Could certain nutrients help with memory and cognitive issues, and the “pseudo-dementia” symptoms so many people experience when withdrawing from benzodiazapines?
In a recent article I shared the new research on benzodiazepines being linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk and other serious concerns.
Alison, who was featured in the Boston Globe story, commented on the above blog post:
I am only 29 years old, and I developed what I refer to as pseudo-dementia once I developed a tolerance to benzodiazepines and it got worse once the drug was stopped. From what I have seen from others recovering from and in tolerance to benzodiazepines, cognitive functioning and memory can get hit hard and actually mimic dementia. I wonder if the symptoms these elders are experiencing are true Alzheimer’s, or a side effect/withdrawal effect.
This really got me thinking. She makes an excellent point. It may well be that the symptoms they are seeing in the study are a side effect/withdrawal effect, rather than true Alzheimer’s disease and may be reversible. It surprises me that the study authors have not commented on this since cognitive effects are well documented in the literature.
Here are a few examples I found:
“Benzodiazepines revisited—will we ever learn?” Published in Addiction in 2011
“The review noted a series of adverse effects that continued to cause concern, such as cognitive and psychomotor impairment. In addition, dependence and abuse remain as serious problems. Despite warnings and guidelines, usage of these drugs remains at a high level.”
“Benzodiazepine harm: how can it be reduced?” Published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in January this year (2014)
“Adverse effects comprise sedation subjectively and cognitive and psychomotor impairment objectively. Complex skills such as driving can be compromised… Withdrawal and dependence have excited particular concern, and even polemic. Perhaps a third of long term (beyond 6 months) users experience symptoms and signs on attempting to withdraw – anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms and tension and perceptual hypersensitivity.”
I was not able to find much in the literature on pseudo-dementia. I did see it listed on the benzo.org.uk site but not elsewhere in relation to benzodiazapines.
I did find this paper “Pseudo-dementia: A neuropsychological review” which is presumably something different (as it refers to depression/dementia). This part may be applicable: “ ‘The pseudo component’ which denotes the actual lack of the neurodegenerative dementia” and the fact that it can be reversed.
This all inspired me to do some digging on dementia. If what they are seeing in participants of the British Medical Journal is not true dementia, it’s very encouraging to think that recovery is possible.
There are some very powerful foods and nutrients that help certain people with dementia and I wonder if they would also help with the benzodiazepine-induced pseudo-dementia:
- Phosphatidyl serine
- Fish oil
- Niacinaminde
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Nattokinase
- Vitamin E
- Folate
- Folate, vitamin B6 and B12
- Zinc
- Lithium orotate
- Bacopa
Not all of the above would work for everyone because of biochemical individuality, and there are mixed results in the literature, but it’s worth assessing for possible deficiencies and addressing overall nutrient status.
It would be wonderful to think that benzo recovery can be improved in the areas of cognition, memory and “pseudo-dementia.”
Interestingly, many of these above nutrients are also factors in anxiety and/or depression and may be related to why someone sought help and was prescribed benzos initially.
P.S. There nutrients are great for overall brain function so anyone could benefit from one or more of them. I actually take 20mg of lithium orotate a day and it helps keep my post-menopausal brain sharp and focused.
P.P.S. I have recently learned that many people in benzo withdrawal do not tolerate supplements so please USE CAUTION and work with your health practitioner. I will do a part 2 follow up to this blog listing foods high in these nutrients in case you feel more comfortable and do better with a food based approach.
I have always felt like the nutrition (or lack thereof) in assisted living facilities and nursing homes leads to poor health and poor brain function in the elderly. I’ve seen this with my own mother.
Yes Sue, it’s really sad. Part of the problem is also lower appetite and less enzymes being produced in the elderly. As part of the whole picture of less than idea nutrition and being on way too many meds, this needs to be addressed too
So important for people to understand how to properly nourish their bodies and their brains. I very much appreciate your caution about benzo withdrawal and supplementation. Really looking forward to the next articles.
Thanks Mira – we really do need to be cautioning folks about the benzos
What a great article, Trudy! I agree with Sue about poor nutrition among assisted living facilities leading to poor overall health. I’m going to post this article for my family caregiver group to see! Thanks
Tandy – yes, big problem! the other big problem is that many in assisted living facilities are on multiple prescriptions, often including a benzodiazapine. Thanks for sharing with your family caregiver group
Brilliant article Trudy it’s so well researched. I love that since there is so much webalony out there it’s nice to learn from someone who cares. Thank you for sharing!
Marilyn – thanks for the feedback! love that word “webalony”
Trudy
Just listened to your talk on the sexy younger
you summit. I’ve been reading so many books
(Including Mood Cure by J Ross) trying to figure
out my fatigue, lethargy, adrenal exhaustion
& poor appetite. I was diagnosed with celiac and
an allergy to cow’s milk. I gave up gluten, dairy
and coffee (you are right! It’s a drug!!) I think your
talk was wonderful.
