Vitamin E/selenium & Alzheimer’s
A long-term study among men in the U.S. found that giving high doses of vitamin E and/or selenium did not significantly affect their risk of developing dementia. The study was part of a larger study which found that these supplements increased the risk of prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, hair loss, and dermatitis. For details, see the “Alzheimer’s disease/dementia” section of the Selenium Supplements Review > >
Clinical Update
6/18/2016
More Research Is Needed Before Recommending A Daily Vitamin To Preserve Cognition
Its too early to recommend daily multivitamin supplementation to prevent cognitive decline. If were going to make a strong recommendation around vitamins and cognition, we have to make sure its going to be good for everybody, and we dont know that yet, says Baker. While these preliminary findings are promising, additional research is needed in a larger and more diverse group of people, she adds.
That being said, people are free to do whatever they want to do its generally safe to take a multivitamin, says Baker. Most vitamin manufacturers keep up with the latest science on the recommended amounts of different vitamins and minerals and adjust their formulations accordingly, she says.
Tips On Selecting The Best Supplements For Your Brain Health
There are several grades of supplements available, the highest and most recommended is pharmaceutical grade. Getting prescription supplements usually helps to guarantee the highest quality products. If its not possible to find pharmaceutical grade products, select the highest possible grade level.
Here are some additional guidelines to ensure that supplements are of the highest quality available:
Unlike medications, supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration , therefore, its important to do the research to find out which supplements are most effective. Many other factors are involved in the selection of brain healthy supplements such as ensuring certification, dosage and always discussing any supplements and vitamins with your health care provider, before taking them.
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The Number Of People With Dementia Is Expected To Double By 2050
Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, which includes things like the ability to think, remember and reason, to the point where it interferes with a persons daily life, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Types of dementia include Alzheimers disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and Parkinsons disease, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Theres an urgent need for safe and affordable interventions to protect cognition against decline in older adults, says co-lead author Laura D. Baker, PhD, professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
Recent research suggests that the actual incidence of dementia cases around the globe will continue to climb as a result of people living longer, along with risk factors that include smoking, obesity and high blood sugar. A study published in January 2022 in The Lancet projected that the number of adults living with some form of dementia in the United States will double by 2050, rising from 5.2 million people to 10.5 million.
In General What Is Good For The Heart Is Good For The Brain
Its important to make sure that any long-term health problems are managed as well as possible. These could include diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
If you have any of these or think you may be at risk of developing them, its really important to check in with your GP and take any medications they prescribe.
You can also try to make your brain healthier through positive lifestyle changes.
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Powerful Vitamins For Alzheimers Prevention
Are you worried that you or someone you love may be developing memory problems or early onset of Alzheimers?
Youre not alone.
In fact, over 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimers Disease.
It doesnt hurt to start adding important vitamins for Alzheimers prevention into your diet. Even if you already have the disease, you may be able to slow the process with certain dietary changes.
Check out five powerful vitamins for Alzheimers Prevention.
Preventing Dementia: Do Vitamin And Mineral Supplements Have A Role
Vitamin and mineral supplements for cognitively healthy peopleThis new Cochrane Review concerns the effects of vitamin and mineral supplements on cognitive function in people with no cognitive problems when they started taking part in the research studies. Although the review authors looked for studies involving people aged 40 and over, there are few data on people taking supplements under the age of 60. Despite being able to include 28 studies involving more than 83,000 people, there are limitations of the evidence which mean that confident conclusions cant be drawn. Heres what they found.B vitamin supplementsTaking B vitamin supplements probably has little or no effect on overall cognitive function at any time point up to five years and may have no effect at five to ten years. There are very few data on harms or on the incidence of cognitive impairment or dementia.
Antioxidant vitamins: ßcarotene, vitamin C or vitamin EThe results are mixed, but the review authors say that long-term supplementation with antioxidant vitamins may be the most promising area for future research. There is low-certainty evidence of benefit in overall cognitive function with long-term supplementation with ßcarotene and with vitamin C , but an antioxidant vitamin combination or vitamin E, alone or with selenium, may have no effect.
Selenium
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Alternative Therapies For Dementia
There is so much information available online about alternative therapies for dementia. Some of it is true, but some stretch the truth.
Alzheimer’s Society ensures all the information we provide is always backed up by evidence and will ensure you have all the facts to make an informed decision.
This article was first published on 22 March 2019, and most recently updated on 11 August 2021.
Cannabis and coconut oil
Myth : Coenzyme Q10 Treats A Number Of Conditions Including Alzheimers
The bad news, says former ADDF Assistant Director, Penny Dacks, is that most supplements have very little evidence to support their use, particularly evidence gathered from humans . Coenzyme Q10 , for instance, is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the body and CoQ10 levels decrease with age. Its become a popular supplement to treat Alzheimers. Unfortunately, there is relatively strong evidence suggesting it will not protect the brain.
