Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive deterioration of the brain. It affects memory and thought, as well as communication and the ability to make decisions. Although the symptoms are usually mild at the onset of the disease, they often progress to such an extent that work and socializing become impossible.

Alzheimer’s usually afflicts people who are over the age of sixty. The most common symptoms are memory loss, inability to recognize family or friends, difficulty speaking and remembering words, personality changes, and difficulty making decisions. If you fear that yourself or someone you love may have Alzheimer’s, see a doctor for a diagnosis. This disease is incurable, but its progress can often be slowed down. The following supplements can help.

Supplements to treat Alzheimer’s Disease

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine
• Alpha-lipoic acid – Improves blood sugar levels so diabetics may be able to take less medication.
• B-complex vitamins
• Bilberry
• Carotenoids – Do not take for extended periods of time. Do not take high dosages if you have liver disease, are a smoker, or are exposed to asbestos. Beta carotene is perhaps the best known of the carotenoids because of its potential vitamin A activity. Diets rich in carotenoids, especially lycopene, may prevent prostate cancer. Other carotenoids may protect against ovarian cancer. Dietary sources rich in beta carotene and other provitamin A carotenoids include carrots, broccoli, yellow squash, corn, tomatoes, papayas, oranges, and dark green leafy vegetables.
• Coenzyme Q10
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Ginkgo biloba
• Huperzine A – This Chinese herb should not be taken with other medications for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Inositol
• Magnesium
• NADH – Reduced and more active form of niacin.
• Phosphatidylcholine (Lecithin) – Use with caution if you have malabsorption problems, as this could exacerbate them.
• Phosphatidylserine – This product is particularly helpful to prevent Alzheimer’s, as well as toward the onset of the disease.
• Selenium
• Vinpocetine – Do not take if you are taking a blood thinner.
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid) – High doses can depete your body of other vitamins in the B complex.
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E – Take mixed tocopherols, the more active type of vitamin E. Consult healthcare provider first if you are taking a blood thinner.

Supplements to improve memory

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• B-complex vitamins
• Coenzyme Q10
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Ginkgo biloba
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – When taking NAC supplements, also take extra vitamin C, copper, and zinc.
• Phosphatidylcholine (Lecithin) – Use with caution if you have malabsorption problems, as this could exacerbate them.
• Phosphatidylserine
• Resveratrol
• Selenium
• Vinpocetine
• Vitamin A and mixed carotenoids – Use caution when taking vitamin A supplements because they have the potential to be toxic. Do not take for extended periods of time. Do not take high doses if you have liver disease, are a smoker, or are exposed to asbestos.
• Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E