If you or someone you love has Alzheimer's disease, it's normal to feel like you've tried everything you can to control it and stop it from getting worse. With no cure yet and limited medications available, you may be wondering what kind of help you can get from vitamins and other supplements.
Good nutrition is important, but what's really going on?
There's no doubt that good nutrition is vital for our bodies from head to toe. But the truth is, there is no single vitamin or supplement that has been scientifically proven to prevent, stop, or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
The foods you eat have a direct impact on your brain health. A balanced diet is the best way to get the nutrients you need. If you're considering taking any supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor first. This is to make sure they don't cause side effects or interact with other medications you're currently taking.
Antioxidants and brain health
Simply put, these are nutrients that protect the body from harmful particles called "free radicals" that damage our cells. This damage can lead to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.
There are many types of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These are commonly found in plant-based foods like berries, dark green vegetables, tea, and fish.
As we age, these free radicals start to accumulate in our nerve cells. Studies examining the brains of Alzheimer's patients have found signs of a condition called "oxidative stress." This means that the body has been fighting this damage. So, it might seem like a good idea to take in more antioxidants.
But the answer is not that simple. Research into this relationship is still ongoing. Researchers still can't say for sure whether some antioxidants are better than others, or whether it's better to get them from food than from supplements.
Resveratrol - The wonder in grapes?
You can get this antioxidant from red grapes, red wine, peanuts, and some dark chocolate. Some researchers think it can help slow aging and reduce the risk of some diseases.
Scientists have long thought that resveratrol might protect the brain from the effects of Alzheimer's disease. A recent study showed that daily doses of resveratrol slowed the progression of the disease.
While that study is promising, it doesn't prove that resveratrol is a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Keep in mind, the dose given in that study was far too high for the average person to take. That's the same amount of resveratrol as 1,000 bottles of red wine! But that study only said that it was safe for an Alzheimer's patient to take. So, a lot more research needs to be done on this.
The link between vitamin D and Alzheimer's
One of the functions of vitamin D is to help the brain. We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight and foods like fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolks. It can also be purchased as a supplement from pharmacies.
There is a link between vitamin D and Alzheimer's. Several studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have low vitamin D levels. One study found that people with very low vitamin D levels were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's.
But the big question here is that we still don't know whether low vitamin D levels cause Alzheimer's, or whether low vitamin D levels cause Alzheimer's. We also don't know whether taking vitamin D can prevent or cure the disease. A lot more research needs to be done before doctors can start recommending vitamin D for Alzheimer's.
Ginkgo Biloba - Not only does it help with memory, but it's also risky
You may have heard of Ginkgo Biloba as a memory enhancer. So you might think it might help with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have been studying it for years. But, to date, there's no evidence that it can improve memory, even in healthy people who don't have Alzheimer's.
However, Ginkgo has been shown to cause other side effects.
- Bleeding
- Low blood sugar levels
- Blood pressure changes
Therefore, it is wise to completely abandon taking Ginkgo Biloba.
| Supplement | Scientific status | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants (such as vitamins C, E) | Theoretically it could be useful, but it is still in the research stage. It has not been proven. | It is best to get it from foods like berries and green vegetables rather than taking supplements. |
| Resveratrol | Although some studies have shown some hope, it has not been proven as a cure. | Avoid taking high doses without medical advice. |
| Vitamin D | Although levels appear to be low in Alzheimer's patients, there is no evidence that taking vitamin D prevents the disease. | Take only on doctor's advice, if you have a vitamin D deficiency. |
| Ginkgo Biloba | There is no evidence that it helps memory. | Avoid completely. It can cause serious side effects like bleeding. |
Take-Home Message
- There is currently no vitamin or supplement that has been scientifically proven to cure, stop, or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
- The best and safest way to get the nutrients your brain and body need is to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and nutritious foods.
- If you or your loved one is considering taking any supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Some supplements may cause problems with other medications you are taking or have unwanted side effects.
- Be very careful of advertisements and propaganda that claim to provide "miracle cures." Don't be fooled by things that have no scientific basis.
- It is wise to avoid supplements, especially Ginkgo Biloba, completely, as they can do more harm than good.
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