Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Casey Learning& Memory Newsletter 2010
Casey Learning& Memory Newsletter 2010
Newsletter for
the wise and the gullible
this issue:
ISSUE
01
MAY
2010
MEMORY
Don’t Forget Your Ginkgo
Is ginkgo biloba good for your adults received 120 mg of ginkgo twice a an appropriate way to develop mental
day while the other half received a placebo cognition. Ginkgo biloba may still be a
memory?
twice a day. A modified Mini Mental Status useful antioxidant, but it is not likely to
For thousands of years people exam along with an Alzheimer Disease prevent memory deterioration.
have believed that ginkgo biloba was Assessment Scale were used to evaluate -Victoria Spencer
useful in helping to improve memory. participants every six months for the first 1. Ginkgo Biloba. In: Natural Standard [AU Libraries Internet].
Ginkgo biloba was thought to be a natural four years and once a year during the last Natural Standard [updated Apr 24, 2010, cited Apr 24 2010].
[ a b o u t 3 0 p . ] . Av a i l a b l e f r o m h t t p : / /
way to stimulate mental awareness and four years. The GEM study proved ginkgo www.naturalstandard.com.spot.lib.auburn.edu/naturalstandard/
monographs/monoframeset.asp?monograph=/monographs/
improve oxygen circulation to the brain. It biloba did not help decrease mental herbssupplements/ginkgo.asp&patientVersion=/monographs/
herbssupplements/patient-ginkgo.asp
contains antioxidant flavonoids that decline. The results showed t hat
2. Snitz BE, O’Meara ES, Carlson MC, Arnold AM, Ives DG, Rapp
scavenge free radicals which would help to participants receiving ginkgo scored 4.7 on SR, Saxton J, Lopez OL, Dunn LO, Sink KM, DeKosky ST.
Ginkgo biloba for prevention of cognitive decline in older
make it effective in decreasing memory the modified mini status exam and 2.8 on adults. JAMA 2009 Dec 23;302(24):2663-70.
loss.1 Recently new studies on ginkgo the Alzheimer Disease assessment whereas 3. Dodge HH, Zitzelberger T, Oken BS, Howieson D, Kaye J. A
randomized placebo-controlled trial of ginkgo biloba for the
biloba have shown that it may not be as the participants taking placebo scored 4.7 prevention of cognitive decline. Neurology 2008 Feb 27;
effective as previously believed in the and 2.7, respectively. 2 Another trial 70:1809-1817.
I Need a Latte
At some point, almost everyone has reached for a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a soft drink to get an extra boost of caffeine when
feeling tired or run down. Many people do not know that in addition to combating tiredness, caffeine can help improve mental
functioning. Following periods of decreased sleep, caffeine has been shown to improve mental performance and alertness.1 A study by
Smith concluded that persons chewing gum with caffeine in it demonstrated enhanced performance efficiency and mood when
compared with non-caffeinated gum.2 While caffeine has its advantages, persons must be sure to not exceed its recommended daily
dosage of 100-200 mg every 3-4 hours as needed, which is approximately the amount of caffeine found in two 8 oz. cups of coffee.3,4 It
is also important to remember that in addition to being found in coffee and soft drinks, caffeine can be obtained through a variety of
sources including chocolate, foods, and even in certain medications, such as Excedrin.4 Excessive caffeine consumption can cause
agitation, insomnia, headache, and nervousness, which can ultimately hinder mental functioning.3 With these limitations in mind, caffeine
can be utilized as a helpful tool in boosting mental performance.
