There are many natural substances and nutrients that have shown promise for the support and benefit of Alzheimer’s patients:
Ginkgo: Ginkgo is an herb that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recent research has supported its benefits for patients with dementia of all kinds, and especially for Alzheimer’s patients.
Acetyl L-carnitine: Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that is used throughout the body for energy production. It is especially useful in Alzheimer’s disease because it helps to increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain.
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is part of the energy production in the body; it has been shown that supplementing with CoQ10 can support increased energy production throughout the body. CoQ10 has been shown to help Alzheimer’s patients when combined with B-vitamins and iron.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): DHEA is the precursor to many hormones in the body. It has been found to be useful in people who have Alzheimer’s and who have been shown to have a deficiency in DHEA.
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE): DMAE is a chemical produced in the brain; it has been shown to be useful in a few small trials of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Fish oil: Fish oil is one of the all-time best overall supplements. The essential fatty acids in fish oil are necessary for many of the functions of the body. Since the brain is mostly made up of nerves, and the nerves are largely made up of fatty acids, fish oil is a great supplement for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Huperzine A: Huperzine A is an extract from a club moss used in Chinese medicine. Preliminary research shows that Huperzine A supports improved memory and cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Phosphatidylserine: Phosphatidylserine is found in high amounts in the brain and has been shown to be helpful in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
B-Vitamins: B-vitamins are helpful for both energy production and for mental performance.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant, and a low amount of vitamin E in the blood is closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Supplementing with Vitamin E has been shown to support slower progression of the disease.
