My Brain Basket

The subject of taking supplements has often been hidden, avoided, and otherwise covered-up by many in the medical community.  From what I've heard, many doctors are afraid to recommend anything that either haven't been tested, or are not traditional medications.  This has been going on for many years!  The idea of taking supplements in the pre-symptomatic stages has always been of interest to a hopeful HD population, but professionals are reluctant to mention them, or prescribe doses.  Here is an excerpt from my entry in the Huntington's Disease Lighthouse Families nine years ago! (September, 2004):

Hi! I'm new to this board; at least, this is the first time I participated. I will be 50 soon, and just tested positive, with a CAG count of 42. I'm not symptomatic, according to the neurologist. Ever since I found out the results, in July, I have been taking 10 grams of creatine daily, and 2 grams of EPA fish oil. I've done some reading on both, and I think I'm doing the right thing. Since I'm taking a large dose of creatine, I am trying hard to exercise almost every day. I ride my bike 10 miles, and I have noticed that my bike riding muscles are really getting strong! I am a professional singer and music teacher, and my usual busy fall schedule of singing and teaching will be starting soon, and I just want to ask: has creatine had any kind of effect on anyone's voice? I know the vocal folds are controlled by the muscles in the larynx, and I am wondering if anyone has noticed any kind of change of vocal range or clarity? Thanks for your thoughts!

When I wrote that entry, I really had no idea if I was taking the correct amounts of fish oil or creatine, since it is usually used by body builders, in large doses, to build muscles.  Since I was "in the closet" at that time, I couldn't tell any other doctor what I was taking, and why.  Over the years, and mostly through my association with HDLF forum and my involvement in clinical studies, I have settled on a group of supplements, that I have labeled "My Brain Basket."  I take the following every morning:

1.   Creatine - 2 tsp. daily - I buy mine from The Vitamin Shoppe, because there is one nearby. Buy Micronized Creatine Monohydrate. Mix with water, trehalose, and chug down.

2. Trehalose (Neurocoat) - 4-5 tsp. daily - I buy from Brooklyn Premium online 

3.  Blueberry IQ (Fruit Fast) - 2 tablets daily (equal to one cup blueberries) - I buy from Brownwood Acres 

4.  CoQ10 - Recent studies show that you should be taking at least 1000 mg per day

5. Glucosamine 1500 mg - Chondroitin 1200 mg - 2 tablets daily - I buy mine from Costco, Kirkland brand

6. Vitamin E - 400 ATE - 1 tablet daily - I buy NatureMade at Jewel

7. Celexa Antidepressant (SSRI) - 20 mg - You need a prescription for this

8. Krill Oil (concentrated fish oil) -Recent studies show that you should be taking 2000 mg per day  - You can purchase it at PuritanPride.com