CoQ10 is short for coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant commonly used as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. More recently, the antioxidant has gained attention as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, a chronic memory loss disorder. While the supplement shows promise, you should never take CoQ10 without first talking to your doctor.
Alzheimer's and Memory Loss
Many medical disorders can cause memory loss, though one of the more common causes is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is sometimes called senile dementia and is a chronic memory loss disorder that generally worsens over time. The exact cause of Alzheimer's memory loss is not fully understood, though Medline Plus reports it is more common in people over 60 and may be genetic. In the early stages of Alzheimer's, memory loss is apparent but not severe. In other words, someone may forget familiar names or where they put the car keys. As Alzheimer's progresses, however, memory loss becomes so severe that it interferes with all aspects of life. Those with severe Alzheimer's dementia may need assistance to dress, eat or even remember their own name. Medline Plus reports that there is no cure for Alzheimer's, although some medications may slow the progression of memory loss.
What Is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is short for Coenzyme Q10, a natural antioxidant found in foods like whole grains, edible organs like liver and oily fish. Most people get plenty of CoQ10 if they eat a balanced diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, though supplements may be used for people CoQ10 with deficiencies. It can also be used as a treatment for certain medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. CoQ10 may work in a few ways. Free radicals are thought to play a role in many chronic diseases, and antioxidants like CoQ10 can eliminate some of these toxic compounds in the body. Neurodegenerative diseases that cause memory loss, such as Alzheimer's, may also be influenced by cell dysfunction. According to a 2008 study in the "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease," CoQ10 may help prevent this problem.
CoQ10's Effectiveness
The research on CoQ10 treatment for the memory loss associated with Alzheimer's is promising, but it is also limited. MayoClinic.com gives the supplement a "c" rating when it comes to Alzheimer's treatment, meaning there is not enough evidence yet to make a recommendation. However, they also report that CoQ10 may help slow the process of Alzheimer's degeneration. UMMC offers a similar statement about CoQ10 and reports that in addition to possibly playing a role in Alzheimer's treatment it may also help treat another disorder that causes memory loss: Parkinson's disease. The "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease" recommends clinical trials of CoQ10 in humans with the disorder based on the research to date, most of which has related to laboratory animals.
Clinical Recommendations
There is little harm in increasing the amount of coenzyme Q10-rich foods in your diet, as many of these foods are heart-healthy and already part of a nutritious meal plan. However, supplemental CoQ10 may not be safe for everyone. Medline Plus cautions those with Alzheimer's disease against taking any supplements without first clearing them with a physician, and according to UMMC, CoQ10 can change the way blood thinners and blood pressure medications act in the body. If you are interested in using supplements for memory loss treatment, talk to your doctor for his recommendations.
References
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Evaluation of Coenzyme Q as an Antioxidant Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease; Teri L Wadsworth, James A Bishop, Anuradha S Pappu, Randall L Woltjer and Joseph F Quinnad; June 2008 14(2)
- MayoClinic.com; Coenzyme Q10; July 2011
- Medline Plus; Alzheimer's Disease; October 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Coenzyme Q10; March 2009