-Sarah Vest
1. Caffeine. In: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database [AUHSOP Intranet]. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty [updated 2010 Apr 23, cited 2010 Apr 25]. [about 1 p.]. Available from: http://
www.naturaldatabase.com/(S(a3iddj45sehqqyajzmu2kn55))/ce/celogin.aspx?cs=&s=ND
2. Smith A. Effects of caffeine in chewing gum on mood and attention. Hum Psychopharmacol [Internet]. 2009 Mar 27 [cited 2010 Apr 25];24(3):239-47. Available from: http://
xt5bv6dq8y.scholar.serialssolutions.com/?sid=google&auinit=A&aulast=Smith&atitle=Effects+of+caffeine+in+chewing+gum+on+mood+and+attention&id=doi:10.1002/hup.1020&title=Human
+psychopharmacology&volume=24&issue=3&date=2009&spage=239&issn=0885-6222
3. Caffeine, Oral. In: Drug Facts and Comparisons (Facts and Comparisons eAnswers) [AUHSOP Intranet]. St. Louis: Wolters Kluwer Health [updated 2008 Apr, cited 2010 Apr 25]. [about 2 p.]. Available from: http://
online.factsandcomparisons.com/MonoDisp.aspx?monoID=fandc-hcp12448&quick=239576|21&search=239576|21&isstemmed=true
4. Mayo Clinic: medical information and tools for healthy living [Internet]. Rochester: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research c1998-2010. Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more; 2009 Oct 3
[cited 2010 Apr 25]; [about 1 screen]. Available from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/AN01211
1
Good Fat !?!
Viagra & Memory
Did you know that fat in your
diet can be good for your brain? There is promising research that
Viagra does not only help
Dietar y f ats, whic h have been patients suffering from ED, but
demonstrated to improve cardiovascular may be helpful in memory
health, are gaining attention for their retention and attention. Viagra
role in memory and cognitive function. currently helps treat sexual
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an dysfunction by inhibiting
phosphodiesterase enzymes.
omega-3 fatty acid, is an important Prickaerts et al study on mice
component of plasma membranes in the and viagra showed an
brain and is vital to normal brain improvement in object
function. Studies have shown dietary recognition memory. It is
suggested that viagra increases
deficiency of omega fatty acids is the levels of cyclic GMP
associated with an increased risk for centrally. Cyclic GMP is thought
mental disorders including: attention- to play a significant role in
deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia, dementia, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia1. memory and attention.1
DHA is proposed to affect cognitive function by a variety of mechanisms including enhancing Schulteiss et al have
conducted a study
synaptic membrane fluidity, stimulating glucose utilization, and reducing oxidative stress. These assessing the effects
mechanisms improve communication between brain cells, promote brain cell development, and of Viagra on the
prevent brain cell death; improving overall cognitive ability. Additionally, DHA supplementation human brain.
has been shown to elevate levels of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Though their
results did not
BDNF, prominent in areas of the brain that function in cognitive and metabolic regulation, prove positive for
mediates synaptic plasticity which plays a role in learning and memory1. memory, they did see an
Although omega-3 fatty acids are a component of neuronal membranes, the synthesis enhancement in patients’
process is inefficient in the body. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), the precursor of DHA, is not auditory ability to focus.2 As
synthesized in the body; therefore, these essential fatty acids must be obtained from dietary future research continues, Viagra
may be essential in developing
sources and/or supplements. Food sources of the essential omega-3 fatty acids include cold- memory enhancement drugs.
water, high fat fish (salmon, herring, tuna, trout), flax seeds (flax seed oil), soybeans (soybean -Carol Casey
oil), walnuts, kidney beans, broccoli, raspberries, and strawberries. Just to name a few!
1. Prickaerts J, van Staveren WCG, Sik A,
A comprehensive program including diet and other lifestyle modifications plays a vital Markerink-van Ittersum M, Niewohner U,
role in brain function and memory. Studies have shown diet, in combination with other lifestyle van der Staay FJ, Blokland A, de Vente J.
Effects of two selective phosphodiesterase
modifications (exercise and sleep), has beneficial effects on the molecular systems involved in type 5 inhibitors, sildenafil and vardenafil,
on object recognition memory and
improved cognitive function and demonstrates promising therapeutic options in the treatment of hippocampal cyclic GMP levels in the rat.
