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MRI's, Prophylactic use of Statins and Gingko Biloba
Dear Doctor
What do you make of the research indicating the protective effect of second-generation statins against Alzheimer's Disease? Do you think that elevated cholesterol levels increase levels of APOE4 or trigger pre-exisiting levels?
What do you make of the research indicating the protective effect (or helpful effect) of 120-240mgs of Ginkgo Biloba against Alzheimer's, based on the work already done? Effective? Promising? Worth taking at any age (I'm 26)? Does it work much like antioxidants?
I'm scheduled to have an MRI with and without contrast very soon, and I would like to know what serious conditions this would exlude for certain? My neurological exam was NORMAL, and my doctor didn't even think I needed one (for a mild head injury that I sustained almost a year ago, where there was no LOC, no PTA, no dizziness/nausea or headaches, but which seems to have knocked some unquantifiable level of intelligence out of me, which he attributes to pre-existing depression. The depression is being addressed with antidepressants).
Can you detect APOE4 or neurofibrilliary tangles/plaques, or microscopic brain injury on MRI? Would it be possible to talk to the radiologist right after for a summary?
I know you've said that the MRI is test of structure, not function, but at 26, IF the MRI comes back normal, combined with a normal neurological exam and no symptoms besides this self-described (but honest belief) loss of intellgence, would you feel comfortable that enough was done and that there is nothing serious to worry about?
Thanks again for your time.
What do you make of the research indicating the protective effect of second-generation statins against Alzheimer's Disease? Do you think that elevated cholesterol levels increase levels of APOE4 or trigger pre-exisiting levels?
What do you make of the research indicating the protective effect (or helpful effect) of 120-240mgs of Ginkgo Biloba against Alzheimer's, based on the work already done? Effective? Promising? Worth taking at any age (I'm 26)? Does it work much like antioxidants?
I'm scheduled to have an MRI with and without contrast very soon, and I would like to know what serious conditions this would exlude for certain? My neurological exam was NORMAL, and my doctor didn't even think I needed one (for a mild head injury that I sustained almost a year ago, where there was no LOC, no PTA, no dizziness/nausea or headaches, but which seems to have knocked some unquantifiable level of intelligence out of me, which he attributes to pre-existing depression. The depression is being addressed with antidepressants).
Can you detect APOE4 or neurofibrilliary tangles/plaques, or microscopic brain injury on MRI? Would it be possible to talk to the radiologist right after for a summary?
I know you've said that the MRI is test of structure, not function, but at 26, IF the MRI comes back normal, combined with a normal neurological exam and no symptoms besides this self-described (but honest belief) loss of intellgence, would you feel comfortable that enough was done and that there is nothing serious to worry about?
Thanks again for your time.
The evidence for use of statins in patients with AD is not complete. There are reports for and against using statins. The formal studies to answers these questions are being completed now (randomized double blind placebo controlled). I can not speculate as to whether these medications will ultimately be used to help AD patients.
The same can be said for Ginko. Again there are studies in the literature on both sides of the debate. There was one double blind placebo trial which suggested a benefit with Ginko, but the study used non-standard measures for the endpoints. I know it is used heavily in Europe for various conditions. One of the problems in the U.S. is that these agents are not controlled in regards to manufacturing and cotent. Therefore, the various products on the market can have varying levels of the active agent. Also, ginko can interact with other medications, and therefore, I tell all patients to inform their doctors so that known drug interactions can be avoided. Regarding it's use in young patients, I believe there is no evidence to support its use at this time.
The unltrastructural changes you are mentioning can not be seen on MRI scans. The MRI helps to exclude mass lesions, vascular disease, diseases of the white matter (such as MS), and looks for atrophy. Certain patterns of cortical atrophy may suggest one diagnosis over another. In patients with documented dementia occasionally a PET scan (studies how the brain uses radioactive glucose) is helpful. This tests more of the function of the brain. Regarding the interpretation by the radiologist, it is typically performed minutes to hours after the scan is completed. I am not sure if you can speak to the radiologist, but you should be able to review the results with your neurologist.
