Nutritional Supplements for Alzheimers - Alzheimer's

Supplements for Alzheimers
Following is a comprehensive list of supplements that have been studied in the treatment of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. No person should take all of these supplements. It is essential to consult a physician trained in nutritional and botanical medicine to determine which supplements are most indicated and will be most effective for you, given your individual situation. They must also ascertain safe and effective doses for their use. Further, several of these supplements may interact with medications and should not be taken without medical supervision.

High potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.

Omega 3 fatty acids. Dietary intake of n-3 fatty acids and weekly consumption of fish may reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease.

Vitamin E. In a prospective study, dietary vitamin E intake was associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C intake has been shown to decrease risk of AD.

DHEA. DHEA administration may result in modest improvements in cognition and behavior.

Taurine. In animal models supplementation increased acetylcholine levels in brain tissue.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC). Effective in improving cognitive performance in patients suffering from Alzheimer's dementia.

Phosphatidylserine (PS). Low levels of phosphatidylserine in the brain are associated with impaired mental function and depression in the elderly. Supplementation with PS consistently benefits memory, learning, concentration, word choice, and other measurable cognition parameters, as well as mood and the capacity to cope with stress. PS somehow encourages the regrowth of damaged nerve networks.

Inositol. Supplementation with inositol may produce positive CNS effects in the treatment of AD.

Thiamine has been shown to potentiate and mimic the effects of acetylcholine in the brain. High dose thiamine supplementation improves mental function in Alzheimer’s disease and age-related impaired mental function (senility) without side-effects.

Vitamin B12. Serum vitamin B12 levels are significantly low, and vitamin B12 deficiency is significantly common in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Supplementation of B12 and/or folic acid may result in complete reversal in some patients (with documented low B12 levels), but generally there is little improvement in patients who have had Alzheimer’s symptoms for greater than 6 months.

Zinc. Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the elderly and has been suggested to be a major factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Zinc supplementation has good benefits in Alzheimer’s disease.
Coenzyme Q 10. Improves mitochondrial energy production.

Botanical (Herbal) Medicine for Alzheimers

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE). Improves circulation which can enhance memory and delay onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Huperzine A. Derived from Hyperzia serrata (Club Moss). Acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, possibly more effectively than tacrine. Supplementation produced measurable improvements in memory, cognitive function, and behavioral factors in Alzheimer’s patients with no significant side effects.

Vinpocetine. Derived from Vinca minor (Periwinkle). Enhances brain circulation and oxygen utilization and other neuroprotective and anti-ischemic effects.

Bacopa monnieri (Water hyssop, Brahmi). Enhances nerve impulse transmission and strengthens memory and cognition.