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Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of age-related dementia. It affects 4 million Americans. Dementia is a term that refers to the loss of mental functions, such as memory and reasoning. Alzheimer's disease attacks nerve cells in the brain that control thought, memory and language. As more and more cells are destroyed, patients lose memories and the ability to reason and communicate. Eventually patients require total care. Once symptoms begin, the disease runs its course in two to 15 years, with seven to eight years being the average. Sometimes the decline is more gradual. People with Alzheimer's have been known to live for more than 20 years.
Be aware that herbs and supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not assume if a product is considered "natural" that it is harmless. Many substances do not have sound science behind them to prove their safety or how well they work. Manufacturers may not be giving you what you think you are getting, or the way the substance is processed may be unhealthy or unsafe.
With many of these products, doctors do not know enough about them. Herbs and supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications or can worsen your health conditions. Consider that some supplements, such as vitamin A, may be unsafe when taken in mega doses.
It is strongly advised that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. If you are taking an herb or supplement and notice any unusual symptoms, stop taking the substance immediately and talk to your doctor.
| Herb or supplement |
Claims |
Possible interactions and dangers |
Possible side effects |
What the experts say |
| Coenzyme Q10 |
Slows the progression of dementia caused by Alzheimer's. |
Might interact with anticlotting drugs and diabetes drugs. |
No serious side effects have been reported, but some people have had heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain and headache. |
Small studies have said coenzyme Q10 may slow the progression of dementia in Alzheimer's patients, but larger scale, more defined research needs to be done. Talk to your doctor first. |
| Choline |
Helps prevent Alzheimer's |
none |
No serious side effects when taken in small doses. However, if you take doses at 5 grams or more, you may have diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. Some people even have a fishy odor. |
Researchers have theories about choline, but no evidence has shown it can prevent Alzheimer's. Some evidence suggests humans who get choline while in the womb can develop better memory function. It is unclear whether supplementation later in life will do any good even for healthy people. Choline supplements are not necessary; you can get the choline you need in a healthy diet. |
| DHEA |
Improves mental function in Alzheimer's patients and improves the severity of symptoms. |
DHEA may promote cancer. It may also cause facial hair in women, male pattern baldness, deepening voice and acne. Some people may even be allergic to DHEA. |
Few side effects have been reported when using DHEA at recommended doses. Most common side effects include headache, fatigue and nasal congestion. Rarer side effects include sleeping problems, delusions and mania. |
Early studies suggest DHEA does not do what manufacturers claim; that is, improve mental functioning or lessen the symptoms. However, more studies may be needed. Talk to your doctor before taking this. |
| Ginkgo |
Slows the progress of Alzheimer's |
People with allergies to the Ginkoaceae family or allergies to sumac, poison ivy and poison oak may have allergic reactions. There is an increased risk of bleeding, and this may be more likely if you are on aspirin therapy or taking warfarin or similar drugs. Ginkgo may also affect fertility. |
Few side effects at recommended doses. Most common complaints include stomach discomfort, restlessness, headaches and nausea. |
It's unclear if ginkgo can actually help someone with Alzheimer's. Most studies have been poor, small and poorly designed. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at ginkgo use in people with Alzheimer's. Improvements in mental functioning were small and these improvements didn't last long. If you have Alzheimer's or are caring for someone with the disease, don't experiment with herbs. |
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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