It seems that you are receiving a good evaluation. Without personally seeing you I can not tell you if the evaluation is complete. The only other test that may be of help is a neuropsychological test. It may reveal areas of cognition which are not working properly. If specific areas are identified, then strategies and skills to adress this area may be of some benefit. I hope this answers your question, and good luck. Sorry for the delay, I wanted to check on a few sources.
The same can be said for Ginko. Again there are studies in the literature on both sides of the debate. There was one double blind placebo trial which suggested a benefit with Ginko, but the study used non-standard measures for the endpoints. I know it is used heavily in Europe for various conditions. One of the problems in the U.S. is that these agents are not controlled in regards to manufacturing and cotent. Therefore, the various products on the market can have varying levels of the active agent. Also, ginko can interact with other medications, and therefore, I tell all patients to inform their doctors so that known drug interactions can be avoided. Regarding it's use in young patients, I believe there is no evidence to support its use at this time.
The unltrastructural changes you are mentioning can not be seen on MRI scans. The MRI helps to exclude mass lesions, vascular disease, diseases of the white matter (such as MS), and looks for atrophy. Certain patterns of cortical atrophy may suggest one diagnosis over another. In patients with documented dementia occasionally a PET scan (studies how the brain uses radioactive glucose) is helpful. This tests more of the function of the brain. Regarding the interpretation by the radiologist, it is typically performed minutes to hours after the scan is completed. I am not sure if you can speak to the radiologist, but you should be able to review the results with your neurologist.
It seems that you are receiving a good evaluation. Without personally seeing you I can not tell you if the evaluation is complete. The only other test that may be of help is a neuropsychological test. It may reveal areas of cognition which are not working properly. If specific areas are identified, then strategies and skills to adress this area may be of some benefit. I hope this answers your question, and good luck. Sorry for the delay, I wanted to check on a few sources.
Can you elaborate on the abnormal jerks you had? Also anyone really think it will cause a seizure if I quit cold turkey? I am down to two .05 long acting and half of one so I'm down to 2.5 down from 3-4. I am so sick of feeling like this and I really think it's the Xanax. I also think the Xanax is increasing the effects of the Pamelor. Thanks for the info
On the record, I will have to write something to you later.
First, the question on Xanax:
This, I know something about. You should read the book, "Brain Disabiling Treatments in Psychiatry" by Peter Breggin- it is small medical textbook, and he is VERY critical of medications- but if you don't take that personally, he also lists pretty much all the negative side effects from all that stuff you are talking about. Highly recommended!
I have taken benzos, Xanax among them, and it resulted in abnormal jerks, nystagmus, all kinds of stuff. Actually for panic attacks and most psychiatric conditions, Xanax is really worse than the disease. If you want meds, low-dose zoloft or something like that may help, or, even better, panic attacks can usually be almost completely cured through behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
First, the question on Xanax:
This, I know something about. You should read the book, "Brain Disabiling Treatments in Psychiatry" by Peter Breggin- it is small medical textbook, and he is VERY critical of medications- but if you don't take that personally, he also lists pretty much all the negative side effects from all that stuff you are talking about. Highly recommended!
I have taken benzos, Xanax among them, and it resulted in abnormal jerks, nystagmus, all kinds of stuff. Actually for panic attacks and most psychiatric conditions, Xanax is really worse than the disease. If you want meds, low-dose zoloft or something like that may help, or, even better, panic attacks can usually be almost completely cured through behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Does anyone have an opinion and the negative effects of usisng anti-depressants and high doses of Xanax? I have found info on the net that talks about abnormal movement being cause by Xanax. I am on 3 .05 LONG ACTING at that. I have read that the "cure" can be worse than the illness and I am wondering if I am not going thru that now.I am calm in a weird sense but am wired at the same time if that makes sense. I had major major major attacks. I am beginning to wonder if I shouldn't throw out all the drugs. I'm also on Pamelor which strangely makes your heart race like a horse during the day but yet makes me sleep at night. So many of the dag gone things seem to make more anxious than to help. I am very medicine sensitive. I can't take OTC decongestants so maybe drugs are not the route for me. Typing this write now I'm shaking like a leaf. I feel like I have Parkinson's or something. My resting heart rate is 130 and I am not having a panic attack right now. What's yall's opinion???
