Natural Treatments for Alzheimer's
While there are growing numbers of alternative treatments for Alzheimer's disease, it is very important to exercise caution when considering any alternative treatments. Claims regarding the effectiveness and safety of natural products are based largely on personal testimonials and a rather small amount of scientific research. Dietary supplements do not undergo the rigorous testing and research that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires for prescription medications. Always consult your physician before using alternative Alzheimer's treatments.
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Vitamin E
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Vitamin E is sometimes used to slow the advancement of Alzheimer's. Scientists believe that the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E may help to protect nerve cells in the brain. According to the Mayo clinic, research results for this treatment are mixed. Vitamin E can interact negatively with other medications, and large doses can be damaging to the cardiovascular system.
Coenzyme Q10
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Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is produced naturally by the body and is necessary for normal cell reactions. Idebenone is a synthetic version of Coenzyme Q10. The Alzheimer's Association notes that it has been tested for the treatment of the disease, but testing did not show favorable results. A safe dosage of this compound has not yet been determined.
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Coral Calcium
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Coral calcium producers claim this supplement is obtained from coral reefs out of the shells of formerly living organisms. It is a form of calcium carbonate and it has been marketed as a cure for Alzheimer's and other serious diseases. In 2003, both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a formal complaint against the distributors and promoters of this product for making unsubstantiated health claims about coral calcium.
Ginkgo Biloba
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Leaf extracts from the ginkgo biloba tree are sometimes used to slow the progressive memory loss of Alzheimer's patients. This supplement has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to help regulate neurotransmitter functionality and protect cell membranes. As of August 2009, research is not conclusive regarding the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba in treating Alzheimer's.
Huperzine A
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Huperzine A is an extract from Chinese club moss. It appears to work in a similar fashion to prescription cholinesterase inhibitors that are approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's. Small studies have shown promising results, and the National Institute on Aging is currently working on a larger clinical trial to learn more about this treatment. Serious side effects can develop if this supplement is taken in conjunction with prescription drugs to treat Alzheimer's.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid. Research has found that a high intake of omega-3 may reduce the risk of developing dementia. It is believed that these fatty acids may protect the brain from damage because of their benefits to the vascular system, protective qualities for nerve cell membranes and anti-inflammatory effects. The Alzheimer's Association states that further scientific research is planned to learn more about this treatment.
Phosphatidylserine
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Phosphatidylserine is a form of fat that is a part of nerve cell membranes. Some proponents believe that treatment with this substance may strengthen cell membranes and protect them from degeneration. Unfortunately, clinical trials testing this treatment came to an end in 1990 because the substance was obtained from the brain cells of cows and there were concerns of mad cow disease. A new form of phosphatidylserine was later developed from soy beans. A small study with this substance did have encouraging results.
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