Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that can rob people of the ability to think clearly, perform everyday tasks and ultimately, remember who they even are. Because the disease is so devastating, and since previous treatments failed to come up with a cure, I’m always on the lookout for Alzheimer’s natural treatment options and Alzheimer’s news, scouring the medical journals for for Alzheimer’s breakthroughs.
There are several theories including free radical damage, an inability to use glucose properly, vitamin deficiencies or environmental toxins. This illness affects a third of people over the age of 85 in the U.S. (Source)
The good news is that there are Alzheimer’s natural treatment options that can effectively improve this condition.
In a December 2023 large-scale studypublished in JAMA Neurology, researchers identified 15 lifestyle and health risk factors associated with early-onset dementia. The study analyzed information from over 356,000 people younger than 65 whose data were in the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research initiative in the United Kingdom, between 2006 and 2010.
Alcohol use, higher formal education, and lower physical frailty (higher handgrip strength) were associated with lower risk of incidence of YOD (Young Onset Dementia), whereas increased risk of YOD was associated with low socioeconomic status, apolipoprotein E status, alcohol use disorder, social isolation,vitamin D deficiency, high C-reactive protein levels, hearing impairment, orthostatic hypotension, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
More difficult to tackle is loneliness, termed “social isolation” by the researchers. Participants visiting friends and family less than monthly showed higher young-onset dementia association compared to more frequent visitors.
Best Natural Ways to Treat Dementia: Evidence Based
1. Diet and Alzheimer's
In 2016, scientists found that the Mediterranean diet seems to be protective against Alzheimer’s disease. A 2016 UCLA study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that the Mediterranean diet is one of the main lifestyle factors that seems to keep the brain from developing the toxic plaques and tangles associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Plaque is characterized by deposits of a toxic protein called beta-amyloid in the spaces between nerve cells in the brain. Think of tangles of knotted threads of the tau protein found within brain cells. Both are considered the key indicators of Alzheimer’s.
The new study used PET imaging to study the brain for changes and is the first to demonstrate how lifestyle factors directly influence abnormal proteins in people with subtle memory loss who have not yet been diagnosed with dementia. Healthy lifestyle factors also have been shown to be related to reduced shrinking of the brain and lower rates of atrophy in people with Alzheimer’s. (UCLA Newsroom 2016)
Food staples of the Mediterranean diet include:
- fresh fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens like spinach and kale and non-starchy veggies like eggplant, cauliflower, artichokes, tomatoes and fennel)
- olive oil
- nuts and seeds (like almonds and sesame seeds used to make tahini)
- legumes and beans (especially lentils and chickpeas used to make hummus)
- herbs and spices (like oregano, rosemary and parsley)
- whole grains
- eating wild-caught fish and seafood at least twice a week
- high-quality, pasture-raised poultry, eggs, cheese, goat milk, and probiotic-rich kefir or yogurt consumed in moderation
- red meat consumed on special occasions or about once weekly
- plenty of fresh water and some coffee or tea
- oftentimes a daily glass of red wine
One study found the MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet, specifically designed to help reduce cognitive decline through berries, whole grains, leafy, green vegetables, other vegetables, olive oil, poultry and fish more effectively reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease than the two respective diets did when followed separately.(source)
Similarly,the ketogenic diet appears to help neurological disease like Alzheimer’s. For example, in one study clinicalimprovement was observed in Alzheimer’s patients fed a keto diet, and this was marked by improved mitochondrial function. (source)
2. Exercise and Alzheimer’s
That same UCLA-led study also produced some robust results surrounding exercise’s brain-protecting properties. Those who were more physically active on a regular basis also had the lowest levels of tangles and plaques on the PET scans, meaning they had a much lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
While any type of exercise is certainly better than sitting around, if you’re time strapped,Burst training, also known as high-intensity interval training, or HIIT,is a great option. Here are 3HIIT workoutsto help you get started.
Keep in mind, though, that we need more research on how HIIT impacts the brain. We know that it does melt away fat faster than traditional steady state cardio (and a lower BMI lowers your risk of the tangles and plaques associated with Alzheimer’s, according to the latest UCLA study). However, a previous study did find that steady state cardio creates more brain neurons compared to weight training or HIIT. (source)
More research is needed to see if one form of exercise is best to prevent Alzheimer’s. For now, just focus on any physical activity and getting into a healthy BMI range.
