Alzheimer’s Disease - Supplements

Scientific studies reveal promising results for preventing and treating this memory-robbing disease. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

Get some extra E
Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by taking 2,000 IU of vitamin E each day
Go for the ginkgo
Improve memory, enhance quality of life, and slow progression in the early stages of the disease by taking 120 to 240 mg a day of a standardized herbal extract of Ginkgo biloba
Add acetyl-L-carnitine to your routine
Take 1,500 mg a day of this nutritional supplement to improve memory and slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Also indexed as:

Alzheimer's,
Alzheimer's disease

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Ginkgo	120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily	Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. It is thought to improve memory and quality of life and slow early disease progression.
Ginkgo 120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily An extract made from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree is an approved treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. While not a cure, Ginkgo biloba extract may improve memory and quality of life and slow progression in the early stages of the disease. In addition, four double-blind trials have shown that ginkgo is helpful for people in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as for those experiencing another form of dementia known as multi-infarct dementia.¹² ^{, 13} ^{, 14} ^{, 15} Ginkgo has been found to be nearly as effective against Alzheimer's disease as donepezil, a prescription drug used to treat the condition.¹⁶ One trial reported no effect of ginkgo supplementation in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or age-associated memory impairment.¹⁷ However, the results of this trial have been criticized, since analysis of the results does not separate those patients with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia from those with age-associated memory impairment. A comparison of placebo-controlled trials of ginkgo for Alzheimer’s disease concluded that the herb compared favorably with two prescription drugs, donepezil and tacrine, commonly used to treat the condition.¹⁸ Research studies have used 120 to 240 mg of ginkgo, standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone glycosides per day, generally divided into two or three portions. Ginkgo may need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired actions are noticed. Ginkgo was not effective for preventing Alzheimer's disease in elderly volunteers with normal cognitive function or in those with mild cognitive impairment.¹⁹ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Acetyl-L-Carnitine	1 gram taken three times per day	Short-term studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s disease who supplement with acetyl-L-carnitine experience improved memory, enhanced overall performance, and delayed disease progression.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1 gram taken three times per day Several clinical trials have found that acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation delays the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,²⁰ improves memory,²¹ ^{, 22} ^{, 23} and enhances overall performance in some people with Alzheimer’s disease.²⁴ ^{, 25} However, in one double-blind trial, people who received acetyl-L-carnitine (1 gram three times per day) deteriorated at the same rate as those given a placebo.²⁶ Overall, however, most short-term studies have shown clinical benefits, and most long-term studies (one year) have shown a reduction in the rate of deterioration.²⁷ A typical supplemental amount is 1 gram taken three times per day. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Huperzia	200 mcg of huperzine A twice per day	Huperzine A, a substance found in the Chinese medicinal herb huperzia (Huperzia serrata), has been shown to improve memory and mental and behavioral function in people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Huperzia 200 mcg of huperzine A twice per day Huperzine A is a substance found in huperzia (Huperzia serrata), a Chinese medicinal herb. In a placebo-controlled trial, 58% of people with Alzheimer’s disease had significant improvement in memory and mental and behavioral function after taking 200 mcg of huperzine A twice per day for eight weeks—a statistically significant improvement compared to the 36% who responded to placebo.²⁸ Another double-blind trial using injected huperzine A confirmed a positive effect in people with dementia, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease.²⁹ Yet another double-blind trial found that huperzine A, given at levels of 100 to 150 mcg two to three times per day for four to six weeks, was more effective at improving minor memory loss associated with age-related cognitive decline than the drug piracetam.³⁰ This study found that huperzine A was not effective in relieving symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Clearly, more research is needed before the usefulness of huperzine A for Alzheimer’s disease is confirmed. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Lemon Balm	60 drops per day of a 1:1 herbal tincture, standardized to contain at least 500 mcg per ml of citral	Supplementing with an herbal extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Lemon Balm 60 drops per day of a 1:1 herbal tincture, standardized to contain at least 500 mcg per ml of citral In a double-blind trial, supplementation with an extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for 16 weeks significantly improved cognitive function and significantly reduced agitation, compared with a placebo, in people with Alzheimer's disease.