyers. They contain all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the body of older people, and are available in an easy-to-take form: tablets or capsules.
Doppelhertz active vitamin-mineral complex 50+
These multivitamins are easily absorbed by the body and have virtually no side effects. They are produced in the form of oblong tablets of light pink color, and have a convenient dosage. It is enough to take them only once a day, during meals, which is quite convenient, especially for older people. This dietary supplement is produced in Germany, but at the same time it has an acceptable price for pensioners. The composition of the dietary supplement is also pleasing. It includes all the vitamins and minerals the body needs. In addition to the list listed above, it includes selenium and zinc. A deficiency of the former in the body can cause disorders of the cardiovascular system, as well as muscle weakness and premature aging. The second is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells of the body. One box of dietary supplements is enough for a course of treatment. If necessary, you can repeat the dose, but after a month's break.
Pros:
- convenient release form, dosage regimen;
- no side effects;
- does not cause epigastric pain;
- affordable price;
- good composition.
Minuses:
- small dosages of vitamin.
Customer Reviews
Sisoeva At first I didn’t feel much change, but after drinking about half of it, that is, 15 days, I began to feel a surge of strength, even some kind of energy began to appear. The brains started working at full capacity. And the general condition of the body has improved. There was a desire to do something, and not to force myself because I had to. I feel much better! And my legs stopped hurting! Therefore, I recommend that you start taking these vitamins as soon as you feel that you are starting to age. It could be at 50, or maybe, like mine, at 47.
MarieB I purchased “active 50+” vitamins for my mother. Since I want the best for my loved ones, I chose vitamins from the German company Doppelherz. Since the tablets have already been ingested for a little over three weeks, I am sharing my impressions with you (according to my mother, I asked specifically for you). There were no side effects. And it pleases.