3. Avoiding certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs could lower your Alzheimer’s risk
Drugs linked to dementianow include popular sleep andallergy meds. These include things likediphenhydramine (for allergies), dimenhydrinate (for motion sickness/nausea), a combination of ibuprofen and diphenhydramine citrate (for pain and sleep) and doxylamine (for allergies), among others. These pills haveanticholinergicproperties, something increasingly linking to dementia.
A 2016 study published inJAMA Neurologyused MRI and PET scans to show how anticholinergic drugs lower brain metabolism and trigger higher rates of brain atrophy. Taking anticholinergic drugs also led to worse scores on memory tests. (source)
Certain antidepressants, COPD and asthma medications, along with drugs for overactive bladder issues, could also fall in the anticholinergic category. Therefore, if you need these medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if safer alternatives exist.
4. Gut health and Alzheimer’s disease
Your gut is responsible for so much more than digestion. In 2016, University of Chicago researchers found that a long-term dose of antibiotics changed the gut bacteria of mice in a way that seemed to help reduce levels of amyloid-beta proteins in mice brains. (Nature 2016)
This is preliminary research, and we certainly don’t suggest we all start taking antibiotics. But what we like about this breakthrough is that it highlights the fact that our guts — or our microbiome — are very closely tied to our brains and brain-related disease. In fact, many called our guts the “second brain.”
Top Alzheimer’s Foods to Eat & Avoid
Foods to Eat
Organic, unprocessed foods —Make sure you diet includes plenty of “real foods.” These are foods thatdon’t have an ingredient listing. Vegetables, clean meats and fruit in moderation are all important foods to consume.
Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E —There may be some connection between free radicals and Alzheimer’s.Antioxidant foodshelp combat the damage caused by free radicals. Colorful fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and should be consumed at every meal.
Wild-caught fish —A great source foromega-3 fats, DHA specifically, which are critical for brain health.
Foods high in zinc —Many people with Alzheimer’s aredeficient in zinc. Foods high in zinc include pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef and dark chocolate.
Coconut oil—Coconut oil usesinclude providing the brain with ketones, which serves as brainfuelinstead of glucose. Some people have seen significant improvement to memory after adding coconut to their diet.
Foods to Avoid
Any food containing toxins or additives —These foods can possibly be neurotoxic.Be sure to especially avoid the “dirty dozen“: nonorganic fruits and vegetables that are coated withneurotoxic agricultural chemicals. Studies show people with higher levels of organochlorine pesticides in their blood, including DDE, a breakdown compound of DDT, face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. (source) It’s also best to avoid anyprocessed foods.
Alcohol —Alcohol is a toxin and can cause brain cells to die faster than normal. In fact, there is such a thing as “alcohol-related dementia.” Research shows thatthe frontal lobes of people diagnosed withalcoholism appear particularly susceptible to damage, with evidence of markedly decreased neuron density, volume shrinkage, and altered glucose metabolism and perfusion. (source)
Tap water —Tap watermay contain environmental toxins, including aluminum salts (see below), so be sure test your water if you drink tap water (or get a recent water testing report if you drink municipal water) and filter out contaminants. Environmental Working Group issued a greatdrinking water filter guideto help you find the best one for your circ*mstance.
Sugar and refined grains —Alzheimer’s may be caused by insulin resistance, similar to diabetes. Therefore, keeping your insulin low by eliminating sugar and refined grains will be an important component in maintaining brain health.
Foods packaged in aluminum containers — Aluminum is neurotoxic at high levels, so it’s best to avoid it. In fact, research shows aluminum enters neurons similarly to how iron does, leading to aluminum accumulation and neurofibrillary damage linked to Alzheimer’s progression. (PubMed) You should particularly avoid heating food in aluminum; the heat is known to release more toxic compounds.
Top Alzheimer’s Natural Treatment Supplements
A2023 scientific reviewpublished in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrients discusses the role of micronutrients in neurological disorders specifically, noting that long-term deficiencies may be involved in the cause and subsequent development of neurodegenerative processes and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
As noted in this paper, the primary function of micronutrients is their "catalytic effect in enzyme systems, either as cofactors or as components of metalloenzymes." Other essential roles include antioxidant activity and immune modulation. When you're deficient in micronutrients, especially long term, peripheral nerve damage and/or damage to the central nervous system can result, which in turn can contribute to a variety of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Another2022 review paper, retrieved a total of 4310 articles and 43 articles to be incorporated in the review. Findings revealed a trend of significant association between low levels of B vitamins (folate and vitamin B12), vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acid, and albumin, and high hom*ocysteine levels in blood with an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment among older adults.
