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The Good While the precise causes of Alzheimer's are not known, the changes to the brains of Alzheimers patients (inflammation, oxidation, excessive iron, excitotoxicity) would appear to be addressed by several common nutrients. (The Memory and Longevity pages also have some relevance to this topic, and are worth a look.)*

The Not-So-Good Much is unknown about Alzheimer's and its progress, and diagnosis often takes place when the disease is far progressed. As with many diseases, it is likely far easier to prevent than cure.That said, recent suggests that even progressed Alzheimer's patients can benefit from nutritional supports.

Issues Everyone should consider nutritional support for brain health as an ongoing practice, along with exercise and general dietary sanity. This applies especially to those who have a genetic tendency toward Alzheimer's, or who already have symptoms. By and large, supplements that support brain health are largely the "usual suspects" -- full-spectrum Vitamin E, green tea, berry extracts, anti-inflammatories like curcumin, brain foods like methylcobalamin (a form of B-12), acetyl l-carnitine, and stress moderators like theanine. It is also worth avoiding or limiting foods that are potentially excitotoxic (e.g soy products). For those not deficient in iron, limiting iron intake is also advisable  -- research suggests that iron is a pro-oxidant, and it binds to dying neurons.

Useful Nutrients A top-N list of supplements known or suspected to support brain health, focused on specific research benefits for Alzheimer's or similar conditions, is shown below. A multi-pronged approach will protect the brain from oxidation and excitotoxicity (Gamma E, berry extracts, theanine, methylcobalamin), 'feed' it (acetyl l-carnitine, fish oil), reduce brain iron (green tea), and reduce inflammation/plaque (curcumin, ashwagandha, cat's claw, fish oil, green tea).

Alzheimer's Supplements Table The table below summarizes the current research for nutritional and lifestyle effects on Alzheimer's, and provides one or more links to key research and related products. As always, this table should be taken only as a general guideline. Anyone embarking on a nutritional/exercise regimen should work with a sympathetic doctor, particularly if medications are also involved.
GAIAHEALTH HOME     HEALTH INFORMATION/SEARCH
Item Notes Research Item Link
curcumin (turmeric) A multi-benefit compound (see the Curcumin page for research details) that blocks beta-amyloid plaque and reduces Alzheimer's-related inflammation. (See Piperine page for discussion of added piperine. Note that the new Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin has shown excellent absorption without requiring piperine (see piperine/Bioperine concerns).) - Alz study
- curcumin summary		 LE  Super Bio-Curcumin
curcumin w/ Bioperine
full-spectrum turmeric
ginkgo/cat's claw Shows promise in limiting beta-amyloid plaque in lab studies. Human studies are underway. Neurozyme contains all the compounds used in the cited research (included rosemary and gotu kola). - cat's claw/ginkgo ginkgo
gingko phytosome
cat's claw
neurozyme
mental clarity (lion's mane mushroom)
lemon balm (melissa) Shows benefits for mental clarity, mood, and Alzheimer's disease. Like other members of the mint family (though equally invasive), lemon balm is a good grow-your-own candidate. The stress formula listed at the right contains both lemon balm and theanine. - lemon balm and theanine
- lemon balm summary		 lemon balm leaf
LE Natural Stress Relief Formula
full-spectrum E Gamma E in particular is brain-protective, but a full-spectrum E is essential (in nature, Vitamin E is eight tocopherols and tocotrienols, not alpha-tocopherol alone). - E complex .vs  Alzheimer's E complex
carnosine Valued for its general anti-aging benefits, and a specific against beta-amyloid plaque. - carnosine and aging carnosine
resveratrol  Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging (see Longevity), and w/benefits for cancer and other conditions, this compound from grapes also reduces amyloid-beta peptides implicated in Alzheimer's. - resveratrol study trans-resveratrol, 100mg
resveratrol + grape seed extract
ashwagandha Anti-stress, this "Indian ginseng" shows specific protection against amyloid plaques in studies. Also offers brain health, anti-stress, vitality, and anti-cancer properties. - general research summary Sensoril_ashwagandha 
fish oil High in brain-food fatty acids DHA and EPA. Get oil that is molecularly distilled or otherwise guaranteed free of PCBs and other pollutants. Krill oil assimilates better, is more stable, and contains antioxidants not in fish oil. - fish oil vs. mental decline fish oil
krill oil
acetyl l-carnitine Long valued as a brain supplment, and research supports its benefits for brain function. The arginate form appears to have the strongest impact. Should be taken with alpha-lipoic acid (r-lipoic is best), which is synergistic and limits possible pro-oxidant effects in cells. (See additional reseach in Longevity.) - alc and alz survey acetyl l-carnitine
alc arginate
green tea Animal research shows that green tea reduces beta-amyloid in the brain. Green tea also chelates brain iron, which seems to have an association with Alzheimer's disease.   green tea
decaf green tea
green tea phytosome

berry extracts Recent research suggests strong brain-protection benefits from these compounds over the long haul. animal research NOW berry blend
berry green
Blueberry extract and pomegranate
theanine Calming and anti-excitotoxic. Use SunTheanine-based products, which are proven (and different chemically from some of the other theanine supplements). - theanine and lemon balm
- general summary		 theanine
theanine formula
methylcobalamin A form of B-12 that has shown a protective affect on the brain.   1 mg sublingual







* Please note that this information is for educational purposes only and does not represent any form of medical advice. Statements made here have not been evaluated by the FDA. Product discussion here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Users are encouraged to work with a nutritionally-oriented doctor before embracing a nutritional or herbal regime.

Alzheimer's Disease