Could you tell me the name of the South African
tea that balances cortisol? I didn’t catch it ..your
accent.
I’m having 7-8 tests done by my doctor. When
I have the results I plan to call you to set
an appt. I will read your book. Thank you.
Kathy
Kathy
It’s rooibos tea https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-rooibos-a-functional-food-in-the-management-of-stress/
I look forward to talking to you soon!
Trudy
I’m so glad I’m reading this NOW!
Thank you so much for drawing attention to this very serious matter of benzo. We just came from visiting a family member with Alzheimer’s. Anything that mimics dementia and puts people into that state is scary! Also I keep hearing more and more about the benefits of coconut.
Mary Ellen – yes, very scary! and yes coconut is so beneficial in so many ways!
Good to know that many of those things are already a part of my regular diet!
Fabulous Jessica!
It is great there are people like you spreading the word about
food and proper nutrients necessary to our health. Our society
has become one which generally does not recognize what real food is any longer.
You’re so right Mitch! why do we even need to call it “real” food – it’s food! the other stuff is not real
Dear Trudy, I have been in withdrawl from benzodiazepines and antidepressants for over a year. I have been
struggling with finding help and support from nutrients. I found out about lithium orotate just 6 weeks ago. I have found it to be helpful in handling the severe symptoms that I have experienced. (I was on the meds for 20 years.) While it is true that many supplements are not well tolerated, I have also been helped by suggestions from your book such as B6 and zinc, tryptophan and gaba. I also have found that symptoms are relieved by AVOIDING all cured meats as well as red wine, chocolate, limiting gluten and sugar. I need to take up to 40 mg of lithium orotate,in order to relieve serious symptoms of anxiety and depression. It has also helped me to sleep a little better. I was a mental health counselor, so I know a lot about the symptoms and how important it is to take them seriously. I will be rooting for anyone who has the courage to get off these drugs. There is a lot more to my story. I have also found that I have had a complete reversal of story term memory issues since goin off benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
I am on 2 mg of Ativan daily. It helps with anxiety but I don’t feel good on it. I was originally put on Valium for pelvic spasms and sleep and it worked great for 4 years. I have been on benzos for 10 years. I have tried to get off unsuccessfully. I really need help and guidance to ever get off these awful drugs.
Kathy
Benzodiazepines can often be very difficult to quit and it needs to be done very very slowly. Folks are more successful when they have good nutrient status and are supporting GABA and/or serotonin too.
The amino acid questionnaire, precautions and supp info can be found here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-pyroluria-supplements/
Here are some benzo resources for you:
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/say-no-to-benzodiazepines-for-anxiety-webinar-replay/
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/benzodiazepines-more-harm-than-good/
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-benzodiazepines-risks-vs-benefits/
Joining an online support group like benzobuddies.org is also often very helpful but just be aware that they say not to take any supplements. I don’t agree with this approach across the board, although some people on benzos are very sensitive to many supplements, it’s very much on a case by case basis.
Thanks Trudy,
Do you think with pyroluria there is still benefit from taking Cod Liver oil with dementia? I see it on the list here.
What is the easiest way to take coconut oil and in what dosage? I ‘m not sure I can get just oil into her, but she will take any pill I give her.
Did you ever make a follow up to this for foods?
Also if there was top 3 on this list what would you narrow it down to being important? She is already taking the pyroluria protocol (just restarted her) and folic acid, I don’t know if any lithium ororate in Canada?
Thanks for all your help!
Rita 🙂
Rita
If someone isn’t eating oily fish then yes cod liver oil may help. I like to cook with a lot of coconut oil + add it to a shake or use coconut milk. If you can get her to eat it by the spoonful that would be great – it’s actually quite yummy!
Thank you Trudy,
I’ll be buying up more coconut oil shortly then!
Her tinnitus has flared up again…oh my goodness. Thanks to the Trazadone they gave her (it’s one of the side effects) 🙁 Any thoughts on tinnitus? what helps? What deficiencies? clearing out stuff?
Thanks Trudy.
Rita Xxxo 😉
Rita – check B12 levels (tests are B12, MMA/methylmalonic acid and homocysteine)
Thanks Trudy,
Funny I just started giving her B12 yesterday.
But I doubt I could get her any bloodwork from anyone here right now. Just trying to get her stabilized from the hospital and giving her all her supplements now. She seems a little better, but evenings are worst for her.
I shudder to think what they would do to her in a home. 🙁
Thanks if you think of anything else let me know.
Rita xo 😉
Trudy,
Reading recommendation:
Dale Bredesen: The end of Alzheimer’s.
Britt
Love this book and recommend it all the time – thanks
I listened to a summit on anxiety. What do you think of lithium oritate that Dr. John Gray recommends for ruminating thoughts?
Thanks!
Lithium Orotate can be helpful for those with dopamine receptor issues. It also supports the transport of B12 into the cells. It‘s helping to improve mood and anxiety for some. It is worth a try for ruminating thoughts. CBD might help as well.