We have compiled a list below together with their reference links. Note that this list is not exhaustive.
Methodology: The selection or short-listing of the list below is based on the available scientific evidence retrieved from scientific database such as PubMed and scientific search engine such as Google Scholar.
Here are the best natural supplements that are supported by research and evidence.
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin D3
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Ginseng
- Melatonin
- Green Tea (EGCG)
- Lutein (carotenoids)
- Combined Metabolic Activators (NR, NAC, L-Carnitine and L-Serine)
- Centrum Silver Multivitamin
1. B Vitamins
Vitamins B3, B6, B9 (folate) and B12 may be particularly important for supporting cognitive function as you age, and have been shown to play a major role in the development of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, which is the most serious (and lethal).
Asystematic review(Wang 2022)of 95 studies found that B vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
A posthoc analysis study of the OmegAD trial,published in 2019, concluded that the effect of omega-3 supplementation on MMSE and CDR (measures of cognitive dysfunction) appears to be influenced by baseline tHcy (total hom*ocysteine level), suggesting that adequate B vitamin status is required to obtain beneficial effects of omega-3-fatty acid on cognition.
Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammationis a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
B vitamins, particularly vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), haveanti-inflammatory propertiesthat can help to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against cognitive decline.
Vitamin B3 and NAD
Since age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and dementia, supplements that slow aging-related processes may also slow progression of these diseases. An observational study found that older adults have lower levels of the coenzyme NAD+ in their brains than younger adults (Pubmed 2015).
Niacinamide in Alzheimer's (Clinical Trial)
Niacinamide may also be useful in early Alzheimer’s treatment. In theNicotinamide as an EarlyAlzheimer's Disease Treatment(NEAT) study, 1,500 mg of niacinamide is given twice daily.
Related:Best NMN Supplement 2024
2. Vitamin D3 and Dementia
In a study published inMarch 2023, Vitamin D supplementation was associated with 40% lower dementia incidence versus no exposure.
Participants (~65 years of age) from a Brazilian cross-sectional study that were diagnosed with dementia showed lower serum vitamin D levels. Interestingly, a rise in each unit of serum vitamin D led to a fall in dementia prevalence by 8%, suggesting that vitamin D may be a meaningful disease-modifiable factor (Santos 2020).
A study by Zhao and colleagues (Zhao 2020)examined if the consumption of vitamin D is associated with the risk of dementia. A multi-ethnic cohort from the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP) comprised more than 1750 individuals over 65 years old without dementia at baseline. At a 5.8-year follow-up, 329 subjects were diagnosed with dementia and those with the lowest vitamin D intake had the highest risk of developing dementia, supporting the concept that higher vitamin D consumption, and its enhanced action thereof, may be beneficial for healthy cognitive functions.
According toDr. Sage Wheeler, medical director of SageMED in Bellevue, Washington:
When supplementing, vitamin D3 should be combined with vitamin K2, especially in higher doses. When combined appropriately as D3/K2, it can be dosed more aggressively for faster optimization.
Related:Best VitaminD3 Supplements
3. Omega-3 (DHA)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in some fish and over-the-counter supplements. It is a building block of the brain involved with numerous cellular pathways.
Increasing your omega-3 fat intake and reducing consumption of damaged omega-6 fats (think processed vegetable oils) in order to balance your omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Krill oil works well for this because (like wild Alaskan salmon) it also contains astaxanthin, which appears to be particularly beneficial for brain health.
A studypublished in April 2023 found that long-term consumption of omega-rich foods and supplements led to a 20 to 64 percent decrease in dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease.
Astudy(Huang 2022) examining nearly 212,000 cognitively healthy people concluded that regularly taking fish oil supplements was significantly associated with lower risks of incident all-cause dementia, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and other dementia—but not Alzheimer’s disease.