³¹ The amount of lemon balm used was 60 drops per day of a 1:1 tincture, standardized to contain at least 500 mcg per ml of citral. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Periwinkle	Refer to label instructions	Lesser periwinkle contains the alkaloid vincamine, which has shown some benefit to people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Periwinkle Lesser periwinkle contains the alkaloid vincamine. Supplementation with a semi-synthetic derivative of vincamine, known as vinpocentine, showed no benefit for people with Alzheimer’s disease in a preliminary study,³² but vincamine itself was shown to be beneficial in a later double-blind trial.³³ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Sage	60 drops daily of a 1:1 tincture	Sage appears to have an effect on acetylcholine, one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain and supplementing with sage has resulted in a significant improvement in cognitive function.
Sage 60 drops daily of a 1:1 tincture In a double-blind study of people with Alzheimer’s disease, supplementing with sage for four months resulted in a significant improvement in cognitive function, compared with a placebo.³⁴ The amount of sage used was 60 drops per day of a 1:1 tincture. Although it is not known for sure how sage improves cognitive function, it appears to have an effect on acetylcholine, one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin B1	3 grams daily	Supplementing with vitamin B1 might slow Alzheimer’s disease progression in people whose vitamin B1–dependent enzymes have low activity.
Vitamin B1 3 grams daily Vitamin B1 is involved in nerve transmission in parts of the brain (called cholinergic neurons) that deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease.³⁵^{, 36} The activity of vitamin B1-dependent enzymes has been found to be lower in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.³⁷ It has therefore been suggested that vitamin B1 supplementation could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Two double-blind trials have reported small but significant improvements of mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease who took 3 grams a day of vitamin B1, compared to those who took placebo.³⁸^{, 39} However, another double-blind trial using the same amount for a year found no effect on mental function.⁴⁰ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin E	2,000 IU daily	Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E have been associated with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and improved brain function in middle-aged and older adults.
Vitamin E 2,000 IU daily In a preliminary study, people who used antioxidant supplements (vitamin C or vitamin E) had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared with people who did not take antioxidants.⁴¹ Other preliminary research shows that higher blood levels of vitamin E correlate with better brain functioning in middle-aged and older adults.⁴² The possible protective effect of antioxidants may be explained by the observation that oxidative damage appears to play a role in the development of dementia.⁴³ Large amounts of supplemental vitamin E may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A double-blind trial found that 2,000 IU of vitamin E per day for two years extended the length of time people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease were able to continue caring for themselves (e.g., bathing, dressing, and other necessary daily functions), compared with people taking a placebo.⁴⁴ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Asian Ginseng	4.5 grams per day for 12 weeks	A preliminary trial suggests that taking Panax ginseng may significantly improve a measure of cognitive function in the short term, though long-term use has not been established.
Asian Ginseng 4.5 grams per day for 12 weeks In a preliminary trial, supplementation with 4.5 grams per day of Asian (Panax) ginseng for 12 weeks resulted in a statistically significant 15% improvement in a measure of cognitive function. This improvement waned after the treatment was discontinued.⁴⁵ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Bacopa	Refer to label instructions	Animal studies have found the Ayurvedic herb bacopa has constituents that enhance several aspects of mental function and learning ability.
Bacopa Animal studies have found the Ayurvedic herb bacopa has constituents that enhance several aspects of mental function and learning ability.⁴⁶ ^{, 47} ^{, 48} A controlled study found that a syrup containing an extract of dried bacopa herb given to children improved several measures of mental performance.⁴⁹ A double-blind trial in adults found that a standardized extract of bacopa (300 mg per day for people weighing under 200 lbs and 450 per day for people over 200 lbs) improved only one out of several measures of memory function after three months.⁵⁰ Another double-blind trial lasting twelve weeks found 300 mg per day of bacopa improved four out of fifteen measures of learning, memory, and other mental functions in adults.⁵¹ A third double-blind study found no effects on mental function in a group of healthy adults given 300 mg of standardized bacopa and tested two hours later. Bacopa has not been tested on people with memory problems.⁵² What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Coenzyme Q10, Iron, and Vitamin B6	Refer to label instructions	A combination of coenzyme Q10, iron (sodium ferrous citrate), and vitamin B6 may improve mental status in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Coenzyme Q10, Iron, and Vitamin B6 In a preliminary report, two people with a hereditary form of Alzheimer’s disease received daily: coenzyme Q10 (60 mg), iron (150 mg of sodium ferrous citrate), and vitamin B6 (180 mg). Mental status improved in both patients, and one became almost normal after six months.⁵³

