A

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ACE inhibitors: Ace inhibitors are drugs that inhibit ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme). An enzyme needed for the production of the peptide angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict and therefore raises the blood pressure. ACE inhibitors lower the blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II. This relaxes the arteries and thus lowers blood pressure. Relaxing the arteries also helps to improve the pumping efficiency of a failing heart and therefore increase cardiac output in patients with heart failure. ACE inhibitors are used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors currently in use include: benazepril, captopril, lisinopril, quinapril, and ramipril.

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Acetylcholine (ACh): a neurotransmitter, which plays an important role in memory. It is used for control of sensory input signals and muscular control. ACh is a stimulatory neurotransmitter. When released by muscle nerves, it makes those muscles contract. It is made from the precursor nutrient choline and there is some evidence that increased dietary choline can increase production and use of acetylcholine. Also, many drugs affect the production and release of this neurotransmitter.

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Advanced glycation end-products (AGE):products that are the result of the abnormal attachment of glucose molecules, primarily structural proteins and chromosomes. Aging results from the accumulation of AGE and is advanced faster with higher than normal levels. Higher than normal levels are seen with any disorder that raises blood glucose levels routinely, e.g., diabetes mellitus (either Type I or II), insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Currently there is no known therapy to remove AGE but there is ongoing research at this time.

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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD is a disease that progressively destroys the central portion of the retina, which is called the macula. AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people aged 50 and over in the Western World. As many as 30-million people throughout the world are thought to suffer from the condition. There are two types of AMD - the wet type and the milder and more common dry type. Although the wet form of AMD accounts for just 10-15% of all cases of AMD, it is responsible for 90% of severe vision loss associated with the disease. Some research suggests that taking supplements of zinc and the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene may help to slow the progression of wet AMD.

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Alzheimer's disease: also called SDAT (senile dementia Alzheimer's type). This disease is characterized by a general loss of intellectual ability and impairment of memory, judgment and abstract thinking, as well as changes in personality. Other symptoms include loss of speech, disorientation and apathy. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, rarely occurring before the age of 50. The disease takes from a few months to four or five years to progress to complete loss of intellectual function.

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Amino acid: an organic acid containing an amine (ammonia-like) chemical group. Your body puts amino acids together in highly specific ways to manufacture proteins.

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Amyloid Plaque: a build up of beta-amyloid protein. Amyloid plaques are one of the characteristic structural abnormalities found in the brains of Alzheimer patients. Upon autopsy, the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles is used to positively diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

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Antioxidant: a nutrient or chemical that reacts with and neutralizes free radicals or chemicals that release free radicals. Antioxidants are also called free radical scavengers. Vitamins A, C, E and some of the B vitamins, beta-carotene, selenium, melatonin and some key enzymes in your body are all antioxidants. By intercepting the free radicals, antioxidants prevent them from damaging molecular structures such as your DNA (see free radicals).

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Antagonist: Antagonist is an agent that prevents or reduces the secretion from a gland.

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Apolipoprotein E (APOE): a gene situated on chromosome 19 that codes for a protein in lipoproteins that are normal constituents of blood plasma, for example HDL (high density lipoprotein), LDL (low density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein). There are a number of common variations (alleles) of the APOE gene, the most common of which are known as: e2, e3, and e4. Research has shown that people who inherit one or more copies of the APOEe4 gene are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, there is evidence to suggest that the relatively rare APOEe2 allele may offer some protection against the disease - it seems to be associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer's and a later age of onset if the disease does develop. APOEe3 is the most common form of the gene in the general population and is thought to have no effect on Alzheimer's risk.

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Apoptosis: or programmed cell death is a form of cell death in which a programmed sequence of events leads to the destruction of cells without releasing harmful substances into the surrounding area. Apoptosis plays an important role in health by eliminating aged cells, unnecessary cells, and unhealthy cells. A protein called bcl-2 prevents apoptosis in normal healthy cells. However, many cancer cells, which would normally be destroyed by apoptosis because they proliferate too quickly, produce high levels of bcl-2 in order to evade destruction.

