Posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 9:35:30
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Marley on April 2, 2004, at 22:58:09
There has been recent reserch done on the link between good memory and the good BDNF gene. People coded with a poorer version of the BDNF gene, seemed to perform much worse on tests of short term memory (ie what happened yesterday).
There is also a very strong link between poor BDNF status and depression. BDNF not only has congnative enhancing effects when directly injected into the brain, but drugs that enhance low BDNF expression can also restore memory.
When I was depressed, I had a very poor memory. It took me hours to study for tests, I never felt like I actually had remembered anything.
Since getting better, I feel that I remember what I have learned. I try to keep my medication doses low, and to exercise (which also enhances BDNF), and to take loads of fish oil and other supplements that purportedly have some effect on neurogenesis.
I would assume that my BDNF status is much better than it was a few years ago.
But in terms of mental functioning, I would say that anxiety is the biggest killer. Do what you have to to get that under controll.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:331128
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040402/msgs/332049.html