Algernon71: I figured you were kidding, and all was in good fun, but I wasn't sure what to make of the Jekyll and Hyde 180 degree turn in your inflection between 4/28 and 4/30. You may want to talk to your doctor about Multiple Personality Disorder:-)
Kidding aside, you know how health conditions can take a toll on the psyche. I would bet the farm (if I had a farm to bet) that before you started dealing with some of these strange psot-viral/possible MS conditions, you were more or less an easy going, friendly guy and that all this waiting, runaround, and uncertainty over the visual evoked potentials, symptoms, etc, has made you less patient, easier to frustration, and just downright angry at times.
When the body isn't 100%, the mind has a way to coming apart at the seams sometimes. As we can both attest, it's much easier to vent on the internet than in the real world.
Kidding aside, you know how health conditions can take a toll on the psyche. I would bet the farm (if I had a farm to bet) that before you started dealing with some of these strange psot-viral/possible MS conditions, you were more or less an easy going, friendly guy and that all this waiting, runaround, and uncertainty over the visual evoked potentials, symptoms, etc, has made you less patient, easier to frustration, and just downright angry at times.
When the body isn't 100%, the mind has a way to coming apart at the seams sometimes. As we can both attest, it's much easier to vent on the internet than in the real world.
Like you requested, I read your post on you separate thread and am unable to offer any insight into your condition. But, I too know something about xanax and antidepressants (as I am on both right now, and in the past took mild doses of xanax for about a year). First, I know different people react differently to these medications, even on similar doses, but I have never taken more than .05 twice a day, and usually it was more like once a day. On this dose, I had nothing but relief for the most part, except that it did affect my short-term memory a little bit. That was my biggest immediate concern. Now, this guy Peter Breggin, M.D. also wrote a book called Toxic Psychiatry in which he indirectly says that in the long-run, benzos can cause brain atrophy, or shrinkage of the brain. My guess is that this is probably true, but clearly the risk is greater on higher doses as compared to lower doses, and I surmise long-term means over a period longer than a decade. As of now, I take .5 mg once a day (regular, not sustained release) and would actually like to quit it altogether (unless I really need it) once my new antidepressant (lexapro) kicks in. I wouldn't recommend quitting it cold turkey if you think you're on a high dose and I would work with my doctor if I were you on coming up with the right medication(s) and the right dose. There are certain antidepressants that are FDA approved for Generalized Anxiety Disorder as well, and to my knowledge, Lexapro, Effexor XR, and Buspar are amongst these.
Back to the xanax: some people have motor problems on the medications, and some may even develop nystagmus, but that really depends on the person. What I would do (and it's been made abundantly clear on this thread that I'm not a doctor) is try to take as little as possible; this way, you minimize side effects, you minimize potential for tolerance, and you minimize dependence and withdrawal. Also, try to clear up your situation with your neurologist if you can, and if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, a second opinion never hurt, especially if it will give you peace of mind.
Back to the xanax: some people have motor problems on the medications, and some may even develop nystagmus, but that really depends on the person. What I would do (and it's been made abundantly clear on this thread that I'm not a doctor) is try to take as little as possible; this way, you minimize side effects, you minimize potential for tolerance, and you minimize dependence and withdrawal. Also, try to clear up your situation with your neurologist if you can, and if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, a second opinion never hurt, especially if it will give you peace of mind.
I really have found our exchange amusing. I'm a pretty sharp guy and I think I am smarter than you. And better looking.
Sake anyone??? JK. I believe everything in moderation.
Dude,
This white boy CAN dunk on you...but...
I was *kidding* about all that, man. I can't really dunk, let alone while guarded. I'm a good looking guy and do fine with the ladies, but I was KIDDING.
