Memory Problems, Insomnia

Dear Dr. Meletis,

Please tell me what supplements you recommend for my current concern. I read the excellent articles in Vitamin Research News and tend to think I need them all.

Recently, I noticed short-term memory loss—I am stressed over this and do not sleep well. A recent cortisol test showed high levels in late afternoon. I have lost weight (weigh 98 lbs), often feel cold and my vitiligo is worse. My doctor has me on bio-identical hormones, thyroid and iodine. So far nothing has helped. What more can I do? I do want to sleep and not feel so tired.

Sincerely,

Ms. G.

Dear Ms. G.,

Sounds like you are working with a holistically minded physician if they are prescribing you bio-identical hormones. Has the sleep issue gotten better or worse since starting the bio-identical hormones? If there has been a change one way or another sharing this information with your primary care physician (PCP) will be important. Sleep is so critical for proper brain function. If you happen to snore, ruling out sleep apnea, even though you are thin, is important.

I will assume your PCP knows that you are losing weight. Finding the cause of the weight loss is essential. If you are losing weight, this suggests you are under-fueled and thus the 100 billion brain cells that support your memory are also under-fueled. So, we have sleep issues (tired) and weight loss (hungry brain cells). Neither of these can continue to be present while at the same time achieving optimal brain performance.

You will also want to have your Pregnenolone levels measured. Pregnenolone is a hormone that when low can also contribute to lower brain performance; likewise lower than normal DHEA and testosterone can also contribute to lower than desired brain performance.

It is also essential to drink your daily 2 liters of clear fluids (unless otherwise instructed), to ensure brain performance.

In terms of supplements, after working with your PCP to address the above considerations, you will want to read about Extension IQ™ and CDP Choline as a starting place.

You may also visit with your PCP about the use of Cortisol Control, to help dampen your afternoon cortisol levels that are likely adding to the sleep issue. Identifying the source of the weight loss and regaining the lost weight will be essential for whole body wellness.

Sincerely,

Chris D. Meletis, ND