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ATP: (Adenosine Triphosphate), the universal energy molecule, created in the mitochondria of your cells using energy derived from the food you eat. All the cellular activities in your body use the energy released by splitting ATP. Key ingredient in the manufacture of ATP is D-ribose. Supplementation with D-ribose aids with replenishing ATP stores that may be depleted with intense exercise, chronic disease and even fibromyalgia.

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Atrophy: means the dying or death, normally referring to a gland or organ.

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Autoimmune disease: Autoimmune disease is a type of illness that occurs when the body tissues are attacked by its own immune system. People suffering from autoimmune diseases tend to have unusual antibodies circulating in their blood that target their own body tissues. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men. Examples of autoimmune diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, juvenile (type 1) diabetes, Addison disease, vitiligo, pernicious anemia, glomerulonephritis, and pulmonary fibrosis.

B

As of now, no terms for B

C

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C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP is an inflammatory marker - a protein that the body releases in response to inflammation. Thus, elevated levels of CRP in the blood mean that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. CRP is not normally present in the blood of a healthy patient. CRP levels can increase by as much as 1000-times with inflammation. Conditions that commonly lead to marked changes in CRP include infection, trauma, surgery, burns, inflammatory conditions, and advanced cancer. Moderate changes occur after strenuous exercise, heatstroke, and childbirth. Psychological stress and some psychiatric illnesses can cause small changes in CRP levels. CRP is the only inflammatory marker that has been found to be an indicator for sudden death. Therefore, doctors often carry out a CRP test at the same time as cholesterol and other lipid tests to help predict a patient's risk of heart attack. The optimal level would be < 1.0.

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Catecholamines: the class of neurotransmitters that includes norepinephrine and dopamine.

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Celecoxib (Celebrex): a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some research suggests that it might reduce Alzheimer's risk in persons with a family history of dementia. There is also evidence that Celebrex can increase the rate of cardiac events. It is also known that it interferes with the conversion of eicosapentaenoic acid (omega-3 from fish oil) to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.

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Central nervous system (CNS): CNS is the brain, spinal cord and their associated nerves.

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Cerebrovascular insufficiency: an inadequate supply of blood to the brain because of a narrowing of the blood vessels, which lead to, or are in various areas of the brain.

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Cholinergic: the parts of the nervous system that use acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter.

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Chromosomes: double stranded DNA helixes.

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Cross-linking: an oxidation reaction in which undesirable bonds form between nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) or between proteins (bit into an apple and watch it do yellow over time, this is protein cross linking). Can also be caused by abnormal glucose attachments (see Advanced Glycation Endproducts).

D

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Dendrites: the fine network of branches that extend from the body of a nerve, receiving impulses and carrying them into the center of the cell.

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DHT (1, 17 – dihydrotestosterone): a natural conversion of testosterone by the 5-α reductase enzyme. It is four times stronger than testosterone in its androgenic properties, e.g., muscle growth. Excess amounts cause an excess amount of body hair, the loss of scalp hair and the onset of prostate gland problems. This important hormone should be controlled with enzyme inhibitors to modulate but not completely block conversion activity.

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DMAE (demethylaminoethanol): is found in small amounts in the brain and is known for its brain enhancing effects. It is also found to have excellent properties when spread onto the skin daily, providing a “face lift” temporarily but also causing underlying muscle growth in the facial tissues, which leads to a more youthful appearance.

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): the genetic blueprint that resides in the nucleus of every cell of every living organism ever studied. Many researchers believe that free radicals damage to the DNA is directly involved in aging and cancer.

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Dopamine: a neurotransmitter critical to fine motor coordination, immune function, motivation, insulin regulation, physical energy, thinking, short term memory, emotions such as sexual desire and autonomic nervous system balance.

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Dopaminergic: the parts of the nervous system which use dopamine as a neurotransmitter.

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Double blind: a type of scientific experiment in which neither the subjects nor the researchers know who is receiving an active substance and who is receiving a placebo. Researchers who do not know which subjects received the active substance then usually evaluate the data generated from the experiment. This type of experiment helps to eliminate personal bias from research.

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Double-blind crossover: this is a study where at one point in the experiment all of the subjects switch from an active substance to a placebo or vice versa.