Your long response is like a thermonuclear bomb of defensiveness and insecurity.
You might want to talk to someone about that at some point!
This white boy CAN dunk on you...but...
I was *kidding* about all that, man. I can't really dunk, let alone while guarded. I'm a good looking guy and do fine with the ladies, but I was KIDDING.
Your long response is like a thermonuclear bomb of defensiveness and insecurity.
You might want to talk to someone about that at some point!
Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly:
At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings
like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart
will utter perverse things.
Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst
of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top
of the mast, saying:
"They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?" Proverbs 23:29
Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proberbs 20:1
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly:
At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings
like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart
will utter perverse things.
Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst
of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top
of the mast, saying:
"They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?" Proverbs 23:29
Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proberbs 20:1
You've made me laugh more than Chris Rock in his most recent HBO special. According to you, you're smarter, better-looking (I don't know how you could possibly determine this, never having seen me, although I am a good-looking guy, by any objective standard) and you believe you could "dunk on me." If you're ever in the New York area, we'll have to play a one on one, and see what's what. We could also hit a bar, and see who performs better with the ladies. Unlike you, I don't have to say I'm good-looking, because women know it. I don't need to say I'm smart, because women sense it. I don't need to say that I'm charismatic, because women feel it. I don't think degrees are indicative of intelligence (my cousin is a freshman at an Ivy league school, and he's smarter than me), but it does serve as some barometer of ability and motivation, if not intelligence (which you haven't even disputed -- just thought I'd throw it in to preempt a counterargument).
As for the drinking, alcohol is just too pervasive in society today for my taste. Virtually every social activity revolves around booze, and if I go out on thursday, friday and saturday and stay out at a bar for an average of 3 hours, and drink one beer every thirty minutes, I'd have drank 18 beers in 3 nights, which promotes brain atrophy which could cause long-term cognitive impairment. Who goes to a bar and drinks one beer anyway? So I figure I may as well abstain altogether. Also, IF I go out three consecutive nights, then I'll feel a little uneasy during the Sunday night episode of Sopranos, and may feel the need to have a couple of shots of Jim Beam to mellow out. So you see how it could BECOME a problem if it wasn't for my own early intervention. I don't want to end up with self-inflicted damage from alcohol. I remember being at a Hooters in Florida a while back, and I'm sitting there taking in the scenery and the pretty waitress sits there with a pretty smile, asking "can I get you another one." Well, of course you can my dear. However, little does she know (and probably couldn't care less anyway) that she was contributing to my demise. If I am going pursue women like that, I need to be a "have" and not a "have not" and most who have aren't egregious drinkers.
In any event, I don't think the booze was ever a problem but in five or six years, at that pace, it may have been. A good friend of mine once told me "the faster you live life, the faster things are taken away from you, regardless of your chronological age."
As always, it's been a pleasure.
As for the drinking, alcohol is just too pervasive in society today for my taste. Virtually every social activity revolves around booze, and if I go out on thursday, friday and saturday and stay out at a bar for an average of 3 hours, and drink one beer every thirty minutes, I'd have drank 18 beers in 3 nights, which promotes brain atrophy which could cause long-term cognitive impairment. Who goes to a bar and drinks one beer anyway? So I figure I may as well abstain altogether. Also, IF I go out three consecutive nights, then I'll feel a little uneasy during the Sunday night episode of Sopranos, and may feel the need to have a couple of shots of Jim Beam to mellow out. So you see how it could BECOME a problem if it wasn't for my own early intervention. I don't want to end up with self-inflicted damage from alcohol. I remember being at a Hooters in Florida a while back, and I'm sitting there taking in the scenery and the pretty waitress sits there with a pretty smile, asking "can I get you another one." Well, of course you can my dear. However, little does she know (and probably couldn't care less anyway) that she was contributing to my demise. If I am going pursue women like that, I need to be a "have" and not a "have not" and most who have aren't egregious drinkers.
