Alzheimer's is an incurable, degenerative disease that is commonly associated with memory loss. The most widely observable symptom in the early stages of Alzheimer's is the loss in short-term memory and inability to retain new memories. Although there is no known cure of Alzheimer's, research has suggested several alternative treatment options, including prescription medications, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements.
Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E
Vitamin B6 is an essential vitamin that is needed to convert carbohydrates to energy. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, symptoms of a serious B6 deficiency include difficulty concentrating and short-term memory loss.
Vitamin E is also an essential vitamin and an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidation. According to a study published in the Archives of Neurology, "vitamin E intake, from foods or supplements, is associated with less cognitive decline with age." Furthermore, when this study gave vitamin E to 2,889 healthy people, sixty-five to 102 years old, the people who consumed the highest amount, about 258 mg a day, showed a thirty-six percent reduction in memory loss caused by normal aging, compared to those who consumed only 4.5 mg a day.
In a study published on PubMed, the effects of a supplement containing both vitamin E and Vitamin B6 showed improved cognitive function and memory in aged dogs.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and has long been looked at as a treatment for many diseases and conditions. According to WebMD, low levels of B-12 can cause memory loss and therefore B-12 can potentially act as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, among others. It has also been shown that low levels of vitamin B-12 in infants can cause lasting neurologic harm.
Omega 3 and DHA
Although more research is needed to make the claim that Omega-3 fatty acid can aid in short-term memory loss, there have been speculations that Omega-3 may play a role. According to WebMD, studies have reported a higher intake of Omega-3 from foods such as cold-water fish, plant and nut oils, and English walnuts, to be significantly associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's Disease.
The Alzheimer's Association reported a study conducted by Martek Biosciences in which enrolled older adults with normal age-related cognitive decline took DHA. According to the Alzheimer's Association, "those who took 900 milligrams of DHA daily scored slightly better on a computerized memory test than those receiving the placebo."
Thiamin and Choline
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, thiamin is essential for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, needed to prevent the progression of age-related impairment in mental function and Alzheimer's disease.
Choline is an essential nutrient commonly linked to B-complex vitamins and incorperated in acetylcholine. The study published byThe American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the subject's whose diets supplied the highest average intake of choline and its metabolite betaine (found naturally in beets and whole wheat) had 20 percent lower levels of inflammatory markers associated with Alzheimer's disease compared to the subjects with the lowest average intake.
References
- WebMd; Fortifying Your Memory With Supplements
- PubMed; Improvement of short-term memory performance in aged beagles by a nutraceutical supplement containing phosphatidylserine, Ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, and pyridoxine
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Archives of Neurology; Vitamin E and Cognitive Decline in Older Persons
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; Dietary choline and betaine intakes in relation to concentrations of inflammatory markers in healthy adults: the ATTICA study1,2,3