E

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Endocrine System: Endocrine System is a term for a group of glands, specifically the pituitary, thyroid, thymus, pineal, pancreas, adrenal, testes and ovaries.

F

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Free Radical: a highly chemically reactive atom, molecule or molecular fragment with a free or unpaired electron. Free radicals are produced in many different ways such as through normal metabolic processes, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, nuclear radiation and the breakdown in the body of spoiled fats. Free radicals have been implicated in aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease and other kinds of damage to the body (see antioxidants).

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Free-Radical Scavenger: the cascade of chemical reactions that occurs when a free radical reacts with another molecule in order to gain an electron. The molecule that loses an electron to the free radical then becomes a free radical, repeating the process until the energy of the free radical is spent, or the reaction is stopped by an antioxidant. In biological systems, this cascade can damage important molecules like DNA.

G

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GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid): an amino acid, which acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Known to be the calming neurotransmitter. All tranquilizers and alcohol work on the GABA system. People with severe stress levels are known to have lower levels of GABA and benefit from GABA supplementation.

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Growth Hormone (GH): a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. GH stimulates growth and repair of the body as well as the activities of the immune system. With age, GH release diminishes (also known as hGH or human growth hormone). Currently, federal law limits the ability of physicians to prescribe GH to aging adults despite the multiple studies showing benefit.

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Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH): a hormone from the hypothalamus that triggers the pituitary to release GH to the rest of the body. This important hormone has been synthesized and is now able to be prescribed by physicians “off label” for the treatment of age-related changes. The analog hormone product is known as “Sermorelin” and is prescribed by Dr. Work to any aging patient who desires it. It is the only hormone prescribed that actually rejuvenates an organ, i.e., the pituitary gland, since it causes it to produce more GH and release it.

H

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Hippocampus: an area of the brain believed responsible for memory and personality.

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Hormone: Hormone is Latin for a "chemical messenger," such as growth hormone, testosterone or insulin.

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Huntington disease: Huntington is a hereditary disorder characterized by mental and physical deterioration that ultimately leads to death. It is sometimes referred to as Huntington’s chorea due to the involuntary rapid movement of limbs (chorea), which are a symptom of the disease. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are caused by loss of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Huntington's is caused by a faulty gene known as HD, which is located on chromosome 4. Diagnosis is by genetic testing. Currently, there is no cure, although medication may be used to control symptoms of the illness.

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Hypothalamus: an area of the brain that is believed to be the command center for instructions to the endocrine system.

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Hypoxia: a condition of lowered oxygen levels in the blood. Hypoxia promotes free radical activity in the body.

I

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Infarct: tissue which has died due to a lack of oxygen resulting from a blood clot or blocking of an artery. An infarct to the heart, i.e., the myocardium, is known as an “MI” or heart attack. An infarct to the brain is a stroke.

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Inhibitory neurotransmitter: a neurotransmitter which decreases the electrochemical activity of neurons. GABA and serotonin are inhibitory neurotransmitters.

L

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Lipofuscin: the brown waste material deposited in skin and nerve cells that is commonly called "age spots." Lipofuscin is made of free radical damaged proteins and fats.

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Liver spots: deposits of lipofuscin in the skin.

M

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Melatonin: the hormone of sleep. Produced in the pineal gland in the brain and released when light exposure is reduced to the eyes, i.e., it gets dark. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant, able to neutralize four free radical species per molecule of melatonin. Best absorbed sublingually. Natural release can be interrupted by excess light in the bedroom and also by electromagnetic fields near the head, e.g., electric clocks near the head.

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Mitochondria: structures in cells that act as power plants. They “recharge” ATP through what is known as the electron transport chain, aka, oxidative phosphorylation.

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Monoamine oxidase (MAO): an enzyme which, in the brain, breaks down certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

N

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Nerve growth factor (NGF): a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates the growth of neurons.

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Neurites: the tiny projections growing from each nerve cell which carries information between the cells. A nerve cell may have over 100,000 neurites growing out of it; each connected to another nerve cell.

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Neurochemical: a chemical that naturally occurs in the nervous system and plays a part in its functioning.

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Neurodegenerative disease: a type of neurological disorder marked by the loss of nerve cells. For example Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Lou Gehrig’s Disease and Parkinson's Disease.

