There are at least two good reasons for everyone to be aware of Alzheimer’s disease – for both its prevalence as well as its preventability. Multiple organizations recognize June as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.
Although June is almost over, let’s stop and take a look at Alzheimer’s prevalence, and four supplements which could aptly contribute to the prevention or mitigation of Alzheimer’s, because Alzheimer’s is not just a June condition. It’s round the clock, throughout the year.
Alzheimer’s: A Serious but Possibly Preventable Disease
June was deemed Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month by the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014. Its noble purpose is to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The leading cause of this notable organization and others like it is to reduce prevalence and eliminate Alzheimer’s; awareness is key. Two means to these good ends are the advancement of Alzheimer’s research and the reduction of risk. More than 7 million men and women in the U.S. have AD.
Various factors contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. The two most significant natural factors are old age and genetically inherited traits that can predispose someone to the disease. Another is mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is a more-than-typical decline in memory and cognition during aging.
The controllable lifestyle factors which can contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease (and other forms of dementia) must be considered, because they could affect anybody cognitively over time. Behaviors that can contribute to AD include a low-quality sleep pattern and heavy alcohol use. Traumatic head injury can also increase risk, as well as the factors which ramp up the risk of cardiovascular disease (including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and hypertension).
Much of the research on the direct causes of AD centers on the roles of proteins in the brain which can accumulate or change in structure, leading to effects that cause dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. These effects happen slowly, long before AD symptoms occur.
Research in the last decade has established a clear approach to reducing the risk of AD. The means to do so are simple and practical. The recommended steps to prevent AD include regular physical activity, blood pressure management, and cognitive training. Sound nutrition is another avenue of prevention. All of these are especially recommended for elderly men and women.
Supplements for Alzheimer’s Disease
Research on the utilization of supplemental nutrition for the prevention and/or mitigation of AD has presented evidence regarding a few specific substances. One or more of these might meaningfully contribute to a diet and lifestyle pattern that is AD-preventative.
Vitamin D: Research suggests that this vitamin has beneficial effects on the immune system which could both reduce risk, and possibly reduce the progression of, Alzheimer’s Disease. This is because the roles of the immune system can play a part in the development of AD. Because research has shown a direct relationship between low levels of vitamin D and the development of AD, vitamin D is highly recommended for reducing risk of this disease.
Panax ginseng is an herbal supplement with properties which could slow cognitive decline which occurs due to the progression of AD. Research shows that gintonin, one of the active natural ingredients in panax ginseng, has reasonable potential to reduce the buildup of amyloid beta amino acids, which are a primary contributor to AD. Multiple clinical trials suggest that regular panax ginseng supplementation could reduce the cognitive decline that comes with Alzheimer's.
Resveratrol is a powerful natural antioxidant present in grapes, red wine, and some other plant-derived foods. Research shows that resveratrol has multiple anti-aging properties; among them is the potential ability to help reduce the effects of AD on the brain. One recent study suggests that a resveratrol supplement taken daily could reduce the progression of the disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids: The brain naturally contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Previous and ongoing research suggests that supplementing with DHA and another omega-3 fatty acid, EPA, could provide support to people who already experience the effects of AD.
If you or someone you love is at risk of AD, or has experienced symptoms of it, then all four of these supplements are worth consideration. Talk to your healthcare provider about these supplements before taking any of them, in order to best assess their place in your health and disease-prevention protocols.