Alzheimer's supplements: Health implications, key factors, and additional insights
Alzheimer's disease, a condition that causes memory loss and cognitive decline, has been a significant concern for healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide. In the United States, the disease affected about 5.8 million people in 2020, and experts predict this number to nearly triple to 14 million by 2060.
While commercial brain health supplements lack solid evidence for treating Alzheimer's symptoms, recent research highlights some promising compounds with supplement-like qualities or repurposed drugs under investigation for Alzheimer’s treatment.
One such compound is GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), originally developed for diabetes. These drugs have shown encouraging early results in slowing cognitive decline and brain damage in Alzheimer's patients. Larger ongoing trials (EVOKE studies) involving about 1,800 early Alzheimer’s patients globally are expected to provide clearer answers by late 2025.
Another promising compound is lithium, particularly a newly identified lithium orotate that bypasses amyloid-beta sequestration. Early limited human trials with lithium carbonate show some benefit but toxicity concerns exist at higher doses. New formulations may allow safer clinical trials soon, though lithium is not yet recommended for use outside research settings.
Repurposed cancer drugs, such as letrozole and irinotecan, have shown potential in mouse models by reversing Alzheimer-associated brain changes and gene expression signatures. Mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, and clinical trials in humans are awaited.
Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, clinical trials into the effects of curcumin on Alzheimer's disease are limited, and more research is needed. High doses or long-term use of curcumin may cause nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Vitamin B supplementation, particularly B12, B6, and folic acid, has shown mixed results in research. While short-term studies suggest they do not help improve cognitive functioning in adults aged 50 years or older, regardless of dementia, long-term studies have had more promising results.
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties, may help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to a 2022 review. However, the results require validation by further studies, and side effects include nausea, headache, vision changes, and gastrointestinal upset.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, including algal oils, fish oil, flaxseed oil, krill oil, and others, have shown potential benefits for brain health. Side effects are usually mild and include nausea, a fishy taste in the mouth, and diarrhea.
Ginkgo biloba, a supplement, may have potentially beneficial effects for people with dementia at doses greater than 200 milligrams per day for around 22 weeks or longer. However, further research is necessary due to methodological limitations and the low quality of studies.
It's essential to remember that dietary supplements are not substitutes for a healthy diet and doctor-approved medications. Consulting a doctor before taking any dietary supplements is advised due to potential interactions with other substances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also advises against using supplements marketed as cures for Alzheimer's disease.
The Alzheimer's Association states that there is no substantial evidence to suggest supplements can cure, treat, or prevent Alzheimer's disease. While some research suggests ginkgo may help slightly with some symptoms of dementia, the findings are described as unreliable, and other studies have had conflicting results.
In summary, while current evidence does not strongly support the routine use of dietary supplements for treating Alzheimer's symptoms, specific investigational agents like GLP-1 drugs, lithium orotate, and certain repurposed medications represent promising avenues for future treatment. Until results from larger controlled trials are available, supplements should not replace standard medical care, and patients should consult their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement or treatment.
- The Alzheimer's Association warns that there's no substantial evidence suggesting supplements can cure, treat, or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
- Some research suggests ginkgo may help slightly with some symptoms of dementia, but the findings are unreliable.
- High doses or long-term use of curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, may cause nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea.
- Vitamin E, with antioxidant properties, may help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but further studies are needed for validation.
- Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as algal oils, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and krill oil, have shown potential benefits for brain health, but side effects are usually mild.
- Lithium, particularly a newly identified lithium orotate, has shown promise in slowing cognitive decline and brain damage in Alzheimer's patients, but new formulations may allow safer clinical trials soon.
- GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists), originally developed for diabetes, have shown encouraging early results in slowing cognitive decline and brain damage in Alzheimer's patients, with larger trials ongoing.