Published in 2022, theCognitive impAiRmEnt Study(CARES Trial 2), was designed to examine the potential synergistic effects of a combination of omega-3 fatty acids (namely DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), xanthophyll carotenoids (specifically lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin) and vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol) on the cognitive performance of cognitively healthy older adults. This study provides Class II evidence that 24-month supplementation with 430 mg DHA, 90 mg EPA, 10 mg lutein, 2 mg zeaxanthin, 10 mg meso-zeaxanthin and 15 mg vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol) is effective in improving cognitive performance, namely working memory, in cognitively healthy older adults.
In conclusion, the CARES research has shown improvements in working memory following 24-month supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, xanthophyll carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) and vitamin E in cognitively healthy older adults. These results support a biologically plausible rationale whereby these nutrients work synergistically, and in a dose-dependent manner, to improve cognitive performance. These findings illustrate the importance of nutritional enrichment in improving cognition and enabling older adults to continue to function independently, and highlight how a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and xanthophyll carotenoids may prove beneficial in reducing cognitive decline and/or delaying Alzheimer's disease onset in later life. (Power 2022).
A posthoc analysis study of the OmegAD trial,published in 2019, concluded that the effect of omega-3 supplementation on MMSE and CDR (measures of cognitive dysfunction) appears to be influenced by baseline tHcy (total hom*ocysteine level), suggesting that adequate B vitamin status is required to obtain beneficial effects of omega-3-fatty acid on cognition.
Increased beneficial effects of macular carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) were also observed upon their intake together with fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids, suggesting a dietary synergism (Nolan 2018).
Many governments recommend eating omega-3 containing fatty fish, two times per week. But that is often not enough. Ideally, people would need to eat fatty fish four times per week, while also supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, at least 1,000 mg of pure omega-3 (DHA and EPA) per day.
Make sure you buy high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, meaning that the omega-3 fatty acids are pure and have not oxidized much (having low “TOTOX” value).
TOTOX value stands for total oxidation value. The omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oil are highly sensitive to oxidation. This means that they are rapidly affected by contact with oxygen. Oxidised fatty acids are not beneficial to our health. For this reason, a good fish oil supplement has a low TOTOX value. The maximum TOTOX value is set at 26 by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA omega-3.
According toDr. Sage Wheeler, medical director of SageMED in Bellevue, Washington:
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements come in three types: inexpensive ethyl esters, high-quality triglycerides, and superior monoglycerides. Monoglycerides are 2-3 times more potent due to better absorption, making 1,000 mg of monoglyceride omegas equivalent to approximately 2,700 mg of triglyceride-based omegas, according to Wheeler.
I recommend eating fish 2-3 times per week and taking 2,500-3,000 mg of a monoglyceride formula or 5,000 mg of a triglyceride formula, once per day, with food.
4. Magnesium L-threonate for Brain Health
Magnesium (Mg) is an essential mineral for the body and brain, which is needed for the proper functioning of many enzymes that carry out biochemical reactions. Sufficient levels of magnesium are usually obtained through a healthy diet.
A meta-analysis conducted in 2022 concluded that a significant Mg deficiency exists in subjects diagnosed with MCI or AD (Du 2022). These findings suggest that Mg deficiency may be either the result of low dietary intake of Mg or the consequence of disease progression.
Reduced Mg amount in the AD brain may be attributed to lower circulating Mg levels caused by its reduced dietary intake, or defective Mg transport mechanism. The findings of higher dietary Mg intake are associated with a lower risk of MCI indicating a potential neuroprotective effect of Mg intake or supplementation (Glick 2016).
Another 17-year study that followed more than 1,000 Japanese adults over the age of 60 found that those who consumed more than 200 mg of magnesium per day were 37 percent less likely to develop any type of dementia and 74 percent less likely to develop vascular dementia [Ozawa 2012].
One 2016 pilot randomized controlled trial of 44 patients reported that magnesium L-threonate improved overall cognitive ability for elderly patients with memory complaints (Liu 2016).
How much magnesium do I need? Therecommended dietary allowance for magnesium is 310 to 420 mg per daydepending on your age and sex, but many experts believe you may need 600 to 900 mg per day, which is more in line with the magnesium uptake during the Paleolithic period.
