By Tedler D. Depaynos, MD
During our student days which were not so long ago, we were lectured that only 20% of the brain is known by man. Neurologists know only 5% and they are supposed to be specialists of the brain. Of course during that time we did not have the modern CT Scan, MRI and even the UTZ. So how could they be called specialists if they know only 5%? That was the joke of our lecturer more than 4 decades ago who was the well known neurosurgeon at that time. Of course with the modern facilities and advanced researches nowadays, young brain specialists are now more knowledgeable. Hence, if ever you consult your neurologist inquire from him/her the updates of memory loss or forgetfulness. This is the advise I gave to a lawyer friend I recently consulted who complains of occasional forgetfulness.
When you forget where you placed your keys or parked your car or can remember a familiar face but forgot her name maybe that’s forgetfulness due to old age. It’s not something to worry about however, because everyone ageing is going to have it. At least they still have the chance to age gracefully.
It was initially thought that age related memory loss was due to loss of brain cells. They were thought to atrophy just like any organs of the body. The concept has changed however and with modern facilities, researchers concluded that there is an even increase in brain cells as one matures. This may explain why some individuals who were mediocre before, appear to be becoming geniuses as they grow older. The defect they say is something to do with “chemicals” that stimulate the brain cells to work together. You may recognize a beautiful face but cannot recall who she is. The brain cells responsible for recognition cannot correlate well with the brain cells responsible for recalling because of the defective “chemicals”. The mechanism obviously is very complicated but this is how the article I was reading explained it in layman’s terms.
It is observed that those with higher learning and appear to be more brilliant in their studies have a lesser chance of having old age memory loss. Obviously they have been exercising their brain and are continuously exercising them. Just like what Senator Ponce Enrile once mentioned that he has been exercising his brain and part of it is reading poems. He is 93 years old and obviously very sharp. May be this also occurs not only in our honorable justices with lots of cases in their salas but also in lawyers whose offices are constantly filled with clients seeking their expert opinions not necessarily making them appear in court very often. Their brain calisthenics is continuous so that they remain very sharp all thru out. The calisthenics make the brain cells continuously work together despite the “defective chemicals”.
Part of brain exercises as advised is correlating somebody you meet or a place you see with a prominent character they have. Perhaps she has a crooked nose or a tantalizing eyes or smile. The place you see may have a unique tall building or a zigzag trail that may stick in your mind. It would help you remember who she is or what place is that. Perhaps, carrying a small pocket note pad where you could scribble names and important information would help a lot.
It is also observed that those leading a very stressful existence and lack of sleep are more prone to forgetfulness and failure of recall. The brain obviously needs to relax from time to time in order to function well. Relaxation of the brain does not only mean going on an expensive vacation. Taking care of oneself in the form of exercises or sports may divert your mind from your daily stress. It would keep your body also away from diseases like hypertension which is also observed to enhance memory loss. A coffee mate of mine insists that a shot or two relaxes his mind especially after a stressful court hearing. Obviously, I have no comment.
If you forget however how to use your keys or how to drive or simply forget the people you have been with throughout like your wife, that may already be a serious condition like Alziemer’s. I hope my lawyer friend will not suddenly forget the name of her secretary for more than 20 years even occasionally. It would be a very dangerous early sign. In some medical textbooks, the old age memory loss or forgetfulness may actually early manifestations or signs and symptoms of Alziemer’s. Differentiating them therefore may be difficult.
The pathology of Alziemer’s is likewise very complicated. I am not aware of new researches that will change what is written in our old medical textbooks that plaques named “amyloids” are deposited in between the nerve cells. It is similar to cholesterol or fatty plaques being deposited in the walls of the arteries. Normally, when a foreign body is deposited, the immune system secretes certain chemicals to remove the foreign body so that in Alziemers, “immune chemicals” are produced to remove the “plaques” which are considered foreign bodies. The chemicals however are usually trapped in the plaques worsening the condition. Again in other textbooks, the “plaques” may actually be “atrophied brain”.
Many studies are still being done on Alziemer’s and a foundation was even put up under Pres. Ronald Reagan’s name because he later developed the disease. Hence, Alziemer’s is sometimes called Reagan’s disease in street lingo. Removing the plaques or preventing its formation is still unknown so that 30% of those reaching 85 years old are probably destined to have the disease especially perhaps those who have just became senior and manifesting memory loss early.
Although statistics may vary, it is thought that women have lesser incidence of the disease because of the presence of their estrogen. Because it is the nerves that are affected, lack of Vitamin B complex is also thought of. Lack of Vitamin E is likewise surmised because it has anti-oxidant properties. The mechanism is complicated but with the use of O2, “free radicals” are produced that may destroy the brain. Vitamin E is supposed to prevent the accumulation of these destructive “free radicals”. Finally, an herbal drug which is labeled “memory tonic” and now marketed openly in our common drug stores is being tested.
A Chinese supermarket owner who is as old as my lawyer friend boasted to me once that the Chinese “anti-Alziemer’s” medicine he is taking is keeping him mentally active. He became sharper in remembering even the minor details of his business activities. I hope he will remember his promise to give me some when his orders arrive.**
