Senile dementia is a growing problem in the United States, with more people displaying symptoms at younger ages. Short-term memory loss, impaired cognition, confusion and inappropriate behavior are common symptoms of dementia. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, and according to the Alzheimer's Association, between 5 million and 6 million Americans have developed it. Some supplements may be able to combat the symptoms of dementia, although consulting with a health professional before taking any is recommended.
Cobalamin
Cobalamin, or vitamin B-12, has long been associated with maintaining mental faculties, especially cognition and memory. Recent research supports the notion that low levels of cobalamin in the blood is associated with increased risk of developing senile dementia. A Finnish study published in a 2010 edition of "Neurology" found that patients with the highest levels of cobalamin in their blood were the least likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Cobalamin reduces circulating levels of homocysteine, a chemical linked to higher risks of stroke and dementia. Cobalamin also protects the brain from shrinking, which often leads to concentration and memory deficiencies.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is also essential for cognitive ability, short- and long-term memory and concentration. A Dutch study published in a 2007 edition of the journal "The Lancet" discovered that 800 micrograms of folic acid administered for a period of three years reduced cognitive decline and preserved memory in elderly patients between the ages of 50 and 70.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal remedy that has the ability to relax and dilate blood vessels that supply the brain, which infuses neurons with more blood and oxygen. In 2006, researchers at the Brain Research Institute at UCLA found significant improvement in verbal recall among elderly patients with senile dementia who took ginkgo biloba supplements for six months, prompting them to conclude that ginkgo may protect against the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is an amino acid that has been studied in relation to Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia for many years. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several early studies showed that acetyl-L-carnitine may help delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, as well as reduce depression related to senile dementia and improve short-term memory in the elderly, although more studies are needed to better clarify these effects.
References
- Alzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's Facts and Figures
- "Neurology"; Homocysteine and Holotranscobalamin and the Risk of Alzheimer Disease; B. Hooshmand et al; October 2010
- "The Lancet"; Effect of 3-year Folic Acid Supplementation on Cognitive Function in Older Adults in the FACIT Trial: A Randomised, Double Blind, Controlled Trial; J. Durga et al; January 2007
- UCLA Brain Research Institute: Ginkgo Biloba and the Brain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: L-Carnitine
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