As noted inOpen Heart(BMJ):
“Investigations of the macro- and micro-nutrient supply in Paleolithic nutrition of the former hunter/gatherer societies showed a magnesium uptake with the usual diet of about 600 mg magnesium/day …
This means our metabolism is best adapted to a high magnesium intake … In developed countries, the average intake of magnesium is slightly over 4 mg/kg/day … [T]he average intake of magnesium in the USA is around 228 mg/day in women and 266mg/day in men …”
The key to effectively using higher doses, however, is to make sure you avoid loose bowels as that will disrupt your gut microbiome, which would be highly counterproductive.
5. Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine (also known as Korean or Asian ginseng). Its root contains compounds called ginsenosides, which have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Panax ginseng is purported to enhance longevity, promote cognitive functions, and alleviate fatigue.
A 2010 Cochrane meta-analysis of five double-blind randomized controlled trials in healthy subjects reported that Panax ginseng treatment for 8-12 weeks showed improvement in some aspects of cognitive function, behavior, and quality of life, though the evidence was not convincing or consistent across studies (Ref).
A2020 double-blind randomized controlled trialof 52 healthy individuals reported that Panax ginseng treatment (1 g/day) for eight weeks significantly increased the volume of a brain region important for memory and improved scores on executive function, attention, and memory, effects that were not seen in the placebo group.
In one2020 systematic reviewthat included two randomized controlled trials for ginseng, both trials showed that ginseng supplementation resulted in significant improvements in cognitive outcomes; however, due to the limitations in the methodological quality of the trials, results have not been conclusive.
The longest placebo-controlled clinical trial included 61 Alzheimer’s patients and lasted two years (Ref 2011). In the low-dose Panax ginseng group (4.5 g/day), cognitive scores (as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination) improved after 48 weeks, then slightly decreased at 96 weeks. In the high-dose group (9.0 g/day), cognitive scores showed slight improvement at 48 and 96 weeks. In this study, maximum cognitive improvement was observed around 24 weeks, then sustained for two years.
6. Melatonin
Melatonin is neuro-protective. The brain consumes 20% of the body’s oxygen. All that oxygen passing through the brain makes a toxic byproduct called reactive oxygen species, which can damage nerves and blood vessels.
Is Melatonin Good For Alzheimer's?
Melatonin improves sleep, which could theoretically lead to long-term protection against Alzheimer's. A review and meta-analysis on melatonin treatment in Alzheimer's published inNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews(Aug 2021) showed individuals with Alzheimer's improved with more than 12 weeks of treatment.
Your brain uses many different antioxidants, including melatonin, to neutralize the reactive oxygen species before they can cause harm. Therefore, it is not surprising thatstudies(2018)show melatonin seems to provide some protective effect against diseases like Alzheimer’s.
7. Geen Tea (EGCG)
Green tea is prepared from dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. It contains several compounds that are possibly beneficial to brain health, including caffeine, catechins (polyphenols like EGCG), and L-theanine (an amino acid derivative).
Greater green tea consumption was associated with lower risk of dementia in two studies conducted in Japan, with the larger study reporting 27% lower risk in people who drank at least 5 cups a day[R].Tea drinking was also associated with higher verbal fluency in elderly Chinese people (i.e., 80–115 years old)[R].
Two double-blind randomized controlled trials have evaluated the effects of green tea extract on cognitive functions. One trial in 91 patients with mild cognitive impairment reported that the combination of green tea extract and L-theanine for 16 weeks resulted in significant improvements in memory and attention, particularly in patients who had relatively severe baseline impairment [R].
The second trial examined the acute effects of a drink containing 27.5 g of green tea extract and reported that the drink increased brain connectivity associated with working memory and the degree of connectivity correlated with the magnitude of improvement in working memory[R].
8. Lutein Optimizes Brain Health
While lutein is well-known for its role in eye health, its role in brain health is being increasingly explored. The connection makes sense, since as your vision worsens with age, so too may your cognitive abilities.
TheCognitive impAiRmEnt Study(CARES), was designed to examine the potential synergistic effects of a combination of omega-3 fatty acids (namely DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), xanthophyll carotenoids (specifically lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin) and vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol) on the cognitive performance of cognitively healthy older adults.
According to CARES, cognitively healthy subjects aged over 65 years, on a diet supplemented for 2 years with a combination of fish oil, vitamin E, and macular pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin), showed improved cognitive ability, measured by working memory test performance, and increased levels of tissue carotenoids, as well as systemic xanthophylls and omega-3 fatty acid concentrations (Power 2022).
