Dietary supplements are popular among Lehigh Valley and Allentown-area residents. For decades, there has been an ongoing debate about the efficacy, quality, and reliability of dietary supplements. Because South Mountain Memory Care specializes in caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, we offer the following advice from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Many dietary supplements are promoted with claims that they can enhance memory or improve brain function and health. And a few trials of natural products for the prevention of cognitive decline or dementia have shown some modest effects. However, direct evidence that dietary supplements can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is lacking.
Here are 7 things to know about current research on dietary supplements for cognitive function, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- There’s no conclusive evidence that the herb Ginkgo biloba can prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline.
- Among dietary factors that have been studied to see if they can prevent cognitive decline in older people, the most consistent positive research findings are for omega-3 fatty acids, often measured as how much fish people consume. However, omega-3s in supplement form have not been shown to be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
- Only a small number of studies in people have looked at the effect of vitamin E in the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Most of the findings have been negative, but moderate-quality evidence from a single study suggests that vitamin E may slow functional decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
- The evidence on curcumin (a component of the herb turmeric) is too limited and inconsistent for any conclusions to be reached.
- Short-term supplementation with three B vitamins—vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid—has not been shown to improve cognitive functioning in older adults. However, longer-term studies have pointed to a possible role of these B vitamins in slowing cognitive decline. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re considering supplements; taking too much vitamin B6 can cause serious side effects.
- Don’t use complementary health approaches as a reason to postpone seeing a healthcare provider about memory loss. Treatable conditions, such as depression, bad reactions to medications, or thyroid, liver, or kidney problems, can impair memory.
- Take charge of your health—talk with your healthcare providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
Whatever the cause of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.