| Possibly Effective: |
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ACETYL-L-CARNITINEAlzheimer's disease
Acetyl-L-carnitine might slow the rate of disease progression, improve memory, and improve some measures of cognitive function and behavioral performance in some patients with Alzheimer's disease. It is more likely to show some effect in those with early onset Alzheimer's disease who are less than 66 years of age and have a faster rate of disease progression and mental decline. Acetyl-L-carnitine has not been compared with cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil (Aricept)..
IDEBENONEAlzheimer's disease
There's some evidence that taking idebenone orally slows cognitive function decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Idebenone appears most effective in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease, based on standard Alzheimer's disease rating scales.
LEMON
BALMAlzheimer's disease
Taking a standardized extract of lemon balm orally, daily for 4 months, seems to reduce agitation and improve symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease on standard Alzheimer's disease rating scales.
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINEAlzheimer's disease
Taking phosphatidylserine orally can increase cognitive function, global improvement rating scales, and improve behavioral rating scales over 6-12 weeks of treatment. Phosphatidylserine seems to be most effective in patients with less severe symptoms. Phosphatidylserine might lose its effectiveness with extended use. After 16 weeks of treatment, progression of Alzheimer's disease seems to overcome any benefit of phosphatidylserine.
SAGEAlzheimer's disease
Taking extracts of Salvia officinalis and Salvia lavandulaefolia orally seem to improve cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease when used for up to 4 months.
VITAMIN
EAlzheimer's disease
There's some evidence that all-rac-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic vitamin E) 2000 IU per day is similar to selegiline (Eldepryl),, and superior to placebo for slowing cognitive function decline in patients with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease. There appears to be no additive effect when vitamin E is used in combination with selegiline (Eldepryl) . Additionally, long-term use of vitamin E and vitamin C supplements, and in combination in doses higher than those typically found in multivitamins, is associated with a reduced prevalence and incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Other research, however, suggests that taking vitamin E from dietary sources or as a supplement doesn't affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.
| Possibly Ineffective: |
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5-HTPAlzheimer's disease
Taking 5-HTP orally doesn't seem to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
BETA-CAROTENEAlzheimer's disease
Intake of dietary or supplemental beta-carotene doesn't seem to have any effect on Alzheimer's disease risk.
DHEAAlzheimer's disease
Taking DHEA orally for 6 months does not appear to be any more effective than placebo for improving symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
INOSITOLAlzheimer's disease
Taking inositol orally doesn't seem to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
VITAMIN
C (ASCORBIC ACID)Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia
Consuming vitamin C from dietary sources, as a supplement alone, or in combination with vitamin E, doesn't seem to affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. However, some epidemiological research suggests that long-term use of vitamin C and vitamin E supplements in combination, and in higher doses than typically found in multivitamins, is associated with a reduced prevalence and incidence of Alzheimer's disease.
| Likely Ineffective: |
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CHOLINEAlzheimer's disease
Taking choline orally does not reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
DEANOLAlzheimer's disease
Taking deanol orally doesn't seem to improve symptoms Alzheimer's disease.
LECITHINAlzheimer's disease and dementia
Taking lecithin orally doesn't improve symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
N-ACETYL
CYSTEINEAlzheimer's disease
Taking N-acetyl cysteine orally doesn't improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
| Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate: |
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BEERAlzheimer's disease
There is preliminary evidence that suggests one to two alcoholic drinks per day can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in both men and women compared to non-drinkers.
WINEAlzheimer's disease
There is some evidence that 1 to 2 drinks per day can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in both men and women compared with non-drinkers.
ZINCAlzheimer's disease
Preliminary clinical evidence has shown a modest slowing of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease who take zinc supplements.