Question:
I have been following this field for a few years now, andI now need so recommendations regarding what can be used to assist in the restoration of cognition. A year ago, I suffered a truamatic blow to the left temple in the course of a mugging. A year later,I amstill having difficulties with certain cognitive functions, i.e., word finding, getting a project done correctly the FIRST time, I just can't seem to get it right. I am an actor and freelance wrtier. Hydergine has been recommended. any other recommendations?

Answer: your family doctor is the best place to start to discuss the challenge you face from a known head injury. Some people with mild head injuries choose to be medicine-free and live with what they have and others tend to opt for say an epilepsy medicine which they believe helps them with their cognitive challenges.

Check out rec.drugs.smart; read "Smart Drugs and Nutrients" and "Smart Drugs II." The books have testimonies of recovered brain injury using choline, piracetam, vinpocetine, B vitamins, ginkgo, P. serine, etc, etc..

Dementias and other severe cognitive dysfunction states pose a daunting challenge to existing medical management strategies. An integrative, early intervention approach seems warranted. Whereas, allopathic treatment options are highly limited, nutritional and botanical therapies are available which have proven degrees of efficacy and generally favorable benefit-to-risk profiles. This review covers five such therapies: phosphatidylserine (PS), acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), vinpocetine, Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), and Bacopa monniera (Bacopa). PS is a phospholipid enriched in the brain, validated through double-blind trials for improving memory, learning, concentration, word recall, and mood in middle-aged and elderly subjects with dementia or age-related cognitive decline. PS has an excellent benefit-to-risk profile. ALC is an energizer and metabolic cofactor which also benefits various cognitive functions in the middle-aged and elderly, but with a slightly less favorable benefit-to-risk profile.