How Galantamine can Improve your memory and the Alzheimer’s memory test to see if you need it

Cognition enhancers are gaining a lot of traction these days. Scientific research in nootropics has resulted in some promising data suggesting their beneficial effects.

However, as these agents work on the brain, gathering as much information about them is important before trying them out. One of the more popular supplements that seem to have taken the internet by storm is Galantamine.

In this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at this popular nootropic agent, its benefits and drawbacks, and the testing you may need to determine if a prescription is necessary.

What is Galantamine?

Galantamine is a natural compound extracted from the bulbs and flowers of a plant called the Galanthus Caucasus.

It is a nitrogen-containing, naturally occurring phytochemical belonging to the class of plant chemicals called Alkaloids. Since its discovery, it has been synthesized in the lab in its pure form. It is available in many countries for use as a medicine.

The Galanthus plant was used in ancient Chinese medicine as a memory booster and for its mind-altering effect.

However, the modern usage of the plant dates back to the 50s. The active ingredient, Galantamine, was isolated in the Soviet Union and studied to learn its effects on the central nervous system.

The initial studies with the extracts containing Galantamine revealed that it could modulate a chemical in the brain called Acetylcholine.

It wasn’t till the late 1950s that the drug was able to be synthesized in the lab. A host of experiments were done once the synthesized drug was available to the scientific community.

A lot of data was generated in the initial phases. It was approved in Europe and Russia to treat certain diseases, including Myopathy, Myasthenia gravis, and sensory and motor dysfunction of the central nervous system.

It was approved in early 2001 for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by the US FDA.

Use of Galantamine as a nootropic

With an increase in scientific studies, Galantamine was found to have a cognition-enhancing effect. It was also found to promote mental alertness and acuity.

People frequently take it to help them relax, especially after a stressful or anxious day. It is also known to be one of the best lucid dreaming aids.

When ingested, Galantamine is thought to induce deep sleep, allowing the body to repair itself. It is also believed to improve memory by promoting REM sleep.

It is a well-known fact that deeper REM sleep is essential for memory consolidation and improvement.

The most popular use of Galantamine is to enhance memory, general learning, and cognition.

How does Galantamine work?

Galantamine has a dual action, both of which increase the concentration of an important neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine.

It plays a very crucial role in learning and memory.

Acetylcholine is a very short-lived molecule that is very rapidly degraded by the enzyme called Acetylcholinesterase. Galantamine is a mild inhibitor of this enzyme.

Thus, in the presence of Galantamine, the enzyme cannot metabolize Acetylcholine, and the level of available Acetylcholine increases.

Galantamine also promotes the actions of Acetylcholine in the brain by binding to the receptors of Acetylcholine.

This binding helps more Acetylcholine to attach to the receptor and stimulate the neurons.

Both these effects result in an increased impact of Acetylcholine in the brain. The increased Acetylcholine is responsible for increased mental understanding, improvement in memory, and general cognition.

Benefits of Galantamine

The benefits of Galantamine are a result of increased Acetylcholine levels in the brain. Acetylcholine is an excitatory neurotransmitter, which means it increases the firing rate of neurons in the brain.

An increase in this neurotransmitter results in neuronal stimulation and a state of alertness. The greater neuronal firing rate also means that the brain is more receptive to new stimuli and faster at processing information. In simple terms, the brain works more quickly.

Galantamine supplementation has also been linked to an increase in the speed of memory recall. It has also been found to improve attention span and focus.

Another benefit of supplementing Galantamine is an improvement in sleep. Galantamine supplementation has been shown to promote relaxation in individuals especially, after a stressful day.

People taking Galantamine supplements often report being able to sleep quicker and waking up much more refreshed.

There is also some evidence that Galantamine can induce a state of lucid dreaming; it is sometimes used to have an out-of-body lucid dreaming experience.

Galantamine effects on dreams

There is a strong association between Acetylcholine and dreams. As early as 1975, researchers established that the increased level of Acetylcholine in the brain stem causes increased dreaming.

Galantamine induces deeper sleep and causes an increase in the time of REM sleep. This state of deep sleep is more conducive to a structurally sound dream.

Galantamine has been found to increase the duration of dream-inducing sleep and increase the chances of recalling the dream after waking up.