Research shows visual impairment at a distance is associated with declining cognitive function over time, while "maintaining good vision may be an important interventional strategy for mitigating age-related cognitive declines." (JAMA 2018)
Meanwhile, studies support the beneficial effects of lutein on brain health. In a trial of young, healthy adults, supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin improved levels of these carotenoids in the central nervous system along with boosting cognitive function. (Nutrients 2017)
Among older adults with a mean age of 73.7 years, lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation also improved cognitive function, including boosts in complex attention and cognitive flexibility domains, compared to those taking a placebo. (Hammond 2017)
Men taking part in the study also had improvements in composite memory. These benefits were seen with a daily lutein and zeaxanthin dose equivalent to that found in one-half cup of cooked kale or 1 cup of cooked spinach. (NutritionFacts 2023)
A literature search involving eight clinical trials further revealed that lutein and zeaxanthin in the blood or macula are associated with cognitive performance, and "there is an inverse relationship between a higher amount of macular pigment in the blood and lower risk of mild cognitive impairments or Alzheimer's disease." (Wang 2022)
Your body cannot make lutein, so you must get it from your diet. Following are 10 foods that are particularly rich sources of lutein.
- Dark leafy greens
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Egg yolks
- Red and yellow peppers
- Sweet corn
- Avocados
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Paprika
9. Centrum Silver multivitamin review: Can Centrum Silver Improve Memory in Older Adults?
A March 2024 meta-analysis, published in theAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition, indicates that daily MVM (MultiVitamin Mineral) significantly benefits both global cognition and episodic memory.These findings within the COSMOS (COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study)
trial support the benefits of a daily MVM in preventing cognitive decline among older adults.
One of the studies analysed above was COSMOS-Mind. According to the COSMOS-Mind study published in thejournal Alzheimer’s & Dementia(2022), findings showed improved scores in overall cognition, memory, andexecutive functionin the people who took Centrum Silver compared to the people who took the placebo.
The researchers estimated that taking the multivitamin daily for three years translated to a 60% slowing of cognitive decline—about 1.8 years.
“Three years of multivitamin supplementation did improve cognitive function,”Laura Baker, PhD, lead author of the study and a professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, told Verywell. “People with cardiovascular disease appeared to have benefited the most from the multivitamin.”
Over 2,200 adults aged 65 and older enrolled in theCOSMOS-Mindtrial took part in the study, which was done over three years. The average age of the participants was 73 years old, 60% were women, and 89% were White. None of the participants had a history of stroke or heart attack at the start of the trial.
Read More:Memory and Cognitive Benefits of Multivitamins(2024)
10. Combined metabolic activators
A2023, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II clinical trialstudied the effect of CMA (combined metabolic activators) administration on the global metabolism of AD (Alzheimer's Disease) patients. One-dose CMA included 12.35 g L-serine (61.75%), 1 g nicotinamide riboside (5%), 2.55 g N-acetyl-L-cysteine (12.75%), and 3.73 g L-carnitine tartrate (18.65%). AD patients received one dose of CMA or placebo daily during the first 28 days and twice daily between day 28 and day 84. The primary endpoint was the difference in the cognitive function and daily living activity scores between the placebo and the treatment arms.
The results indicate that treatment of AD patients with CMA can lead to enhanced cognitive functions and improved clinical parameters associated with phenomics, metabolomics, proteomics and imaging analysis.
The Honest Truth About Alzheimer’s Research
DR. SUZANNE GAZDA, FLCCC SENIOR FELLOW OF NEUROLOGY, DISCUSSES THE RETRACTION OF A LANDMARK ALZHEIMER’S STUDY PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL NATURE IN 2006 DUE TO IMAGE MANIPULATION.
What happens when a landmark Alzheimer’s research paper, once a beacon for advancements in Alzheimer’s, is revealed to be a fraud? That’s the question at the heart of this 2024 webinar.
This issue was first brought to FLCCC attention by Dr. Suzanne Gazda, FLCCC’s Senior Fellow of Neurology, who has made a career helping patients improve brain health and stave off conditions like Alzheimer’s.
