Alzheimer’s disease is a common neurological disorder causing loss of memory i.e. dementia. The most common risk factor is aging, while others include environmental and genetic factors. Alzheimer’s has been linked to lifestyle-related factors such as food, exercises, smoking, and alcohol.
Various vitamins and herbs have been studied for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s. These include ginkgo biloba, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, fish oil, turmeric, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
One of the best ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease is by avoiding trans-fats. The ideal diet should be as follows:
- 20% ‘good’ fats such as flax seeds, avocado, and extra virgin olive oil
- 40% lean proteins such as soy, chicken, turkey, and fish on a regular basis
- 40% complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits, and vegetables
Consider including the following memory-boosting natural nutrients in your daily vitamin plan as they have been proved to prevent dementia, and hence, Alzheimer’s.
1. Coenzyme Q10
- Also known as ubiquinone, this essential and natural vitamin is required by our body for energy production. It is found in abundance in the heart, liver, and kidney because these organs require the most energy. Coenzyme Q10 is found in foods such as fish, poultry, vegetable oil, and meat. For patients with dementia, up to 1600 mg/day of coenzyme Q10 is advised.
2. Alpha Lipoid Acid
- This is a natural fatty acid required for energy production in our bodies. It acts as an antioxidant and protects against inflammation and free radical damage. It is naturally found in green leafy vegetables and is produced in organs such as the liver, heart, and kidneys.
3. Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginkgo biloba, native to China, has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine.It is commonly found in herbal teas too. Although not as useful in healthy people, ginkgo biloba is found to improve memory in patients with cognitive impairment or dementia. Approximately 120-240 mg/day is recommended for otherwise healthy adults for the prevention of Alzheimer’s.
4. Phosphatidylserine
- Considered to be beneficial in early Alzheimer’s, it is an important component of our nerve cells. In the 1990s, it was used for the treatment of a fatal brain condition known as mad cow disease. The FDA has approved supplements derived from soy and have concluded that there is sufficient evidence for its use in the prevention of dementia.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Omega-3 helps in the prevention of heart disease. Its use has shown to reduce the risk of dementia through the connections of nerve cells. Alzheimer’s disease Cooperative Study showed that patients taking at least 900 mg of omega-3 fatty acid did better on memory tests compared to those who did not.
6. Antioxidants
- Found in most fruits and vegetables, these lower your risk of cognitive deterioration. The best vegetables for preventing dementia include spinach, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, mushrooms, and cauliflower. The best fruits include all the berries especially strawberries and blueberries. In addition, red wine and tea, both black and green variants, are also full of antioxidants and prevent memory loss. The most shielding outcome is found in consuming at least six servings or 500 grams of fruits and vegetables per day.
Inclusion of these nutrients in your diet can help prevent Alzheimer’s and reduce its symptoms. Apart from the above mentioned herbal remedies, two other diets i.e. the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), consisting of low carbohydrates and abundant fruits and vegetables, and the Mediterranean diet consisting of good fats such as nuts, olive oil, fish, fruits, and vegetables have been found to be beneficial for the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
So if you or your family member is beginning to forget too much, too soon, then these herbal remedies might help you prevent Alzheimer’s.