In any event, I don't think the booze was ever a problem but in five or six years, at that pace, it may have been. A good friend of mine once told me "the faster you live life, the faster things are taken away from you, regardless of your chronological age."
As always, it's been a pleasure.
One last comment: If you don't have the patience for a treadmill, try running down a trail or a street, OUTSIDE, like most people do. It's remarkably good exercise.
And I can dunk on you any day.
And I can dunk on you any day.
i'm not sure you understand what apoe4 is. this an apolipoprotein- a microscopic entity which plays a role in the metabolism of ldl cholesterol. This clearly is not visible on an MRI which only identifies macroscopic structures. There is clearly a link between people who are homozygous for apoe4 and alzheimers. This link has been shown to be ameliorated by taking statins. btw statins are not all good, they have side effects like myositis that are rare but do occur. in fact one statin, baycol, was removed from the mark for this very problem. I am sure you know about this based on your litiginous nature. There is an interesting article by the head of the cardiology dept at cch dr. topol who notes due to pharmacogenomic differences amongst people that despite all the hoopla statins actually benefit very few people like 8 in a 100- just a thought
Hahahah.
On the record, I am sorry for my previous confrontational messages. I encourage you to post as much as you like, because I like entertainment.
"I used to hit the bottle pretty heavily from time to time, but I have given that up (almost) altogether because 1 in 14 American adults is an alcoholic (and that's the ones who are reported)."
This is a bizarre statement! Why the hell would anyone stop drinking just because 1 in 14 (supposedly) Americans is an alcoholic?
Personally, I'm not having sex anymore, because 1 in 4 Americans has genital herpes!
On the record, I am sorry for my previous confrontational messages. I encourage you to post as much as you like, because I like entertainment.
"I used to hit the bottle pretty heavily from time to time, but I have given that up (almost) altogether because 1 in 14 American adults is an alcoholic (and that's the ones who are reported)."
This is a bizarre statement! Why the hell would anyone stop drinking just because 1 in 14 (supposedly) Americans is an alcoholic?
Personally, I'm not having sex anymore, because 1 in 4 Americans has genital herpes!
Gheesh!! Isn't there a political forum for you to fight at?
Now as for helping this person.
Mild head injuries can cause difficiencies. If there is a leasion- it may show up on the MRI. It may have been so diffuse that it won't. The MRI is probabally being used to rule out other posibilities BEFORE exploring other avenues.
A Neurophysch testing can tell you the area's of the brain that might have been affected by your head injury. It CAN possibly help you in knowing what areas of cognition to work on. It is usually just used to PROVE brain injury & is most useful in lawsuits.
As for your other questions- why don't you write them down & take them to your Neuro when you go to discuss the results of the MRI. Shove the list under his face & don't let him rollerskate out of the room until you have your answers.
Now as for helping this person.
Mild head injuries can cause difficiencies. If there is a leasion- it may show up on the MRI. It may have been so diffuse that it won't. The MRI is probabally being used to rule out other posibilities BEFORE exploring other avenues.
A Neurophysch testing can tell you the area's of the brain that might have been affected by your head injury. It CAN possibly help you in knowing what areas of cognition to work on. It is usually just used to PROVE brain injury & is most useful in lawsuits.
As for your other questions- why don't you write them down & take them to your Neuro when you go to discuss the results of the MRI. Shove the list under his face & don't let him rollerskate out of the room until you have your answers.
