| | | | Other Names | | | Alzheimer, Alzheimer's, AD.
View products | | | Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive degenerating process of neural
tissue affecting mainly the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain
in middle and late life. There is probably a genetic component to
Alzheimer's disease, but early-onset Alzheimer's is linked to certain
mutations in three particular genes. Examination of affected brains
shows 'senile plaques' containing an amyloid-like material
distributed throughout an atrophied cortex. Many remaining neurons
show changes in their neurofibrils which thicken and twist into
"neurofibrillary tangles". First symptoms are psychological with insidious
impairment of recent memory and disorientation in time and space. This
becomes increasingly associated with difficulties in judgment,
comprehension and abstract reasoning. After very few years progressive
neurological deterioration produces poor gait, immobility and death. After
assessment has found no other organic cause for an affected individual's
symptoms, treatment is primarily palliative.
Alzheimer's disease is
a brain disorder that occurs in the later years of life. People with it
develop progressive loss of memory and gradually lose the ability to
function and to take care of themselves. The cause of this disorder is not
known, although the problem appears to involve abnormal breakdown of
acetylcholine (an important neurotransmitter in the brain). Some studies
suggest it may be related to an accumulation of aluminum in the brain.1
Despite this suggestion, aluminum toxicity has been studied in humans, and
it is quite distinct from Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the importance
of aluminum in causing Alzheimer's disease remains an unresolved
issue.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease? Symptoms of
Alzheimer's include a pattern of forgetfulness, short attention span,
difficulty in performing routine tasks, language problems, disorientation,
poor judgment, problems with thinking, misplacing things, depression,
irritability, paranoia, hostility, and lack of
initiative.
Conventional treatment options: Although conventional
treatments do not stop or slow progression of Alzheimer's, medications
such as tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), and rivastigmine (Exelon)
are designed to relieve some memory impairment by slowing down the
breakdown of acetylcholine. Some doctors may also recommend a low daily
dose of aspirin.
Dietary changes that may be helpful: Whether
aluminum in the diet can cause Alzheimer's disease remains controversial.
A preliminary study found Alzheimer's disease patients are more likely to
have consumed foods high in aluminum additives (e.g., some grain product
desserts, American cheese, chocolate pudding, chocolate beverages, salt,
and some chewing gum), compared to people without the disease. Until this
issue is resolved, it seems prudent for healthy people to take steps to
minimize exposure to this unnecessary and potentially toxic metal by
reducing intake of foods cooked in aluminum pots, foods that come into
direct contact with aluminum foil, beverages stored in aluminum cans, and
foods containing aluminum additives. Aluminum is added to some municipal
water supplies to prevent the accumulation of particulates. In such areas,
bottled water may be preferable. It appears unlikely, however, that
avoidance of aluminum exposure after the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
could significantly affect the course of the disease.
In population
studies, high dietary intake of fat and calories was associated with an
increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, whereas high intake of fish was
associated with a decreased risk. Whether these associations represent
cause and effect is unknown.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful:
Keeping active outside of one's work, either physically or mentally,
during midlife may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. People with higher
levels of non-occupational activities, such as playing a musical
instrument, gardening, physical exercise, or even playing board games,
were less likely to develop Alzheimer's later in life, according to one
study.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Several
clinical trials have found that acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation delays
the progression of Alzheimer's disease, improves memory, and enhances
overall performance in some people with Alzheimer's disease. However, in
one double-blind trial, people who received acetyl-L-carnitine (1 gram
three times per day) deteriorated at the same rate as those given a
placebo. Overall, however, most short-term studies have shown clinical
benefits, and most long-term studies (one year) have shown a reduction in
the rate of deterioration. A typical supplemental amount is 1 gram taken
three times per day.
In a preliminary study, people who used
antioxidant supplements (vitamin C or vitamin E) had a lower risk of
Alzheimer's disease compared with people who did not take antioxidants.
Other preliminary research shows that higher blood levels of vitamin E
correlate with better brain functioning in middle-aged and older adults.
