Huperzine A is a substance first found in Huperzia serrata, a Chinese medicinal herb. In a well-designed,
placebo-controlled trial, 58% of people with Alzheimer’s disease had significant
improvement in memory and cognitive and behavioral functions after taking 200 mcg of
huperzine A twice per day for eight weeks—a statistically significant improvement
over the 36% who responded to placebo.21 Another double blind report using
injected huperzine A confirmed a positive effect in people with dementia, including, but
not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease.22
Mitochondrial function appears to be impaired in
people with Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its effects on mitochondrial functioning, one
group of researchers has given coenzyme Q10 (along with iron and vitamin
B6) to several people with Alzheimer’s disease and reported that the progression of
the disease was prevented for one and a half to two years.23 Research
Preliminary research had suggested that people with
Alzheimer’s disease should avoid zinc supplements.24 More recently,
preliminary evidence in four patients actually showed improved mental function with zinc
supplementation.25 In a convincing review of the zinc/Alzheimer’s disease
research, perhaps the most respected zinc researcher in the world concluded that zinc does
not cause or exacerbate Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.26
A small uncontrolled study showed that oral NADH improved
mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.27
Some researchers have found links between
Alzheimer’s disease and evidence of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies,28
while others consider the problem to be of only minor significance.29 Little is
known about whether supplementation with either vitamin would significantly help people
with this disease. Nonetheless, it makes sense for people with Alzheimer’s disease to
be medically tested for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies and to be treated if they are
deficient.
Are there any side effects or
interactions? Refer to the individual
supplement for information about any side effects or interactions
- Herbs that may be helpful
- An extract made from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree is a leading treatment for early-stage
Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. While not a cure for this serious condition, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) may improve memory and quality
of life and slow progression in the early stages of the disease. In addition, three double
blind studies have shown that GBE is helpful for people in early stages of
Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the closely related multi-infarct dementia.30 31
32 Patients with other types of dementia, including problems due to poor blood flow
to the brain, also respond to GBE.
The tonic, or adaptogenic, class of herb is often
used traditionally for elderly persons experiencing mental decline, although this use does
not have scientific studies to support it. Examples include Asian ginseng (100–200 mg
per day of the standardized herbal extract), eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) (2–3 grams per day of the dried
root or 300–400 mg per day of the concentrated solid extract standardized on
eleutherosides B and E), astragalus (two to three 500 mg capsules
three times per day).
Asian ginseng has the longest history of use in
traditional Chinese medicine and is commonly used for older individuals showing signs of
memory loss. Asian ginseng improves and sharpens mental concentration and performance,
including attention and memory.34 35 While not as thoroughly researched as GBE
for this condition, studies show that ginseng is effective at improving memory and also
countering depression in the elderly. Some herbal supplements combine GBE with Asian
ginseng.
Are there any side
effects or interactions? Refer to the individual herb for information
about any side effects or interactions.
