Posted by KaraS on September 9, 2004, at 17:58:18
In reply to focus/speed advice needed, posted by Emme on September 9, 2004, at 14:55:22
> After neuropsychological testing I've just been told that I have notable problems with concentration/focus and speed of processing. I didn't know they measured speed. Sounds like I'm an outdated computer. My brain doesn't organize thoughts and data as well as I'd like. Memory tested well (so why can't I ever seem to remember what I did the day before?).
Hi Emme,
I am in the same boat as you. I have been having a terrible time with brain fog and have been trying to determine whether it's ADD or just depression related (along with some other potential causes such as CFS, adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism.) I wish that I could get tested as well but I'm not sure that would do much more for me than give me a label.I've been looking into many books and articles on the subject. There are quicker fixes like Ginkgo, Picamilon and Piracetam (and similar nootropics). Piracetam is considered a drug in the U.S. Low dose selegiline has helped a lot of people focus and is supposed to be a really good antioxidant. That's a drug in the U.S. too as you probably already know.
There are also plenty of things that you can take to help with antioxidation, energy formation and general health of the neurotransmitters (lipoic acid, ALC, phosphatydlserine, NAC, carnosine, Co-Q10 etc.).
> I don't know if the results are enough to warrant an actual add diagnosis. I'll find out soon enough. Does an actual diagnosis matter anyway? There isn't really any way to tease apart if it's part and parcel of depression/bipolar or its own entity. I'm awfully distressed about this. But I'm getting off track.
>
> I see my pdoc tomorrow. I suspect she might suggest strattera. I'm not sure I want to try another prescription drug. Actually, I'm not even sure I want to treat this directly at all vs. see if things improve as mood control and sleep improve. But I'm getting off track.I hear you. I feel that I if I could just get a good night's sleep, I could wake up and think a hell of a lot better and faster.
> Anyone wanna weigh in on some other concentration/focus options? From what I understand, some options include:
>
> ginkgo (former thread with Larry)
> NADH (I saw post above)
> Piracetam
> Silly question: is Piracetam a pharmaceutical drug? Does it require a prescription? Or is it an alternative supplement?
>
> Might inositol have any benefit by way of increasing the plasticity of cell membranes?Not sure on this one.
> Would pro-cholinergic substances improve focus (in addition to memory)?
>
> Thanks muchly.My understanding is that cholinergics can improve focus up to a point. Too much choline can cause depression though so you have to be careful with dosage. DMAE supposedly helps with concentration though I haven't had much luck with it.
There are other things worth looking into. Some people have had success with Rhodiola as an antidepressant and for clearing their heads.
Stimulating antidepressants are helpful too but those can aggrivate sleep further. Same with takeing the amino acids l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine.
I'm drawing a blank right now in terms of other options. There's a good book on the topic called "Brain Longevity" by Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD. He has dietary instructions and different kinds of exercises mentioned as well. There are a couple of new books on the topic that I've ordered from the library. I'll have to see if they're any good or just retreads of what's already out there.
I haven't really implemented much of what I've read yet. That's the next step for me so I couldn't comment yet on efficacy of many of the above-mentioned treatments.
Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:388773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040901/msgs/388866.html