Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and ultimately fatal brain disease that affects some 5 million people in the U.S., according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer's slowly attacks nerve cells in the brain impairing a person's abilities to control emotions, distinguish errors and patterns, and remember.
Alzheimer’s typically strikes older adults over the age of 65. However, most people with Alzheimer’s are over age 80, notes the Mayo Clinic. While some treatments may help delay the advancement of Alzheimer’s, no cure exists for this most common form of dementia. A handful of vitamins may be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients.
Folate Promotes Healthy Nervous System
Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for proper nervous system function, according to Medline Plus. Evidence is mixed as to whether folate improves age-related deterioration memory and thinking skills. Limited research suggests that older adults who take folate have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who don’t.
Folate joins forces with other B vitamins to extract homocysteine from the blood. Homocysteine is protein building amino acid produced in the body. Alzheimer’s patients tend to have elevated levels of homocysteine and low levels of folate. High amounts of homocysteine are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Ginkgo Biloba May Enhance Brain Function
Ginkgo biloba is widely used in Europe to treat dementia. Ginkgo is also used for conditions that seem to be caused by diminished blood flow in the brain. Some evidence indicates that taking ginkgo leaf extract by mouth may slightly improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s. While ginkgo may improve thinking and memory, further studies are needed to confirm these suggested benefits, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Ginkgo biloba can interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin) and cause bleeding. Do not use ginkgo if you take blood thinners or the class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), cautions Medline Plus.
Vitamin E May Protect Brain Cells
Vitamin E is sometimes suggested to treat Alzheimer’s disease because of its ability to enter the brain quickly, and possibly prevent cell damage. Research is mixed as to whether vitamin E can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Health experts warn that taking large dosages of vitamin E can increase your risk of cardiovascular death. Always consult with your health care provider before taking herbs or vitamins for Alzheimer’s disease.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic, “Alzheimer’s Disease” (Accessed December 12, 2010)
Medline Plus, “Alzheimer’s Disease (Accessed December 12, 2010)
Medline Plus, “Ginkgo” (Accessed December 12, 2010)
Medline Plus, “Folate” (Accessed December 12, 2010)
Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer’s Disease” (Accessed December 12, 2010)
Karen Gaskell - Karen Jean Gaskell has worked as a radio and television journalist for more than three decades. During her career Karen has written and ...
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