Impaired+Memory+(Jian+Wang)

Impaired memory refers to either partial or total loss of memory about things which have happened either in the recent or distant past.

Relevant Western Diseases: Forgetfulness, amnesia

Differential Diagnosis: A. History of traumatic brain injury (TBI) B. Seizure Disorders C. History of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) D. Chronic vitamin B deficiency A. Chronic alcohol abuse leading to Korsakoff’s Syndrome B. Chronic abuse of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana or heroin A. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) B. Dissociative Identity Disorder (IDD) and other dissociative disorders
 * Medical Disorders:**
 * Effects of Substances:**
 * Psychiatric Disorders:**

TCM Etiology & Pathogenesis: Similar causes and mechanisms to profuse dreams. Either there is insufficient construction and nourishment or the heart spirit or some evil Qi is harassing or cofounding the heart spirit. Zhu Dan-xi says ”Impaired memory is mostly due to essence spirit shortage and scantiness, [though] it may also have [i.e., be due to] phlegm.” Liu Yi-ren implies that anxiety and thought may cause such essence spirit shortage and scantiness by damaging the pericardium... Former heaven natural endowment or habitual bodily vacuity weakness, overtaxation, enduring disease, immaturity, or aging, overuse of certain medicinal and drugs, or unrestrained sexual activity may all contribute to kidney essence deficiency. Being vacuous, kidney essence then may fail t fil the sea of marrow and nourish the brain sufficiently. 1

TCM Pattern Differentiation: Heart-Spleen Dual Vacuity 1 Impaired memory, sallow yellow complexion, lassitude of the spirit, heart palpitations, reduced sleep, profuse dreams, shortness of breath, fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, menstrual irregularities in females [Bai Zhu (10g.), Fu Shen (12g.), Huang Qi (15g.), Dang Shen (10g.), Gan Cao (6g.), Dang Gui (10g.), Long Yan Rou (12g.), Suan Zao Ren (15g.), Yuan Zhi (10g.), Yi Zhi Ren (15g.), Mu Xiang (6-10g.)] Heart blood or heart Yin vacuity predominant: -Huang Qi; + Bai Zi Ren, Ye Jiao Yeng Spleen Qi vacuity predominant: - Fu Shen; + Fu Ling, Huang Jing, Chen Pi
 * Tongue:** pale commonly, enlarged tongue, white coat
 * Pulse:** fine, weak
 * Treatment Principles:** Fortify the spleen and boost the Qi, supplement the heart and nourish the blood
 * Acupuncture Treatment:** GV-20, HT-7, BL-15, BL-20, ST-36. Tonifying technique
 * Herbal Treatment:** Gui Pi Tang Jia Jian1
 * Modifications:**

Kidney Essence Insufficiency 1 Impaired memory, absentmindedness, lassitude of the spirit, a tendency to let the head fall forward, possible loose teeth, loss and/or early graying of the hair, low back and knee soreness and limpness, weak bones [Zi He Che (1g.), Shu Di (12g.), Niu Xi (12g.), Du Zhong (10g.), Gui Ban (20g.), Gou Qi Zi (10g.), Huang Jing (10g.), Ren Shen (6-10g.), Shan Yao (10g.), Shan Zhu Yu (10g.), Yuan Zhi (6-10g.), Yi Zhi Ren (15g.)]
 * Tongue:** pale tongue, white coat
 * Pulse:** vacuous or choppy
 * Treatment Principles:** Supplement the kidneys and boost the essence
 * Acupuncture Treatment:** Si Shen Cong, BL-52, BL-23, SP-6, KI-3. Tonifying technique
 * Herbal Treatment:** He Che Da Zao Wan Jia Jian1

Heart and Kidney not Communicating 1 Impaired memory, dizziness, tinnitus, heart palpitations, absent-mindedness, low back and knee soreness and limpness, 5-palm heat, afternoon tidal heat, night sweats, vexation, insomnia [Shu Di (12g.), Shan Yao (10g.), Shan Zhu Yu (10g.), Fu Ling (10g.), Ze Xie (6-10g.), Dan Pi (10g.), Ren Shen (6-10g.), Yuan Zhi (6-10g.), Yi Zhi Ren (15g.), Gui Ban (15g.)] Heart Yang effulgence predominant: Use Zhen Zhong Dan Jia Jian1 [Gui Ban (15g.), Mu Li (15g.), Yan Zhi (10g.), Shi Chang Pu (10g.), Sheng Di (12g.), Fu Shen (12g.), Zhu Ye (10g.)]
 * Tongue:** red tongue, scanty coat
 * Pulse:** fine, rapid
 * Treatment Principles:** Enrich the kidneys, nourish the heart, and promote the interaction between the heart and kidneys
 * Acupuncture Treatment:** Si Shen Cong, HT-6, BL-15, BL-23, KI-6, SP-6. Even technique
 * Herbal Treatment:** Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Jia Wei1
 * Modifications:**

