Last summer, I flew to Cuba to heal my short-term memory. My long-term memory is robust, but recalling something that happened or was said ten minutes ago can be tricky.

The leader of my medical practice in Boulder, Dr. Bill Blanchet, takes a group of his patients to Cuba every few months to pick up a year’s supply of medicine — neuralCIM — for memory loss and dementia, that’s not available in the U.S.

NeuralCIM was developed in Cuba to protect and preserve brain cells in patients experiencing cognitive decline. I began taking it in August, and will report next year on its effect.

To take NeuralCIM, you lie on your back with your head hanging over the bed, administering it through the nose, so that it reaches the central nervous system in pathways that connect directly to the brain. It’s alleged to support the regeneration of brain cells, rather than merely masking symptoms.

I have a good opinion of Dr. Blanchet, so I was eager to join him on the trip to in Havana.  We stayed at a lovely hotel, Casa Italia, which had good food and an inviting pool. Despite the fact that our government refuses to recognize or sanction commerce with Cuba, we felt welcome and at ease from the moment we landed in Havana.

During the 5 days we were there, we traveled by taxis to parks and a beach that was perfect for swimming; we were told that our drivers had stock-piled gas for days so they would have enough when we needed it.

In the evening, we ate at a restaurant where there were musicians and we could dance to a rousing band—four men and a woman who played Cuban and American songs. The food was excellent, local, and plentiful.

We did not visit parts of the city where dilapidated housing and overcrowding was widespread, although I’d seen many photos of that online. Tourists are not easily able to access those areas.

I intend to return next year to replenish my supply of NeuralCIM, and at that time, I’ll take steps to see a broader array of neighborhoods in Havana.

If you’ve been there recently, I’d love to hear from you.