Thanks for your post. It was informative and I agree with much of what you have to say. I will look into the possible mechanism of action of statins as you suggested. As for natural remedies, I'm glad you brought that up; studies have proved a beneficial effect of Ginkgo Biloba against Alz. disease and I think it's good to take, regardless of a person's age. Second, I started this GNC Mega-Mens multivitamin: this thing has more than enough B-complex, minerals of all sorts, and plenty of vitamins A, C, and E. I've felt better over the week that I've taken it. In addition, I am eating healthier, drinking less coffee, and getting plenty of water (and much less diet coke). I used to hit the bottle pretty heavily from time to time, but I have given that up (almost) altogether because 1 in 14 American adults is an alcoholic (and that's the ones who are reported). I had no idea (like I do now) all the damage alcohol can have on the brain (atrophy, cerebellar degeneration, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome), the heart (cardiomyopathy), the liver (hepatitis and cirrohsis), and other stuff like neuropathy and a host of things I would rather not deal with.) I'd rather not it become a problem in the future so I think I'm better off without it (maybe from time to time, on social occassions, I'll have 2 beers at one sitting). I'm exercising (always have actually), and even taking some St. John's Wort (which is first-line therapy for depression in Germany and France, and proven to be just as effective as antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression). I take a very mild dose of Xanax daily, just because it mellows me out, but I'd like to get off of that too. I'm very close to being EXACTLY where I want to be in life, and as soon as I'm there, I'm going to live even healthier. But I've said all this because I do concur with you that most people do not take care of their one and only body, myself included in the past, but all that's changing.
I do feel some sadness because I am reluctant to play competitive basketball anymore; I've played for 12 years and I sustained one shot in the head last year, and it's taken me a year (almost a year) to psychologically get past it. As unlikely as a real head injury is in basketball (once in 12 years) I just don't want to take even a chance. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience to run on a treadmill, so I have to figure out some other way of getting aerobic activity in.
However, all this said, the one major lesson I have learned from all of this is that taking care of your health is EXTREMELY important at any age, and I will no longer mortgage my future in self-destructive behavior. It has also taught me that you live life once, never take it for granted, and it has instilled a very hedonistic mentality, evinced by a sense of urgency of getting all that I want done, as soon as I can. So all in all, we're getting there: like football, life is a game of INCHES (to take a line from Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday). And since "the blood runs when the time comes" (taken from Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead) you may as well "get busy living, or get busy dying." (taken from The Shawshank Redemption). I choose life as long as I have the choice.
I do feel some sadness because I am reluctant to play competitive basketball anymore; I've played for 12 years and I sustained one shot in the head last year, and it's taken me a year (almost a year) to psychologically get past it. As unlikely as a real head injury is in basketball (once in 12 years) I just don't want to take even a chance. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience to run on a treadmill, so I have to figure out some other way of getting aerobic activity in.
However, all this said, the one major lesson I have learned from all of this is that taking care of your health is EXTREMELY important at any age, and I will no longer mortgage my future in self-destructive behavior. It has also taught me that you live life once, never take it for granted, and it has instilled a very hedonistic mentality, evinced by a sense of urgency of getting all that I want done, as soon as I can. So all in all, we're getting there: like football, life is a game of INCHES (to take a line from Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday). And since "the blood runs when the time comes" (taken from Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead) you may as well "get busy living, or get busy dying." (taken from The Shawshank Redemption). I choose life as long as I have the choice.
I have read that statins have antifungal properties and that is how they help Alz. Look into that. There are many safe and natural products that do the same. Alterations in diet help as well. As far as all the other posting that has been going on............ I have come to learn that some of the best "knowledge" that I have received has not come from doctors but has come from "wise" people with experience. I am not discrediting doctors but much of what we call educated knowledge is false. One day eggs are bad, the next good then bad again and so on. This goes for so many things. I have come to believe that the knowledge that I learned in college is very faulty. I now rely heavily rely on God's word for truth. And what I don't understand, I pray for understanding and it comes. I have many times read your comments and have apprediated them. I have often wanted to post help to others but have with held for many reasons with the biggest being that I have grown weary. Most everyone that I have tried to help refuse to alter their lifestyle to a quality that is suitable for good health. We were created and given life for a reason. We were given what we needed to stay healthy. With each passing year, we get further and further away from the way we were intended to live. Anyhow, enough of that. I have found your posts informative and I pray that everyone gains the peace and health that they are seeking. God Bless each and everyone and may God forgive us for we obviously can't possibly know what we do.