The possible protective effect of antioxidants may be explained by the
observation that oxidative damage appears to play a role in the
development of dementia. Large amounts of supplemental vitamin E may slow
the progression of Alzheimer's disease. A double-blind trial found that
2,000 IU of vitamin E per day for two years extended the length of time
people with moderate Alzheimer's disease were able to continue caring for
themselves (e.g., bathing, dressing, and other necessary daily functions),
compared with people taking a placebo.
Vitamin B1 is involved in
nerve transmission in parts of the brain (called cholinergic neurons) that
deteriorate in Alzheimer's disease. The activity of vitamin B1-dependent
enzymes has been found to be lower in the brains of people with
Alzheimer's disease. It has therefore been suggested that vitamin B1
supplementation could slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Two
double-blind trials have reported small but significant improvements of
mental function in people with Alzheimer's disease who took 3 grams a day
of vitamin B1, compared to those who took placebo. However, another
double-blind trial using the same amount for a year found no effect on
mental function.
Phosphatidylserine (PS), which is related to
lecithin, is a naturally occurring compound present in the brain. Although
it is not a cure, 100 mg of PS taken three times per day has been shown to
improve mental function, such as the ability to remember names and to
recall the location of frequently misplaced objects, in people with
Alzheimer's disease. However, subsequent studies have not validated these
results. In one double-blind trial, only the most seriously impaired
participants received benefits from taking PS; people with moderate
Alzheimer's disease did not experience significant improvements in
cognitive function. In another double-blind trial, people with Alzheimer's
disease who took 300 mg of PS per day for eight weeks had better
improvement in overall well-being than those who took placebo, but there
were no significant differences in mental function tests. In another
double-blind trial, 200 mg of PS taken twice daily produced short-term
improvements in mental function (after six to eight weeks), but these
effects faded toward the end of the six-month study period.
A
further concern is that the PS used in these studies was obtained from cow
brain, which has been found in some instances to be infected with the
agents that cause mad-cow disease. The human variant of mad cow disease,
called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, is rare, but fatal and is thought to be
transmitted to people who consume organs and meat from infected cows. A
plant source of PS is also available. However, the chemical structure of
the plant form of PS differs from the form found in cow brain. In a
preliminary study, plant-derived PS was no more effective than a placebo
at improving the memory of elderly people.
A double-blind trial of
20 to 25 grams per day of lecithin failed to produce improvements in
mental function in people with Alzheimer's disease. However, there were
improvements in a subgroup of people who did not fully comply with the
program, suggesting that lower amounts of lecithin may possibly be
helpful. Lecithin supplementation has also been studied in combination
with a cholinesterase inhibitor drug called tacrine, with predominantly
negative results.
DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels
of the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In one preliminary trial,
people with senile dementia were given DMAE supplements of 600 mg three
times per day for four weeks. The participants did not show any changes in
memory, though some did show positive behavior changes. However, a
subsequent double-blind trial found no significant benefit from DMAE
supplementation in people with Alzheimer's disease.
In a
preliminary report, two people with a hereditary form of Alzheimer's
disease received daily: coenzyme Q10 (60 mg), iron (150 mg of sodium
ferrous citrate), and vitamin B6 (180 mg). Mental status improved in both
patients, and one became almost normal after six months.
Studies in
the test tube have shown that zinc can cause biochemical changes
associated with Alzheimer's disease. For that reason, some scientists have
been concerned that zinc supplements might promote the development of this
disease. However, in a study of four people with Alzheimer's disease,
supplementation with zinc (30 mg per day) actually resulted in improved
mental function. In a recent review article, one of the leading zinc
researchers concluded that zinc does not cause or worsen Alzheimer's
disease.
A small, preliminary trial showed that oral NADH (10 mg
per day) improved mental function in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Further studies are necessary to confirm these early results.
Some
researchers have found an association between Alzheimer's disease and
deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid; however, other researchers
consider such deficiencies to be of only minor importance. In a study of
elderly Canadians, those with low blood levels of folate were more likely
to have dementia of all types, including Alzheimer's disease, than those
with higher levels of folate. Little is known about whether
supplementation with either vitamin would significantly help people with
this disease. Nonetheless, it makes sense for people with Alzheimer's
disease to be medically tested for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and
to be treated if they are deficient.
