NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Researchers at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) report that intravenous administration of the drug physostigmine can improve 'working memory' -- the brain's ability to temporarily hold useful information, such as a phone number.

Dr. Maura Furey of the NIA and colleagues measured performance on memory tests and used positron emission tomography (PET) to record blood flow to parts of the brain in healthy volunteers during a continuous infusion of physostigmine. All subjects underwent a series of 10 PET scans. Eight subjects received infusions of saline for the entire study and 13 received saline during the first two PET scans and then physostigmine during the other 8 PET scans.

The team reports that the physostigmine infusion "improved efficiency" of areas of the brain known to be associated with working memory. For example, the volunteers' ability to recognize faces they had just been shown improved when given the drug.

"A better understanding of how working memory functions could give us valuable clues as to how our brains process and manipulate such information," said Furey. "It could also teach us about how drugs that alter some cognitive processes, such as working memory, influence the brain's response."

Physostigmine is believed to work by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a chemical used by nerve cells to communicate. The drug's action is similar to that of tacrine, the first approved treatment for patients with Alzheimer's disease. But because physostigmine is active for only a very short time, tacrine is more practical to use clinically.

A more efficient working memory would be a great advantage for patients with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of memory impairment. The researchers hope that their findings will help lead to the development of other drugs to help this brain function.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (1997;94:6512-6516)

Debbie Scavelli, RPh.

CLEAR THOUGHTS

Our new product, Clear Thoughts, is designed to improve short-term memory and the ability to focus. As we age we can lose up to half of our ability to perform everyday tasks related to memory and cognition. The key to reduce this loss is to stimulate the production of neurotransmitters, and it has been shown that by supplementing with specific nutrients we can increase the production of these chemicals. It is also thought that the decline in cognitive function may be preventable with proper nutrition

As with all our products, Rexall has developed a unique combination of nutritionals that work synergistically to improve short-term memory and cognitive function. Dr. Wide, who is associated with the National Institute of Health, Presented the breakdown of the individual ingredients to us at conference in Nashville. I will touch on the most important ones briefly.

The most interesting component of Clear Thoughts is Phosphatidylserine or PS. Until now it has been used only in clinical trails and in the military due to its difficult extraction process. Previously, PS has only been available from animal sources but Rexall has developed a breakthrough extraction procedure from soybeans, it takes 2 bushelsfull of soybeans to extract enough PS for 2 capsule—and Rexall has the rights to this source.

PS plays a very important role in all cells, but is found in highest concentrations in brain cells, proving its involvement in neurotransmitter activity and message transmission. It has been studied in multiple clinical trials showing improvement in memory, learning, and behavior, with no contraindications and when used in conjunction with other vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can have the greatest effects on cognitive functions.

Ginkgo Biloba - Everyone has probably heard of or seen ginkgo Biloba on the shelves and health food stores or pharmacies, and it seems like the latest fad, but it is really an herb used by the Chinese for over 5,000 years!! By stimulating circulation in the brain, it has shown reversal of mental deterioration in early Alzheimer's disease and the longer it is used, the benefits increase. It is well tolerated and has no side effects.

Gotu Kola Herb Power - This herb from India helps to combat stress and energize the brain cells to significantly increase mental function and the ability to concentrate.

The other vitamins and minerals complexed in Clear Thoughts are very important individually in brain functions, but work in synergy to achieve maximum results. For example:

Vitamin E: Used and an antioxidant to slow down oxidative damage of brain cells such as in Parkinson's disease. Trials have shown high doses of Vitamin E delayed onset of drug therapy by an avg. of 27 months.

Niacin (B3): Deficiency of this vitamin causes confusion and dementia, therefore supplementation can reverse and prevent these disorders.

Folic Acid & B12: Together these vitamins stimulate the manufacturing of DNA and neurotransmitters. Many elderly people suffer from depression and impaired mental function, but studies have shown when supplemented with folic acid and B12 they show marked improvements. They increase the serotonin levels in the brain, like prescription drugs Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft, but without the side effects.

Choline: Is very essential in the manufacture of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and is required to property metabolize fats in the liver. It has been used to treat early stages of Alzheimer's and bipolar depression patients.

Zinc: A mineral that functions in more enzymatic reactions in our bodies than any other mineral. The deficiency of zinc contributes to many health conditions such as pregnancy, immune function, rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration, acne and Alzheimer's. Supplementation in Alzheimer's patients has improved memory, comprehension and social contact. Research is pointing to a lifetime of zinc deficiency as a major factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The best time to take Clear Thoughts is 2 capsules in the morning after breakfast for optimum mental function.

This is a brief overview on each of these ingredients, but it should be obvious that there is a wealth of data to support the efficacy and necessity of this product. I'm sure we all could benefit from Clear Thoughts and as our population lives longer, fuller lives, the need to stay mentally alert will grow.