Thanks roselady. Actually it happened while playing basketball and it was totally inadvertant and unable to be prevented (unless I never showed up to begin with). From what I've read though, you're absolutely correct. The neuropsych testing is usually used to prove some deficiencies where the MRI is normal. Since there is no one to sue, I don't think I need a neuropsych test, since even if there are deficits, I can't do anything to "undo" them -- besides take Ginkgo Biloba of course, and thereby my question....
Also, although not directly pertinent to a mild head injury, people with MODERATE to SEVERE head injuries have a 2-4 times greater chance of developing Alzheimer's disease than patients who didn't sustain a moderate to severe head injury; studies have shown that these people have greater levels of apolipoprotein 4 in their brains, and again, I'm just curious whether APOE 4 can be seen on imaging after a mild head injury (as compared to moderate or severe head injury).
Finally, on my doctor's behalf, he cares more about getting me back to 100% (or as close to 100% as possible) than talking about things which he believes aren't pertinent. He wants to focus on the issues and not stray into academic dialogue about neuroprotective effects of Lipitor, Zocor, or Ginkgo Biloba.
Hence my question to the CCF Neuro M.D., which, although clearly isn't appreciated by other posters, will in the next decade CHANGE the way medicine is practiced and increase the understanding of Alzheimer's disease, or at least explore and clarify the relationship between APOE 4 and AD.....
Also, although not directly pertinent to a mild head injury, people with MODERATE to SEVERE head injuries have a 2-4 times greater chance of developing Alzheimer's disease than patients who didn't sustain a moderate to severe head injury; studies have shown that these people have greater levels of apolipoprotein 4 in their brains, and again, I'm just curious whether APOE 4 can be seen on imaging after a mild head injury (as compared to moderate or severe head injury).
Finally, on my doctor's behalf, he cares more about getting me back to 100% (or as close to 100% as possible) than talking about things which he believes aren't pertinent. He wants to focus on the issues and not stray into academic dialogue about neuroprotective effects of Lipitor, Zocor, or Ginkgo Biloba.
Hence my question to the CCF Neuro M.D., which, although clearly isn't appreciated by other posters, will in the next decade CHANGE the way medicine is practiced and increase the understanding of Alzheimer's disease, or at least explore and clarify the relationship between APOE 4 and AD.....
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I honestly don't know any lawyers that have this kind of time to spend on the Internet.
First, let me say that I don't appreciate the commnents of either of you two clowns.
Second, of course I have the RIGHT to post here, just like you have the right as well. Algernon71: if you want answers to your tests, talk to your treating neurologist instead of venting your misdirected ire at me.
LT: CAGE: if you've noticed, I haven't posted many commnents recently because I realized that I couldn't care less about you or anyone else, and I have my own problems to worry about.
Since you've accused me of being arrogant, I feel I must respond. I DO believe that I AM better than you. I believe I have a right to be CONFIDENT (I don't call it arrogance). I am 26 and have a law degree and an MBA from one of the finest institutions in the country and am admitted to practice law in two Northeastern states (NY and Massachusetts). When you accomplish what I have, then come back and talk to me.
I take an interest in neurology for a variety of reasons, personal interest being one of them. I will never get jerked around by doctors the way you two may, and you know why? Because doctors have a tremendous amount of respect for me and the knowledge I come in with. Believe me, they'll go the extra mile with me, spend the extra time, and be more cordial with ME than they will be with YOU. More often than not, their tone goes from paternalistic to supplicating in a New York minute within 5 minutes of the conversation, and I get the time and treatment I need, in large part because of my awareness.
Algernon71 once again: Neuropsychological testing is USELESS here because I do not want any subtle deficits (if any exist) revealed, because there is nothing we can do about them anyway. As well, I DO have pre-existing depression that was exacerbated by my head injury, so the antidepressant prescription was good doctoring, as it has helped me regain my mental clarity, slowly but surely. And my neurologist is board certified in neurology and psychiatry and has OVER a decade of experience, so he is not some "kook" as one of you clowns suggested. In any event, the neuropsychiatric sequelae from mild head injury is sometimes persistent and often variable, and more complicated than you may think, or appreciate.