There is, however, some evidence to support the use of CoQ10 for high blood pressure and heart failure.
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Resveratrol For Alzheimer’s Disease
High doses of a synthetic resveratrol stabilized a marker of disease progression in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, a recent study reports. However, more research is required to determine if resveratrol is effective for Alzheimer’s. Get the details about this and other studies with resveratrol, and our tests and comparisons of products, in the Resveratrol Supplements Review > >
Clinical Update
7/05/2016
Stress Cortisol And Memory Loss
Under prolonged stress, the body produces the adrenal hormone cortisol. The research of Professor Robert Sapolsky at Stanford University has shown that although cortisol is a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone, raised cortisol can damage the brain . In studies with rats he found that two weeks of induced stress causing raised cortisol levels causes dendrites, those connections between brain cells, to shrivel up . He believes that brain cell loss in ageing and Alzheimers may be, in part, due to high levels of cortisol and recommends that corticosteroid drugs should not be used in Alzheimers patients for other medical problems like asthma or arthritis.
Using a brain imaging technique, Douglas Bremner of Yale University has shown that the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory is smaller in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, and that this correlates with poorer memory . Researchers at the La Sapienza University have shown that cortisol levels are significantly higher in Alzheimers patients than in controls, and correlate with the severity of the disease . Linda Carlson and colleagues at McGill University in Montreal have confirmed that in Alzheimers patients, the higher the cortisol, the worse their memory . They also found that the higher the levels of DHEA the better their memory.
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B Vitamins For Cognition
Increasing vitamin B-12 intake by those deficient in B-12 can help slow age-related declines in memory and cognition, but the dose needs to be sufficient, as suggested by a recent study. For details see the Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer’s Disease section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for B-12 and other B Vitamins.
Clinical Update
5/26/2020
Consider Primehealths Prevention Program
We stand behind Dr. Dale Bredesens revolutionary KetoFLEX 12/3 diet program for patients with cognitive decline. We have seen it work wonders, particularly in combination with other beneficial lifestyle changes.
As more research is published on the KetoFLEX 12/3 diet, we cant wait for more professionals and caregivers to hear about this super effective diet plan.
How can you reverse dementia naturally? You can reverse dementia naturally with simple lifestyle and dietary changes. This mainly works in the very early stages of dementia and cognitive decline.
Want to prevent Alzheimers using a plan that works without breaking the bank? Get our guide to the Bredesen Protocol on a budget for as little as $5.
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Researchers ‘shocked’ By Findings
The trial was conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Womens Hospital as part of the COSMOS trial , a study designed to examine the potential benefits in preventing heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other health outcomes.
Researchers randomized 21,442 men and women from across the United States. Those included in the trial were all over 65 years old , 60 percent women, and 89 percent white.
Participants were placed into one of four groups in a two-by-two trial in one study, people who took a daily cocoa extract were compared with those who took a placebo tablet, and in the second trial, people who took an over-the-counter daily multivitamin-mineral supplement were compared with a group taking a placebo supplement.
A cognitive test was performed over the phone to establish a baseline, and then repeated annually over the three-year follow-up. The test included a word list and story recall, verbal fluency, digit ordering, and other tools to measure memory as well as the speed and accuracy of cognitive processing.
The researchers went into the trial expecting the group taking the cocoa extract to reap the most cognitive benefits. Thats because cocoa extract is rich in compounds called flavanols and past research suggests that these compounds may positively impact cognition, according to Baker. Theres also preliminary data that shows that cocoa flavanols were very beneficial for cardiovascular health, she says.
Up To A Point Alzheimer’s Risk Falls With Vitamin D
A new study shows that, up to a point, the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia fall with higher blood levels of vitamin D. However, the research also clarifies that exceeding a certain blood level of vitamin D provides no further benefit. In fact, additional research suggests that too much vitamin D can have negative effects. The message: Make sure you have a sufficient, but not excessive level of vitamin D. For details about these levels, as well as results of our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review > >
Clinical Update
2/01/2022
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What Vitamins Are Good For People Concerned About Memory Care
A lot of research has gone into studying different diets in order to discover commonalities to prevent or delay Alzheimers Disease including changing diets to include certain vitamins or even taking supplements to increase vitamin intake. Experts are clear though, vitamins do not fight the underlying cause of Alzheimers and are in no way a cure.
Best Vitamins For Dementia
*Brand Partner Content*
Whether you are at risk of developing dementia or you have been diagnosed already, there are many things that you can do to protect brain function and slow cognitive decline. Social interaction, mental stimulation, exercise, and diet are all integral.