Physical Side effects of Galantamine

Although Galantamine is a safe and fairly well-tolerated supplement, some side effects are associated with the drug.

The side effects of the drug are due to the excess acetylcholine levels outside the central nervous system.

The most common side effects are related to the gastrointestinal system. These include the following:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn

Some people may also have an allergic reaction to Galantamine. Seek immediate medical attention if you observe any allergy-related symptoms such as rash, swelling of the tongue, or difficulty in breathing.

Psychological side effects of Galantamine

Galantamine increases micro-awakenings during the night. It has also been associated in some individuals to cause a phenomenon called sleep paralysis.

Sleep paralysis occurs when you remain awake during the onset of REM sleep, but the body undergoes muscular paralysis.

This results in panic in many people and is associated with very realistic and paranoid dreams.

Contraindications

If you are taking drugs that have an anticholinergic property, such as Cogentin or Artane, they will counter the effects of Galantamine.

Also, avoid Galantamine if you are suffering from any of the following conditions:

• Asthma
• Heart conditions
• Epilepsy or history of seizures
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Ulcers
• Urinary tract problems

Galantamine dosage and availability

The recommended dosage of Galantamine is 4-12 mg, taken twice a day. The drug is active within an hour of ingestion. It is not recommended to increase the dosage beyond a maximum of 24 mg per day.

Before starting on this supplement, you should ideally consult your doctor.

Also, make sure that you are not stacking this supplement with other stimulant nootropics, increasing the amount of Acetylcholine in the brain.

Alzheimer’s testing to see if you need prescription strength

If you’re concerned about your risk for Alzheimer’s disease, you may be wondering if you should get tested.

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are a few things to consider that can help you make a decision.

First, if you have mild cognitive impairment, your doctor may recommend testing to see if the cause is something other than Alzheimer’s.

Secondly, your family medical history can also be a factor in deciding whether or not to get tested. If you have relatives who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may be at higher risk and testing can give you more information about your own risk.

Finally, your cognitive function is another important consideration. If you’re noticing significant changes in your memory or thinking abilities, it may be time to talk to your doctor about getting tested for Alzheimer’s.

Laboratory tests

There are certain blood tests that can help to rule out dementia.

Low levels of Vitamin B12 and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are both associated with memory loss and cognitive decline.

These blood tests can be useful in detecting causes of memory loss that are not related to dementia.

If the test results are normal this could support a diagnosis of dementia.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool that can be used to detect a wide range of conditions, from tumors to strokes.

In recent years, MRI has also been increasingly used for detecting cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. MRIs can show early signs of cognitive decline like shrinking of the memory centers, which may not be apparent on other types of tests.

Early detection is critical in the fight against Alzheimer’s, as it can allow patients to begin treatment before the disease progresses too far.

MRIs are just one tool that doctors can use to diagnose Alzheimer’s, but they are an important part of the puzzle.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get tested is a personal one, but it’s important to weigh all the factors before making a decision.

How Prime MD Plus can help

Prime MD Plus offers a comprehensive approach to memory care. The first step is a physical examination by a board-certified geriatrician.

This allows for an early diagnosis of any potential causes of memory loss.

Next, a cognitive screening tool is used to assess memory and thinking skills.

Based on the results of this assessment, targeted testing and a tailored treatment plan are developed.

This may include blood tests, imaging, medication, cognitive training, and lifestyle changes.

The goal of Prime MD Plus is to help individuals with memory impairment live fulfilling and productive lives.

Conclusion

Galantamine is a supplement that also comes as a prescription-grade medicine that can be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to consult with a doctor before taking this medication, as it can interact with other medications.

If you are concerned about your risk for Alzheimer’s, talk to your doctor about getting tested. There are a variety of tests that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, and the sooner it is detected, the better.

Prime MD Plus offers a comprehensive approach to memory care that includes physical examinations, cognitive screenings, diagnostic tests, tailored treatment plans, and help getting connected with clinical trials.

Consult a specialized doctor for any kind of memory issues with Prime MD Plus, where you can connect with a board-certified geriatrician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help diagnose and manage any memory problems you may have.

Check out primemdplus.com for more information.