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MEMORY DYSFUNCTION
Memory Dysfunction is a frequent sequelae of TBI, which may involve rapid forgetting of names, directions to a place, items on a mental grocery list or the plot of a novel or movie. Many over the counter products are being advertised to boost flagging memory from pills, to nutritional supplements to chewing gums. So far not a single one has held up to rigorous clinical testing, including the popular supplement called Gingko Biloba Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors do create a slight, temporary improvement in the short term memory of Alzheimer's patients, but these have not been studied with a TBI population. One such medication, Cognex, showed slowing of memory decline in mild to moderate Alzheimer's patients over a period of months, with subsequent deterioration. This is not surprising, because the medication cannot reverse the progressive death of cells in the hippocampus, but only boost the supply of Acetylcholine (Ach) from cells which have not yet been compromised. Ach is one of the essential neurotransmitters for good memory function. A natural supply of choline is eggs. A few eggs a week might help, and does not present a cholesterol risk. Even though Cognex was not approved by the FDA for treatment of memory loss in TBI patients, some physicians do prescribe it for this purpose on an off-label basis. Its efficacy in such patients is known only on an anecdotal basis and has not been systematically studied.