Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders of the nervous system belong to a specific class of conditions: neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we take a brief bird’s eye look at the nature of neurodegenerative disorders. We then discuss four suitable, natural supplements which could support the body and brain of someone who has a neurodegenerative disorder.
A Look at Neurodegenerative Disorders
Neurodegenerative disorders, or diseases, are those which gradually damage the nervous system, especially the nerves in the brain. These disorders usually progress slowly over time, and their effects tend to be more prominent later in a person’s life. An unfortunate aspect of neurodegenerative disorders is that they are incurable. However, some of these disorders are manageable, whether through direct or indirect treatment. Treatments to manage neurodegenerative disorders could slow their progression and reduce symptoms.
Roughly 50 million people worldwide are diagnosed with some type of neurodegenerative disorder. This makes them not altogether common, but they are common knowledge. One of the most common types is dementia-type diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is another, and it causes neurons which control coordination and muscle movements to break down. Roughly 6.2 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly a million Americans have Parkinson’s. Other types include demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), and motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Some of these diseases are treatable, and some are not. The goal of treatment is usually to slow and/or limit the effects of the disease and reduce symptoms. Treatments vary widely depending upon the diagnosis and the individual being treated. Medical attention from a specialist is necessary to determine these treatments.
Natural Supplements for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Nutrition can play a role in the treatment of some neurodegenerative diseases, and this is where the utility of certain natural supplements can come into play. Here is a look at four of the most suitable natural supplements which could help someone with a neurodegenerative disorder:
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in many plant-derived foods, and it is available in supplement form. Resveratrol has strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, and research shows that it can help with neurodegenerative disorders, and even other types of disease. Systemic reviews from 2022 showed that regular resveratrol supplementation helped individuals with Alzheimer’s disease by delaying cognitive impairment and improving brain volume. Based on the research, taking a resveratrol supplement could be very valuable for someone with Alzheimer’s or another neurodegenerative disorder.
A vitamin-B complex supplement is potentially useful for someone with a neurodegenerative disorder. This is because vitamins B12, B9, and B6 are all known to be cofactors for the cellular metabolism and tissue maintenance of the nervous system. Deficiency in B vitamins could raise the risk of neurodegenerative symptoms such as dementia and myelopathy. Ingesting B vitamins per proper instructions is important for any aging individual, since B12 absorption can diminish with age.
St. John’s wort, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial herb with a history of use as a natural remedy. It can be used for a variety of ailments. It is known to help with various neurological issues and coinciding symptoms including mental ailments, hypersensitivity, spinal irritation, nerve pain, and more.
Gingko biloba leaf extract has been studied for its ability to improve cognitive function in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Results show that the benefits of ginkgo biloba are maximized in elderly patients who take it regularly over 22 weeks or longer. In these patients, improvements were seen in dementia symptoms, when taking 240mg of ginkgo biloba leaf extract per day. This makes ginkgo biloba a worthwhile herbal supplement for someone with dementia.
If someone in your family has a neurodegenerative disorder, then one or more of these supplements could play a helpful role in their treatment. It is recommended that a patient always talk to their healthcare provider before taking one of these supplements for the first time.