Trental

Vinpocetine may give you the mind boost you need

I forgot." "It slipped my mind." "It's on the tip of my tongue." "Did you see my glasses?"

If these phrases have started cropping up in your conversation, you may be worried about memory loss. You may feel your mind isn't quite as agile as it always was, and think, "I wish I could do something about this."

A certain amount of memory loss is natural as we age. But that doesn't mean there's nothing we can do about it. Of the many memory-enhancers on the market, vinpocetine, a derivative of the periwinkle plant, is considered a powerful and natural memory-boosting supplement that can improve concentration, attention span, alertness and cognition. What's more, it has recently become available in the U.S.

Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger, specialist in herbal remedies and nutritional supplements and associate editor of the Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association (JANA) says, "According to clinical data [on vinpocetine], consumers will see improvement in memory functions as well as enhancement of learning and recall and overall alertness." And Dr. Michael Hirt, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center, in Los Angeles Calif., adds "Vinpocetine may make you sharper."

HOW IT WORKS AND WHO SHOULD TAKE IT

Hirt notes that there are three main types of memory loss: Alzheimer's disease, mild dementia and "normal" memory loss in healthy people over 40. It is very important to distinguish among the types of memory loss because vinpocetine is not effective for all three. Hirt emphasizes that it's essential to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of memory loss so that appropriate steps can be taken, particularly in the case of Alzheimer's. An incorrect diagnosis can delay critically needed treatment. In general, people with Alzheimer's will not be helped by vinpocetine because it does not address the underlying problem.

However, Hirt says vinpocetine may improve brain function in healthy people over 40 or people with mild dementia. Mild forms of non-Alzheimer's memory loss, generally referred to as age-related cognitive impairments, are frequently caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain. Hirt says the brain is similar to the heart in that, as we age, blood vessels constrict, lose their elasticity and become blocked with platelets. Thus, the delivery of vital nutrients to the brain, particularly glucose and oxygen, is slowed.

Vinpocetine works because it acts as a blood thinner that enhances blood circulation to the brain, improves oxygen delivery, dilates blood vessels, delivers more glucose to brain cells, improves brain cell metabolism, blocks the sticking together, aggregation, of platelets, which blocks blood flow.

Hirt says numerous studies have looked at the effects of vinpocetine on memory and the results are promising. In clinical studies, people on vinpocetine experienced measurable memory improvement compared to a control group receiving sugar pills.

Because vinpocetine is a blood thinner, it should not be taken by people on aspirin therapy or blood thinning medication such as Coumadin, heparin or Trental except on the advice of a physician. Other over-the-counter supplements such as ginko, garlic, phosphatidylserine (PS) and high-dose vitamin E may unduly increase the activity of vinpocetine, so it should be taken with care. Since safety in pregnant women or people with serious liver or kidney disease has not been established, you should consult your physician before trying vinpocetine.

Hirt recommends a dosage of 10 to 20 mg three times a day, but suggests patients start with a lower dose and increase it, as needed. Although it has few side effects, vinpocetine is known to, in rare cases, result in nausea, headaches and gastrointestinal discomfort in highly sensitive people. Thus, Hirt recommends patients increase the dose slowly and take it with food to improve absorption and minimize possible stomach upset.

The speed with which vinpocetine becomes effective varies considerably from person to person depending on the severity of blood flow problems and amount of memory loss. Unlike ginko, which can take anywhere between four to eight weeks to achieve results, Wollschlaeger says the average person may see improvement in seven to 10 days. Some may notice improvement in less than seven days.

Vinpocetine has been used in Europe for over 20 years and has been found to be safe and effective. It is sold as a drug in Europe, although in the U.S., it is sold in as a dietary supplement in vitamin, food and drug stores.

So, if you are having more and more of those "senior moments," vinpocetine appears to be a safe and effective memory enhancer.

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Hinmarch, I. et. al. "Efficacy and Tolerance of Vinpocetine in Ambulant Patients Suffering From Mild to Moderate Organic Psychosyndromes," International Clinical Psychopharmacology 1991; 6, 31-43.

Hoffer, A.; M. Walker. Smart Nutrients. Garden City Park, NY; Avery, 1994.

Ley, Beth. Vinpocetine: Boost Your Brainpower With Periwinkle Extract. Detroit Lakes, MN: BL Publications, 2001.

Sahelian, Ray. Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind, Memory, and Mood. St. Martin's Press, 2000.

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