Supplement	Amount	Why
DHEA	Refer to label instructions	People with Alzheimer’s disease may have low DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels, and supplementation may improve mental performance.
DHEA Most,⁵⁴ ^{, 55} ^{, 56} ^{, 57} but not all,⁵⁸ ^{, 59} studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s disease have lower blood DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels than do people without the condition. Emerging evidence suggests a possible benefit of DHEA supplementation in people with Alzheimer’s disease. In one double-blind trial, participants who took 50 mg twice daily for six months had significantly better mental performance at the three-month mark than those taking placebo. At six months, statistically significant differences between the two groups were not seen, but results still favored DHEA.⁶⁰ In another clinical trial, massive amounts of DHEA (1,600 mg per day for four weeks) failed to improve mental function or mood in elderly people with or without Alzheimer’s disease.⁶¹ It is likely that the amount of DHEA used in this trial was far in excess of an appropriate amount, illustrating that more is not always better. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
DMAE	Refer to label instructions	DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels of a brain neurotransmitter, which may foster positive behavior changes in people with dementia.
DMAE DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In one preliminary trial, people with senile dementia were given DMAE supplements of 600 mg three times per day for four weeks. The participants did not show any changes in memory, though some did show positive behavior changes.⁶² However, a subsequent double-blind trial found no significant benefit from DMAE supplementation in people with Alzheimer’s disease.⁶³ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Fish Oil	Refer to label instructions	Fish oil may help slow the rate of cognitive decline in people with very mild impairment.
Fish Oil In a double-blind trial, supplementing with the fatty acids present in fish oil (0.6 grams per day of EPA and 1.7 grams per day of DHA) for six months was not beneficial in people with Alzheimer's disease. However, in the subgroup of people with very mild cognitive impairment, supplementation with these fatty acids slowed the rate of cognitive decline compared with a placebo.⁶⁴ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Folic Acid	Refer to label instructions	Some researchers feel Alzheimer’s disease may be related to folic acid deficiency.
Folic Acid Some researchers have found an association between Alzheimer’s disease and deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid;⁶⁵ ^{, 66} however, other researchers consider such deficiencies to be of only minor importance.⁶⁷ In a study of elderly Canadians, those with low blood levels of folate were more likely to have dementia of all types, including Alzheimer’s disease, than those with higher levels of folate.⁶⁸ Little is known about whether supplementation with either vitamin would significantly help people with this disease. Nonetheless, it makes sense for people with Alzheimer’s disease to be medically tested for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and to be treated if they are deficient. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Lecithin (Phosphatidyl Choline)	Refer to label instructions	Weak evidence suggests that moderate amounts of lecithin, a fat used by the body to build membranes that may be obtained through food sources, may slightly improve symptoms.
Lecithin (Phosphatidyl Choline) A double-blind trial of 20 to 25 grams per day of lecithin failed to produce improvements in mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.⁶⁹ However, there were improvements in a subgroup of people who did not fully comply with the program, suggesting that lower amounts of lecithin may possibly be helpful. Lecithin supplementation has also been studied in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor drug called tacrine, with predominantly negative results.⁷⁰ ^{, 71} ^{, 72} ^{, 73} What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
NADH	10 mg per day	A small, preliminary trial showed that oral NADH improved mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
NADH 10 mg per day A small, preliminary trial showed that oral NADH (10 mg per day) improved mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.⁷⁴ Further studies are necessary to confirm these early results. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Phosphatidylserine	Refer to label instructions	There is some evidence that cow-derived PS (phosphatidylserine) has been shown to improve mental function and feelings of well-being in people with Alzheimer’s disease, though most research has not found benefit.