Phlegm Qi Depression & Binding 1 Impaired memory, somnolence, dizziness or vertigo, chest oppression, nausea, reduced food intake, profuse phlegm, sound of phlegm in the throat, spitting or hacking of phlegm, plum pit Qi [Ban Xia (10g.), Zhu Ru (10g.), Zhi Shi (6-10g.), Chen Pi (6-10g.), Bai Zhu (10g.), Fu Ling (10g.), Dan Nan Xing (6g.), Shi Chang Pu (6g.), Gan Cao (3-6g.)] Phlegm transforming into heat w/ dry mouth & throat, yellow phlegm, red complexion, red tongue: + Huang Lian, Huang Qin
 * Tongue:** slimy white coat
 * Pulse:** bowstring, slippery
 * Treatment Principles:** Transform phlegm and quiet the spirit, rectify the Qi and resolve depression
 * Acupuncture Treatment:** HT-7, ST-40, ST-36, LI-4. Draining technique
 * Herbal Treatment:** Wen Dan Tang Jia Jian1
 * Modifications:**

Blood Stasis Internally Obstructing 1 Sudden onset of impaired memory that endures, dry mouth w/ desire for fluids but no desire to swallow, chest oppression, abdominal fullness and pain exasperated by pressure, black stools [Tao Ren (10g.), Hong Hua (10g.), Dang Gui (10g.), Sheng Di (12g.), Chuan Xiong (6g.), Chi Shao (10g.), Zhi Ke (6-10g.), Yu Jin (6g.), Yuan Zhi (6-10g.), Shi Chang Pu (6g.)]
 * Tongue:** dark, purplish tongue, possible static spots or macules, possible tortuous & engorged sublingual veins
 * Pulse:** bowstring, choppy
 * Treatment Principles:** Quicken the blood and transform stasis, open the portals and fortify the memory
 * Acupuncture Treatment:** HT-3, Si Shen Cong, SP-10, LI-4, SP-6. Draining technique
 * Herbal Treatment:** Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Jia Jian1


 * IBIS:**

Integrative Therapies
Poor memory is a condition in which there is decreased ability to remember and recall experiences, knowledge, thoughts, and ideas. In some cases, it is difficult or impossible to remember things that have happened in the distant past, but one can remember more recent experiences. Sometimes the reverse is true of this condition, and it is only the recent past that is forgotten. Memory loss can be brought on by many factors, including a stroke, a severe injury, tumors, mental problems, and a blow to the head. Other factors include drug and alcohol abuse, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and problems related to aging.

If the loss of memory is sudden or severe or if other extreme changes in personality or mental functioning are observed, a physician should be consulted immediately.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE: 1. B-complex vitamin – 50 milligrams 3 times per day. A vitamin B deficiency will affect brain function. 2. Vitamin B12 – 1 milligram per day. 3. Lecithin – 2 tablespoons per day. 4. Glutamic acid – 200 milligrams per day. 5. Niacin – Start with 100 milligrams after each meal and increase up to 250 milligrams until you feel a flushing of the skin. This stimulates blood circulation to the skin and head. Continue for a trial period of 3 weeks. Niacin should be used only under a doctor's supervision since it can become toxic to the liver after several weeks.

REGARDING THE PROPER DIET FOR POOR MEMORY: 1. Maintain a healthy diet. This includes using fresh, unprocessed foods as close to the natural state as possible. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Keep your intake of sugar foods and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice) to a minimum. For more information, refer to the article on healthy diet. 2. Eliminate alcohol, smoking, and drug use.

HERBS USED FOR POOR MEMORY: 1. Ginkgo biloba stimulates blood circulation in the brain and may protect the nervous system from toxins that disrupt proper functioning. It is the most commonly prescribed medicine in Europe and does not need a prescription. Take one 40 milligram capsule 3 times per day. 2. Ginseng Root may stimulate and promote memory. Take 1 standard dosage twice daily according to the product label. Avoid taking commercial teas made out of the leaves, which are less effective. Take Ginseng on an empty stomach. 3. Gotu Kola tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract – 25 drops in tea or water 3 times per day.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR POOR MEMORY ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. The effects of stress can be reduced through stress management and relaxation techniques such as visualization and meditation. Counseling is strongly encouraged. For more information, refer to the article on stress reduction. 2. Get adequate rest and take naps as needed. 3. Regular physical exercise – at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Consult a physician about a proper exercise program if you haven't exercised for awhile.

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Phytotherapeutic Recommendations
-Ginkgo Biloba

Orthomolecular Treatment
-Phosphatidylserine -Vinpocetine (short term memory) -Resveratrol -Pregneneolone