Supplements Against Alzheimer’s Disease

• Vitamin B5 - Pantothenic acid
  People with AD are known to have low levels of a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called acetylcholine. This chemical is involved in mental functions related to memory and learning.
  Vitamin B5 is a component of acetylcholine.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 100 mg daily (prevention), 300 mg daily (intervention)

• Vitamin B9 - folic acid
  High blood levels of homocysteine may double the risk of AD. Folic acid, together with vitamin B6 and B12 helps keep homocystene in check.

  Recommended supplement dosage : 400 mcg daily (prevention), up to 800 mcg daily (intervention)
  Source : “Homocysteine and Dementias” New England Journal of Medicine (2002) 346:466-468,476-483

• Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin
  Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden found that low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid increase AD risk in elderly people.

  Recommended supplement dosage : 100 mcg daily (prevention), 800-1000 mcg daily (intervention)
  Source : Wang Hui-Xin et al “Vitamin B(12) and folate in relation to the development of Alzheimer’s disease” Neurology (2001) 56(9):1188-94

• All other B Vitamins
  Important vitamins crucial for efficient use of oxygen by cells include vitamin B1 and B3. A proper supply of oxygen is critical for proper brain function.

  Recommended supplement dosage : vitamin B1 - 50 mg a day (prevention), 250 mg daily (intervention); vitamin B3 - 100 mg daily (prevention), 500-1000 mg daily (intervention); vitamin B6 - 50-100 mg daily

• Vitamin A and C
  Both vitamins are beneficial antioxidants that must be mobilized in the prevention and intervention of AD. Inflammation produces damaging oxidants (also known as free radicals) which must be curb by antioxidants.

  Recommended supplement dosage : vitamin A (beta carotene) - 10,000 iu daily; vitamin C - 1000 mg twice a day (prevention), 1000 mg four times a day (intervention)

• Vitamin E
  A study featured on the New England Journal of Medicine found that high doses (2000 iu) of this vitamin helped delay the progression of moderate AD.

  Natural forms of vitamin E are d-alpha tocopherol and d-alpha tocopheryl acetate.

  Recommended supplement dosage : 400 mcg a day (prevention), 1000 mcg (intervention)

  Source : Mary S et al “A Controlled Trial of Selegiline, Alpha-Tocopherol, or Both as Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease” New England Journal of Medicine (1997) 336:1216-1222

• Selenium
  This trace mineral forms part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase. It works well with vitamin E to enhance each other’s functions.

  Recommended supplement dosage : 200 mcg a day (prevention), 400 mcg (intervention)

• Essential fatty acid
  60% of the brain consists of fats and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is singled out to be an indispensible component. It provides fluidity to the brain cell membrane and improves communication between brain cells. It controls the flow of substances travelling in and out of the cells, and in Alzheimer’s case calcium is of concern because abnormal levels of calcium in the brain cells are known to produce more harmful beta-amyloid protein.

  EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is a precursor of DHA.

  Food sources - flaxseed, salmon, herring, mackerel, halibut and tuna.

  Recommended supplement dosage : up to 2 gm (DHA and EPA combined) a day (prevention)

• Choline and lecithin
  Choline is a component of acetylcholine, i.e. a nutrient which the brain uses to make acetylcholine. Choline is involved in fat metabolism and helps to transport fats from the liver. It is a also a component of cell membranes and of myelin (the white insulating sheath that surrounds the nerve cells).

  Most abosorbable form of choline is phosphatidylcholine. Phosphatidylcholine is a substance found in lecithin and it plays a role in proper nerve function.

  Recommended supplement dosage : 500 mg a day with a meal (prevention), 500 mg twice a day with meals (intervention)

• Magnesium
  This mineral competes with aluminum for absorption which means it reduces the chance of absorbing aluminum.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 270-320 mg a day

• Noni
  A natural tropical fruit found to contain over 150 nutraceuticals which include 20 amino acids, 9 of which are essential because they are not produced in the body, vitamin A, all the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, ursolic acid, linoleic acid, proxeronine (bromelain), scopoletin, pectin, phytosterols, calcium, magnesium and zinc.

  Its traditional uses include immune booster, pain, arthritis, diabetes, headaches, cuts and scrapes, skin problems, cancer, high blood pressure and many more.

  The following are other nurtients found in noni that may be beneficial for AD :

  • COX 2 INHIBITOR
    The COX 2 enzyme (COX is an abbreviation for cyclooxygenase) creates prostaglandins that cause inflammation especially in the joints. COX 2 is being linked to inflammation of the brain cells. An investigation carried out by Morinda Inc., makers of TAHITIAN NONI™ Juice found that TAHITIAN NONI™ Juice is a selective inhibitor of COX 2. TAHITIAN NONI™ Juice has found favour with many arthritis sufferers.

  • SCOPOLETIN
    Scopoletin belongs to a group of compounds called coumarins. It has strong anti-inflammatory influence.