Increasingly scientists have begun to understand the importance of nutrition to prevent dementia and slow its onset.
However, it is difficult to get full nutrition from diet alone, especially for older adults whose bodies are less efficient at absorbing essential nutrients, so alzprevention.org compiled this report on the best vitamins and supplements. Certain vitamins and minerals offer cognitive benefits, and some vitamin deficiencies can be a cause of dementia.
Note: If you consider a dietary supplement, then discuss it with your healthcare provider first to ensure there are no potential interactions with health conditions or medications.
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Ginkgo Fails Alzheimer’s Trial
Over two thousand people with memory complaints were given Ginkgo biloba extract or placebo as part of a five-year study. The results, published this week, showed no difference between the groups in the percentage who eventually developed Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. See how this compares to other studies of ginkgo in the updated Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Review, which includes our tests and reviews of ginkgo products. More > >
Clinical Update
1/31/2014
Risk Factors For Dementia & Alzheimers
Scientists know that genetics, environment, and lifestyle affect your risk of developing Alzheimers disease and dementia.
Alzheimers and dementia risk factors include:
- Age: As you get older, youre at greater risk of developing dementia and Alzheimers.
- Genetics: If you have a family member with dementia, you are more likely to have dementia, too. Additionally, having certain versions of genes, like apolipoprotein E 4 , increases your risk of developing Alzheimers.
- Education: People with less education have a higher chance of getting Alzheimers.
- High risk for cardiovascular disease: The same factors that affect your heart health, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, also increase your Alzheimers risk.
- Head trauma: Youre more likely to develop Alzheimers if you suffer a head injury that makes you lose consciousness.
- Alcohol abuse: Patients with alcohol-use disorder are more likely to have impaired cognition and develop Alzheimers disease.
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Natural Supplements And Vitamins For Treatment And Prevention Of Dementia And Cognitive Decline
Psychiatric Times
Here: a look at several natural products used to improve cognitive impairment or cognitive symptoms of dementia.
Dementia, also referred to as major neurocognitive disorder , is a growing problem because of increased lifespan. There is no known cure. Several drugs are FDA-approved for the treatment of dementia, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, but these have limited efficacy, adverse effects, and significant cost-all of which contribute to the search for alternative therapies to improve cognition.
In this article, we look at several natural products used to improve cognitive impairment or cognitive symptoms of dementia .
Ginkgo biloba
A popular supplement for cognition is ginkgo biloba, which is extracted from the leaf of the Maidenhair tree. Although it has been used as a supplement in the US, in many European countries it is part of mainstream medical care and requires a prescription. A standardized extract called EGb 761 is prescribed in many countries outside of the US.
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9 Natural Supplements for Cognitive Impairment
reduce the excitotoxic effects of glutamate. Finally, the flavonoids serve as antioxidants that reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Ginseng
Huperzine
Vitamins B12 and B9
Vitamin D
Coconut oil/caprylidene
Resveratrol and curcumin
Disclosures:
Micronutrient And Phytonutrient Supplements For Dementia
When a person eats plant-based foods, the body absorbs phytochemicals naturally occurring plant chemicals sometimes also referred to as phytonutrients.
The science of phytochemicals is new but rapidly gaining traction. They have the potential to be disease-curing power players, as outlined by Debbie Krivitsky, director of clinical nutrition at the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
Research continues to show that people with Alzheimers disease face an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, which include many of these important phytonutrients. The following phytonutrients have been shown in clinical studies to offer protection to the brain and nervous system and may even help regrow nerve cells. These nutrients may help support a loved one with dementia and are now readily available to the consumer looking to improve their brain function, reduce anxiety, and alleviate depression.
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Vitamins That Help Prevent And Reverse Alzheimers
Here is some information about Dementia and Alzheimers that can help you or someone you know. These 2 conditions can be avoided, stopped and reversed by proper nutrition and staying active. Did you know there are a few vitamins that have been shown to halt and reverse Alzheimers? About ½ of all nursing home beds are filled with patients that have Alzheimers. Guess what vitamin ¾ of these patients are deficient in? I will share with you 5 vitamins that help and reverse Alzheimers.
Some people think vitamins and supplements are not worth the cost. If you think about the other end of this journey maybe you will have a different perspective. Did you know the average cost of a nursing home per day in the US is $275. I used to work in this field and have seen firsthand the conditions in these homes. These nursing homes feed the inmates terrible foods and definitely dont offer nutrition help. The cost of taking some of these vitamins is a few dollars per day. Wouldnt you agree that taking a few supplements and spending a few $ on healthy foods is worth the increased chance that you wont end up in a nursing home?