Most, but not all, studies
have found that people with Alzheimer's disease have lower blood DHEA
levels than do people without the condition. Emerging evidence suggests a
possible benefit of DHEA supplementation in people with Alzheimer's
disease. In one double-blind trial, participants who took 50 mg twice
daily for six months had significantly better mental performance at the
three-month mark than those taking placebo. At six months, statistically
significant differences between the two groups were not seen, but results
still favored DHEA. In another clinical trial, massive amounts of DHEA
(1,600 mg per day for four weeks) failed to improve mental function or
mood in elderly people with or without Alzheimer's disease. It is likely
that the amount of DHEA used in this trial was far in excess of an
appropriate amount, illustrating that more is not always
better.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Refer to the
individual supplement for information about any side effects or
interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful: An extract made from the
leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree is an approved treatment for early-stage
Alzheimer's disease in Europe. While not a cure, Ginkgo biloba extract
(GBE) may improve memory and quality of life and slow progression in the
early stages of the disease. In addition, four double-blind trials have
shown that GBE is helpful for people in early stages of Alzheimer's
disease, as well as for those experiencing another form of dementia known
as multi-infarct dementia. One trial reported no effect of GBE
supplementation in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia
or age-associated memory impairment. However, the results of this trial
have been criticized, since analysis of the results does not separate
those patients with Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia from those
with age-associated memory impairment. A comparison of placebo-controlled
trials of ginkgo for Alzheimer's disease concluded that the herb compared
favorably with two prescription drugs, donepezil and tacrine, commonly
used to treat the condition. Research studies have used 120 to 240 mg of
GBE, standardized to contain 6% terpene lactones and 24% flavone
glycosides per day, generally divided into two or three portions. GBE may
need to be taken for six to eight weeks before desired actions are
noticed.
Huperzine A is a substance found in huperzia (Huperzia
serrata), a Chinese medicinal herb. In a placebo-controlled trial, 58% of
people with Alzheimer's disease had significant improvement in memory and
mental and behavioral function after taking 200 mcg of huperzine A twice
per day for eight weeks-a statistically significant improvement compared
to the 36% who responded to placebo. Another double-blind trial using
injected huperzine A confirmed a positive effect in people with dementia,
including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease. Yet another
double-blind trial found that huperzine A, given at levels of 100 to 150
mcg two to three times per day for four to six weeks, was more effective
at improving minor memory loss associated with age-related cognitive
decline than the drug piracetam. This study found that huperzine A was not
effective in relieving symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Clearly, more
research is needed before the usefulness of huperzine A for Alzheimer's
disease is confirmed.
Lesser periwinkle contains the alkaloid
vincamine. Supplementation with a semi-synthetic derivative of vincamine,
known as vinpocentine, showed no benefit for people with Alzheimer's
disease in a preliminary study, but vincamine itself was shown to be
beneficial in a later double-blind trial.
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Please Note: This Traditional Use information is provided as a courtesy only. The products indicated above may be listed in error. This information is based on Traditional and Folklore Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not based on scientific evidence from any source. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Ginkgo Biloba Plus - 24/6 - 60 mg 120 softgels
26.44 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Phoso Lecithin - 55% Phosphatides - Triple Strength - 3900 mg 180 capsules
27.80 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Lecithin - Natural Unbleached - Rich in Phospholipids - 1200 mg 180 capsules
17.34 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Lecithin - Super Blend - 1200 mg 90 capsules
9.33 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Lecithin Granules - 97% Phospholipids 14 oz / 397 g
16.11 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Ginkgo Biloba Super - 60 mg - Standardized 60 capsules
13.76 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Ginkgo Biloba - 60 mg - 24% Standardized Extract 60 capsules
14.09 US In Stock - Ships Today! More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Ginkgo Biloba - 60 mg - 24% Standardized Extract - TwinPack 120 capsules
25.68 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Ginkgo Biloba - 24% Standardized Extract 2 fl oz / 59 mL
23.79 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Selenium - Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) Chelated - Plus Vitamins C & E - 200mcg 90 tablets
17.72 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Selenium - 100 mcg - Yeast-Free 100 tablets
7.02 US More Info
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Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Selenium - 100 mcg - Yeast-Free 250 tablets
15.50 US More Info
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