  • PROXERONINE (BROMELAIN)
    Noni contains high levels of bromelain which is also known as proxeronine. This substance has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

  Noni can be used in conjunction with any medication and natural supplements, in fact, noni may enhance the effects of medications and supplements. It is best taken with clean water on an empty stomach.

  Source :
  “The Pain Fighter : Tahitian Noni Juice - Explore Noni’s unique relationship to arthritis, inflammation and the COX 2 Enzyme” Neil Solomon (Direct Source, 2001);
  “Tahitian Noni Juice : How Much, How Often, For What” Neil Solomon (Direct Source, 2002)
  

• Ginkgo
  Best known for it’s memory boosting capability, this herb was found useful for patients with AD in some studies.

  Consult a physician before combing ginkgo with anti-coagulants, insulin, prochlorperazine (an antipsychotic drug) or trazodone (a modified cyclic antidepressant). People with blood clotting disorders should check with a physician before taking this herb.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 40 mg 3 or 4 times a day with or without meals (prevention and intervention)

  It is best taken in the morning and may take at 6 to 8 weeks before results can be seen.
  [Note : Start with a small dose and slowly build up. The brain can build a tolerance to this nutrient if used regularly. Take a few weeks break before resuming.]

• SAM-e
  Stands for S-adenosyl-L-methionine, this compound is formed in the body when the amino acid L-methionine combines with adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This compound can influence the effectiveness of several brain chemicals.

  People who suffer from bipolar depression or manic depression or Parkinson’s disease should consult a physician before using SAM-e.

  SAME-e derived from living organisms is an unstable molecule and sensitive to moisture. Use enteric-coated tablets which protect SAM-e from digestive enzymes. Though rare, mild headaches and diarrhea were experienced by some during SAME-e trials. SAME-e is very safe for most people.

  Recommended supplement dosage : start with 200 mg twice a day for the first 2 to 3 days. Increase to 400 mg twice a day and 400 mg 3 times aday after 2 weeks. Pass four weeks, the dosage can be increased (only when needed) to 400 mg 4 times daily.
  [Build dose gradually so as to avoid any possible side effects]
  See “Note”

• Phosphatidylserine
  It is a phospholipid, a type of fat. A major and essential component in every cell membrane. Besides keeping cell membranes intact, this membrane performs vital functions and improves neurotransmitter action. Benefits include better memory and concentration, supports cognitive functions through improved circulation and enhances both blood and nutrient transportation to the brain and heart.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 100 mg a day (prevention), 100 mg 3 times a day (intervention)

• Huperzine-A
  Huperzine-A is an extract from a plant called club moss. It can inhibit the breaking down action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase on choline so as to enable the level of acetylcholine to increase. It is not a cure for AD, however it could improve cognitive abilities and slow down memory loss. Further research is needed to determine it’s safety for prolonged use.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 50 mcg twice a day (intervention)
  See “Note”
  Source : Xu SS, et al “Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer’s disease.” Acta Pharmacologica Sinica (1995) 16(5):391-395;”Old Chinese herbal medicine used for fever yields possible new Alzheimer disease therapy” Journal of the American Medical Association (1997) 277:776

• Vinpocetine
  Derived from vincamine which is found in the leaves of a periwinkle plant. Studies have indicated it’s ability to enhance memory and mental function.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 10 mg twice a day (intervention)
  See “Note”

• Acetyl L Carnitine
  This amino acid can help with brain function.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 500 mg a day (intervention)

• Green tea
  • A study was conducted by researchers from the Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan on 1003 Japanese men and women above the age of 70 where they were asked questions that included the frequency of green tea consumption. They were then evaluated using a standard mental status exam. The researchers found that those who drank two or more cups of green tea per day, had a lower the risk of cognitive impairment (or mental decline).
    Source : “Green tea consumption and cognitive function: a cross-sectional study from the Tsurugaya Project” Shinichi Kuriyama, et al. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 83(2):355-361

  • Scientists from the University of South Florida found that high doses of the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in green tea prevented Alzheimer’s-like damage in the brains of mice bred to develop symptoms. One of the possible causes of AD is the harmful accumulation of beta-amyloid, which is just a very small protein fragment of a larger protein in brain cells. After several months of injecting the mice with pure EGCG on a daily basis, the nerve cells of the mice generated 54% less beta-amyloid proteins than not-treated mice. In the case of humans, we would need a daily dose of 1,500 to 1,600 mg of pure EGCG to achieve the similar effect experienced by the mice and this daily dose has been studied in healthy human volunteers and was found to be safe and well tolerated. The drinking of green tea alone would not be sufficient to have the same effect.
    Source : “Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) Modulates Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleavage and Reduces Cerebral Amyloidosis in Alzheimer Transgenic Mice” Kavon Rezai-Zadeh, et al. Journal of Neuroscience (2005) 25(38):8807-8814
    
• Zinc
  This mineral helps prevent lead accumulation in the brain tissue which has been linked to AD.
  Recommended supplement dosage : 25 mg a day (prevention)

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