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Neurofibrillary tangles: Accumulation of twisted protein fragments inside neurons. Neurofibrillary tangles are one of the characteristic structural abnormalities found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease patients. Upon autopsy, the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles is used to positively diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

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Neuron: a nerve cell.

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Neurotransmitter: one of the many chemicals that carry impulses between nerve cells.

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Neurotrophic factor: a molecule, typically a protein, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), that promotes nerve cell growth, repair, and survival.

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Niacin: Niacin is the active part of vitamin B3. In higher doses, it is used to increase HDL (High Density Lipoprotein, aka, “good cholesterol”) and lower triglycerides, aka, “blood fats.” This can cause a harmless but annoying flushing sensation if taken improperly.

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Nootropic: a word coined by Dr. Giurgea to describe a new class of drugs that act as cognitive enhancers with no side effects or toxicity, from the Greek words noos, meaning mind and tropein, meaning toward. The first nootropic drug was piracetam (Nootropil^®). Other nootropics thought to work include desmopressin, the chemically related analogues of piracetam and others.

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Norepinephrine (also known as Noradrenaline): an excitatory neurotransmitter involved in alertness, concentration, aggression and motivation, among other behaviors. Norepinephrine is made in the brain from the amino acid phenylalanine.

O

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Oxidation: a chemical reaction in which an electron is taken from a molecule of the oxidized substance.

P

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Pancreas: the gland responsible for both digestive enzymes (exocrine) and insulin/glucagon (endocrine) production.

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Parkinson's disease: a chronic disease of the central nervous system caused by lowered levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter dopamine. Symptoms include muscular tremors and weakness.

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Pituitary gland: a gland at the base of the brain. The pituitary secretes several different hormones involved in key metabolic processes.

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Placebo: an inert compound usually given to a portion of the subjects in a scientific experiment, in order to distinguish the psychological effects of the experiment from the physiological effects of the drug being tested.

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Precursor: a chemical that can be converted by the body into another is a precursor of the latter chemical.

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Pregnenolone: the “mother” of all steroid hormones. It is produced from cholesterol and it is the base "raw-material" for all the steroids and neuro-steroids.

R

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Receptors: sites on the outside and inside of cells where particular messenger molecules such as hormones can attach. This attachment to the receptor site causes corresponding changes inside the cell. The receptors inside the cell are for steroid hormones primarily, which can travel across the cell membrane easily.

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Regeneration: the regrowth of cells, tissues, organs or limbs.

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RNA: ribonucleic acid, which carries instructions from DNA in the nucleus to polyribosomes, where proteins are made according to the RNA encoding.

S

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Senility: the aging related loss of mental faculties.

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Serotonin: an inhibitory neurotransmitter required for sleep.

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Stimulatory neurotransmitter: a neurotransmitter that increases electro-chemical activity in the nerve cells. Norepinephrine is a stimulatory neurotransmitter.

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Stroke: either a rupture in a blood vessel in the brain causing bleeding, i.e., a hemorrhagic stroke, or a clot that travels up from the heart to the brain and blocking off the artery, leading to an infarct. Often can have disastrous effects depending on where the rupture or infarct occurs.

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Superoxide dismutase (SOD): a zinc and copper or manganese-containing enzyme which reacts with superoxide radicals to convert them to harmless chemical entities. Specifically converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen molecules.

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Superoxide radical: a free radical thought to play a central role in arthritis and cataract formation. Hydrogen peroxide is a superoxide radical.

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Synapse: the gap between nerve cells.

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Synergies: when compounds are combined and their effects are more than the sum of their individual effects; the compounds are said to have positive synergy. Many of the nootropic compounds have positive synergy effects with each other, they become synergistic.

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Systemic: throughout the entire body.

T

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Toxic: poisonous, everything, including water and oxygen is toxic in sufficiently high doses.

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Thymus: the master gland of the immune system located behind the breastbone. This gland normally shrinks with age, becoming paper thin by the age of 50.

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Thyroid: the gland located in the neck responsible (amongst other things) for temperature and metabolism regulation.

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Triglycerides: a class of fats found in the bloodstream.