Memory Problems – A Precursor to Dementia?
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It is currently estimated that approximately 13.4 million or up to 18% of all people over age 60 in the US are affected by mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in advanced age. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to the above-average decline in mental/cognitive abilities, whereby the affected person can still manage their everyday life independently.
Why a diagnosis is so important is explained in the brochure “Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment” by the Alzheimer’s Association: Within 5 years, at least half of those affected develop dementia.
How do I know if I'm affected?
Particular medical tests can determine whether there is a mild cognitive impairment. However, these are usually only carried out if the patient him or herself has a suspicion and visits a doctor. You can ask yourself:
– Do I forget things more than I used to?
– Do I have trouble making decisions?
– Am I less able to concentrate than I used to be?
– Do I have depressive moods?
– Do I often forget appointments, even though this did not happen to me in the past?
If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, or if you feel otherwise affected, be sure to talk to your primary care doctor. You can also visit specialized clinics. The Mayo Clinic describes here how such a diagnosis is made.
How are mild cognitive impairments treated in advanced age?
Your primary care doctor will discuss suitable therapeutic measures based on the causes/triggers with you. Cognitive impairments are often associated with depression, so appropriate therapy should be carried out. The combination of herbal extracts in St. John’s wort and Greek mountain tea has been very well researched and used successfully for many years. Doctor and Alzheimer’s researcher, Prof. Jens Pahnke from the University of Oslo, has been researching suitable herbal agents that improve cognitive abilities for over a decade. St. John’s wort has also been used for depression for a long time.
After using unique extracts of Greek mountain tea and St. John’s wort, Prof. Pahnke observed remarkable improvements in his patients. According to the doctor, the earlier treatment is started, the better the chances of success. In particular, the ability to remember, learn, and concentrate could be increased and improved by the herbal extracts.
The treatment of mild cognitive impairment as a precursor to Alzheimer’s dementia thus has great potential for preventing this incurable disease. Treatment with herbal extracts is a gentle and often effective method for preserving cognitive abilities over the long term. An affected patient reports:
“I took (…) extracts of Greek mountain tea and St. John’s wort every evening. After taking them regularly for 3 months, there were minor improvements, and after 6 months, I reduced my intake considerably. My primary care doctor (…) complimented me on my health. Friends and acquaintances, including my former psychologist, could be nothing but complimentary about my recovered condition.” (www.pahnkelab.eu/patient-replies).
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