Neuroscience. 2002; 113: 351–361.
mental disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. So, next time you eat a meal or snack, don’t 2. Schultheiss D, Muller SV, Nager W, Stief
forget the omega-3 fatty acids!! CG, Schlote N, Jonas U, et al. Central
effects of sildenafil (Viagra) on auditory
-Bernadette Early selective attention and verbal recognition
memory in humans: a study with event-
1. Pinilla-Gomez F. Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2008 July; 9(7):568-577. related brain potentials. World J Urol.
2001; 19: 46–50.
3
Living with Memory Issues
An Interview with ADHD questions. My parents had to fill out some
worksheets about my behavior at home and at
What’s Going on?
Many hear ADHD and immediately picture school. This weekend will
an out-of-control, hyperactive kid. This is not mark the First Annual Health
always the case. To help dispel this negative LW: Then what happened? Watch, the highlight of which
connotation, “Life Takes...” interviewed a CHELSEA: I got the diagnosis. will be a community movie
current student who has been diagnosed with night. The event is being
ADHD. LW: How did you handle this at such a young organized by Dr. Shirley
age? Peabody, a Behavioral Health
LW: How long have you CHELSEA: It was a little difficult at first, but instructor at Auburn University.
known about your attention things started to change for the better. My
deficit hyperactivity
The feature film is
parents and I attended several classes together “The Notebook”, starring Ryan
disorder? to help us learn to cope. A big part of it was
CHELSEA: I was first Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
helping me with my organizational skills and It is a tale of love sprinkled with
diagnosed when I was in the time management.
third grade, so it’s been the turmoil of dealing with
about 11 years. dementia. When asked about
LW: Do you mind if I ask whether or not you her motivation, for sponsoring
take any medication? such an event, Dr. Peabody
LW: What exactly were you told by your CHELSEA: Sure. I began taking
parents? commented, “I
Methylphenidate which increased my focus, but recently taught
CHELSEA: I was told that I was just as normal slowed my appetite. The appetite thing soon
as any other kid, but that I might need a little a segment on
wore off. I still take it today. It’s no big deal. dementia and
more help concentrating when it comes to
school. My parents always told me that I felt the need to
LW: Let’s switch gears and talk about your life further help my
should not look at it as an excuse for currently as a college student.
mediocrity. students
CHELSEA: Well, I am in my sophomore year understand the devastation that
on a journalism scholarship. I will be going to sometimes accompanies such
LW: How was your life before the diagnosis? China this summer as a junior correspondent
CHELSEA: I was your typical kid, but I was illnesses. Most young people
for a national newspaper. When I return, I will are only concerned about the
having extreme difficulty in school. Most days, assume my position as editor of our school’s
I was, as my teachers could say, “acting like I here and the now. If they truly
paper. Life is good. understand, then hopefully they
had ants in my pants.” I just could not keep
still. The class work did not hold my attention. will take preventive measures
LW: Wow!!! What words of encouragement where possible, as well as show
Though I was among the smartest, my grades do you have for other young people with
began to drop drastically. One of my teachers compassion to those who suffer
ADHD?
finally suggested that I be evaluated. from these diseases. Truthfully, I
CHELSEA: Accept it. Address it. Move on.
think the whole community can
There is hope, and you can make it. I did.
LW: Do you remember what this entailed? benefit from this drive for
CHELSEA: Well, we first went to my awareness.”
Interviewee: Chelsea Nichols
pediatrician who later sent me to a mental -Latoshia S. Wells, field reporter -Latoshia S. Wells
health specialist. I was given several tasks to
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD). U.S. Department of
do and was asked many different types of Health and Human Services: National Institutes of Health. 2008.
Across
T 3 Ginkgo Biloba can improve your
e memory
s 6 A “pleasure” drug that may decrease
t your chances for dementia
7 Legal OTC stimulant during 1950’s 7. Metamphetamine
o Down
5. The _ Notebook
r brain function
3. No
m mental function
o 5 Film about love sprinkled with the
r turmoil of dementia
y
Carol Casey Kelli Reardon Contact Us
Editors Auburn University
Bernadette Early Victoria Spencer Harrison School of Pharmacy
and
2316 Walker Building
Authors Courtney Jones Sarah Vest Auburn, Alabama 36849