Finally, yes, much of the information is available on the internet, but I am asking about the PROPHYLACTIC USE of statins and Gingko Biloba, which HAS NOT been addressed by the literature.
In summation, you guys are entitled to your opinion, but I don't accord it much weight. I will post whatever I want, whenever I want, because I owe you nothing and couldn't care less what two faceless clowns on the internet think about me. You know why? Because I AM better than both you guys will EVER be.
Second, of course I have the RIGHT to post here, just like you have the right as well. Algernon71: if you want answers to your tests, talk to your treating neurologist instead of venting your misdirected ire at me.
LT: CAGE: if you've noticed, I haven't posted many commnents recently because I realized that I couldn't care less about you or anyone else, and I have my own problems to worry about.
Since you've accused me of being arrogant, I feel I must respond. I DO believe that I AM better than you. I believe I have a right to be CONFIDENT (I don't call it arrogance). I am 26 and have a law degree and an MBA from one of the finest institutions in the country and am admitted to practice law in two Northeastern states (NY and Massachusetts). When you accomplish what I have, then come back and talk to me.
I take an interest in neurology for a variety of reasons, personal interest being one of them. I will never get jerked around by doctors the way you two may, and you know why? Because doctors have a tremendous amount of respect for me and the knowledge I come in with. Believe me, they'll go the extra mile with me, spend the extra time, and be more cordial with ME than they will be with YOU. More often than not, their tone goes from paternalistic to supplicating in a New York minute within 5 minutes of the conversation, and I get the time and treatment I need, in large part because of my awareness.
Algernon71 once again: Neuropsychological testing is USELESS here because I do not want any subtle deficits (if any exist) revealed, because there is nothing we can do about them anyway. As well, I DO have pre-existing depression that was exacerbated by my head injury, so the antidepressant prescription was good doctoring, as it has helped me regain my mental clarity, slowly but surely. And my neurologist is board certified in neurology and psychiatry and has OVER a decade of experience, so he is not some "kook" as one of you clowns suggested. In any event, the neuropsychiatric sequelae from mild head injury is sometimes persistent and often variable, and more complicated than you may think, or appreciate.
Finally, yes, much of the information is available on the internet, but I am asking about the PROPHYLACTIC USE of statins and Gingko Biloba, which HAS NOT been addressed by the literature.
In summation, you guys are entitled to your opinion, but I don't accord it much weight. I will post whatever I want, whenever I want, because I owe you nothing and couldn't care less what two faceless clowns on the internet think about me. You know why? Because I AM better than both you guys will EVER be.
That's very kind of you.
Here's the last word: Employment.
Here's the last word: Employment.
Can't we all just get along...:)
Your post was pretty funny, but I don't think it was funny enough to post 3 times. In any case, don't trivialize my suffering; there are different degrees of suffering and if you're suffering as much as some of the previous clowns (Algernon71 and Lt. Cage), go to the ER or your neurologist and quit your crying.
The board is open for everybody and sometimes you just get through. I'm not going to sit there thinking "someone out there may just have bigger problems than I, so therefore I'll let someone else get through." If that's the case, YOU shouldn't be posting either.
Again, quit your crying and complaining, and don't tell me if I'm suffering or not. You're not the one who is in MY head. You're not the one who sustained a mild head injury. So you have no business to assess whether I'm suffering or not. Matter of fact, since you're healthy enough to write a message and capable of clicking the "post" butting THREE times, I say YOU'RE NOT SUFFERING. How 'bout them apples?
The board is open for everybody and sometimes you just get through. I'm not going to sit there thinking "someone out there may just have bigger problems than I, so therefore I'll let someone else get through." If that's the case, YOU shouldn't be posting either.
Again, quit your crying and complaining, and don't tell me if I'm suffering or not. You're not the one who is in MY head. You're not the one who sustained a mild head injury. So you have no business to assess whether I'm suffering or not. Matter of fact, since you're healthy enough to write a message and capable of clicking the "post" butting THREE times, I say YOU'RE NOT SUFFERING. How 'bout them apples?
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