There’s been a bit of a shake up in the Alzheimer’s research world recently. The leading study linking amyloid plaque in the brain to Alzheimer’s has been retracted. For the last 20 years, this study has been cited 2500 times in research and drug development. Despite nearly $100 billion invested in Alzheimer’s research in the US, no effective therapy has ever been produced.
The hope for a cure has never been higher. Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed once every three seconds. Over $1 billion is spent daily on the healthcare of 6.2 million people living with Alzheimer’s. It is the 7th leading cause of death. COVID injections and Long COVID are accelerating the global increase in both Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments.
The multi-factor causes of Alzheimer’s disease
Before we explore the flawed research further, it’s crucial to understand the multifaceted causes of Alzheimer’s disease.These include:
- Advancing age
- Vascular disease
- Inflammation (leaky gut, poor oral hygiene, poor diet)
- Poor sleep
- Lack of exercise
- Infections (viruses, Lyme disease, P. gingivalis, syphilis)
- Exposure to toxins (glyphosate, air pollution, heavy metals, chemicals, plastic nanoparticles)
- Loss of trophic support (hormones and key nutrients like B12, zinc, Vitamin D)
- Stress &Trauma
- Cellular deficiencies (limited mitochondrial function, reduced Sirt1)
- Genetics (APOE4 gene)
These factors highlight why it’s misleading to suggest a single pathway or biomarker, such as amyloid plaques, could prevent Alzheimer’s or wholly explain its progression. Naturally, addressing the causes of Alzheimer’s directly is one of the ways to treat it.
The Amyloid Hypothesis
For nearly two decades, the amyloid hypothesis has stood as the cornerstone of Alzheimer’s disease research, supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and numerous disease research centers globally. This hypothesis posits that Alzheimer’s disease results from the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, which damage brain cells. However, the retraction of a pivotal 2006 study citing data fabrication has cast a long shadow over this theory, challenging the foundations laid by countless Alzheimer’s and dementia research initiatives.
Dr. Gazda puts it simply, “If we’re going to look for a single molecule to treat complex illness like neurodegenerative disease, we are going to fall short every time.”
Is Amyloid Friend or Foe?
Dr. Gazda’s points out that the story of Amyloid Theory is far from over.
Amyloid-beta, a protein fragment long associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s, has been considered a neurotoxin that leads to nerve cell death. However, promising research suggests amyloid-beta might also play a protective role against infections and heavy metals. Importantly, the presence of brain amyloid does not correlate directly with cognitive decline, highlighting the complex nature of diagnosing and treating forms of dementia.
Though the research on amyloid continues to evolve, we’ve published a guide to Alzheimer’s that is full of tips to help optimize your brain right now. In other words, don’t wait for the science on amyloid to settle before you start taking care of your brain!
Why Does The Flawed Alzheimer’s Research Matter?
There are many downstream difficulties caused by this flawed research:
- Challenges in Clinical Trials for Alzheimer’s: Despite extensive research funding, 99% of clinical trials for Alzheimer’s have failed to produce significant improvements, underscoring the complex biology of the disease and the limitations of current models focusing solely on amyloid plaques and tau.
- Economic Impact of Alzheimer’s Research: The Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline is vigorous, with the Mayo Clinic and other disease research centers investigating over 187 clinical trials aimed at new treatments. Yet, the approval of drugs like Lecanemab shows only modest benefits, reflecting the immense challenge and financial stakes involved in finding an effective treatment.
- Ethical and Scientific Integrity in Research: The retraction of widely cited studies disrupts the Alzheimer’s research community, urging a reassessment of how clinical research is conducted and reported. The involvement of Big Pharma in Alzheimer’s research has often accelerated global investment but also brought scrutiny regarding the influence on clinical trial outcomes and publications.
FLCCC Brain Health Protocol Update
The FLCCC has updated theirbrain health guide with new info as of June 2024!
Updates include:
Additional section on Alzheimer’s Disease
- Addition of supplements: Uridine Monophosphate, Vinpocetine, Urolithin A, Nattokinase, Serrapeptase, Curcumin, Taurine, TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic acid), Gotu Kola, Phosphatidyl Choline, Phosphatidyl Serine
Final Thoughts
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, although it’s impacting a growing number of adults.
The crisis in Alzheimer’s research highlights the need for a broadened perspective that encompasses diverse research approaches, including diet and lifestyle choices, early detection, and care and support for caregivers.