Phosphatidylserine Phosphatidylserine (PS), which is related to lecithin, is a naturally occurring compound present in the brain. Although it is not a cure, 100 mg of PS taken three times per day has been shown to improve mental function, such as the ability to remember names and to recall the location of frequently misplaced objects, in people with Alzheimer’s disease.⁷⁵ However, subsequent studies have not validated these results. In one double-blind trial, only the most seriously impaired participants received benefits from taking PS; people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease did not experience significant improvements in cognitive function.⁷⁶ In another double-blind trial, people with Alzheimer’s disease who took 300 mg of PS per day for eight weeks had better improvement in overall well-being than those who took placebo, but there were no significant differences in mental function tests.⁷⁷ In another double-blind trial, 200 mg of PS taken twice daily produced short-term improvements in mental function (after six to eight weeks), but these effects faded toward the end of the six-month study period.⁷⁸ The PS used in these studies was obtained from bovine brain phospholipids. A plant source of PS is also available. However, the chemical structure of the plant form of PS differs from the bovine form. In a preliminary study, plant-derived PS was no more effective than a placebo at improving the memory of elderly people.⁷⁹ Soy-derived PS was also ineffective in a double-blind study of elderly people with age-related cognitive decline.⁸⁰ What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin B12	Refer to label instructions	Some researchers feel Alzheimer’s disease may be related to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 Some researchers have found an association between Alzheimer’s disease and deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid;⁸¹ ^{, 82} however, other researchers consider such deficiencies to be of only minor importance.⁸³ In a study of elderly Canadians, those with low blood levels of folate were more likely to have dementia of all types, including Alzheimer’s disease, than those with higher levels of folate.⁸⁴ Little is known about whether supplementation with either vitamin would significantly help people with this disease. Nonetheless, it makes sense for people with Alzheimer’s disease to be medically tested for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and to be treated if they are deficient. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

References

Last Review: 05-11-2011

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Care Circle

It Seems That You Are Not Logged In...

Join Now

Log In
Help

Welcome to Care Circle, an exclusive tool to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Here's how it works:

Create profiles for yourself and your loved ones.
Select the topics and conditions that interest each of you.
Get customized news updates, original content, tools, and expert advice for each Care Circle member delivered directly to your personalized homepage.

The information you input is strictly private; you choose who has access to your Care Circle.

Adding Someone
Saving Content
Adding Additional Topics & Conditions
Deleting Topics & Conditions

How do I add myself or someone else to my care circle?

Click on "Add someone." Fill out the short profile. Choose an avatar. Select the topics and conditions that interest this person from the pulldown menu. You can select as many as you want, but you must choose at least one. Click on "Add Someone" again. You should start getting updates immediately.

How do I save content to my Care Circle?

Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab of the person for whom you're saving content. Put your cursor over the piece of content that you want to save; a disk icon will appear in the righthand corner. Click on the disk and the piece of content will be moved to a save folder.

How do I add additional topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?

Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Add More to Follow," select additional topics and conditions.

How do I delete topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?

Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Follows," scroll over the topic or condition you want to delete. An "X" should appear on the righthand side. Click on the "X" and the topic or condition will be deleted from the list.