New research presented at the November meeting of Society for Neuroscience in New Orleans suggests NutraSweet (or aspartame) could be linked to aspartame consumption. Researchers at a University in Fort Worth, Texas believe aspartame consumed in excess could cause certain kinds of memory loss.
Ninety students were studied and interviewed in one study. In this study their use of aspartame and memory problems were documented. The results, those that consumed aspartame regularly complained of forgetfulness related to various tasks they perform on a regular basis. They would forget to perform tasks at the time the tasks were scheduled to be performed. The students' perceptions of their memory problems have yet to be backed up with concrete test results. Researchers tested students on short term memory with quizzes which tested the student's ability to remember lists, phone numbers, and faces. Some of the researchers argued that this was not a real life test because all the students had similar results.
Head of the study Timothy Barth, PH.D., stated that measuring everyday memory is difficult to perform and recommended further research be done to test memory and behavior in subjects ingesting varying amounts of aspartame. As a result, researchers believe the occasional ingestion of aspartame will not cause memory problems that are noticeable. The students who reported problems were consuming at least four diet drinks per day.
The brain has an amazing ability to protect its self from small amounts of aspartame, but large amounts along with stress can have adverse affects on the brain. Children, the elderly, and those with brain injuries are most at risk. The researchers in these studies did comment that occasional consumption of aspartame is ok, but all the researchers performing the tests do not consume diet sodas at all.
If you are worried about the affects of aspartame on your body and are not sure you currently consume too much, cut aspartame out completely for a week or two and see if your memory improves. Other factors like diet can affect your memory; researchers at General Mills showed that eating breakfast can boost memory in studies on elderly and children. Researchers are unsure why breakfast boosts memory, possibly because we do not eat for 7 - 8 hours through the night. Further research needs to be preformed on how protein, fat, and carbohydrates affect memory.
One more factor that might preserve memory is an antioxidant rich diet. Several studies have shown positive results when one consume foods rich in antioxidants. It's important to take vitamin A, C, and E in supplement form; these vitamins are great antioxidants which may help preserve memory. Also, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Great supplements like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E can be found at your local or internet health food store.
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Memory Loss and depresion
By: survivorihope | 28-06-2008
I am 46 years old and have been expierencing memory loss that seems to be getting progresivley worse over the last few weeks. I have a history of chronic depression and have been on medication for the last 7-8 years and therapy for the last 4 years. I have been taking Welbutrin XL for about 7 years, was on lexapro for about 5 years then changed to cymalbta for the last 2 years. I started to expierence anxiety and panic attacks about 5 years ago and was put on lorazapem as needed to address these. About 3 months ago I was diagnosed with PCOS and put on Metformin, I was also rediagnosed by a physciatrist as suffering from BPD, BIPOLAR II and PTSD and was put on Lamictal for the severe mood swings. I had noticed a improvment in my mood swings and irritability after about a month of the lamictal but have recently started to notice a reoccurence of these promblems making me wonder if my dosage needs to be refined. The most disturbing thing is that I have been expierencing memory loss for about the last month or so. At first it was just kind of annoying not being able to remember what I was just going to say or do, but then I also started not being able to remember words that I needed to finish a sentance but it would be right there but I couldn't access it. It has progessed to the point that as I am in the process of training a new employee I find it disturbing and embarrasing that I want to say something but can't think of the words. I have always done alot of reading, it is my favorite form of entertainment and usually read at least one book a week at least. I also like to challenge myself with word games such as scrabble and crossword puzzles. I have always thought I have a very diverse vocabulary because of these things so I find it very disturbing to not be able to remember or verablize words that I know. I have read that depression, stress and anxiety can cause memory lose, but my question is why it seems like it is such a sudden onset after I have been under treatment for the last 7-8 years? Any information or advice you can give me would be highly appreciated.(even as I write this I find myself struggling for certian words)
Short term memory
By: Smith | 09-06-2008
I heard SHORT TERM MEMORY can be managed with MEMORYL? It seems it contains Walnut oil with patented ingredients.Can anyone guide me whether I can use "MEMORYL" or not?
Short term memory
By: Stephen | 09-06-2008
Lately I keep on loosing my keys, I always forget where I last placed them. I need some advice on how to prevent these embarrassing occasions again. I came to know that MEMORYL is a good medicine to treat mild forgetfulness. Anyone tried this medicine.
Short-term memory loss
By: Flemming | 04-06-2008
Can anyone tell me whether i can use MEMORYL for short term memory loss.
Memory
By: Krevin | 29-05-2008
How should I take Memoryl?
Witch fruit contains vitamin a,b,c,d,e
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Witch fruit contains vitamin a,b,c,d,e
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