Product Reviews and Information for Alzheimer's disease

10/05/2021

Copper and Alzheimer's Disease

Can excess copper from the diet or supplements increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what research suggests in the Copper section of our Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplements Review.

3/18/2022

Alzheimer's Disease: Does MCT Oil Help?

Can medium-chain triglycerides slow cognitive decline among people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease section of our Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Do any supplements or foods help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

7/12/2022

Does DHA Lower Alzheimer's Risk?

Older people with high levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA were found to have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to a recent analysis. Does this mean that older people should be supplementing with DHA or fish or other marine oils? Find out in the Alzheimer's Disease section of our Fish and Marine Oil Supplements Review.

9/19/2017

Niacinamide for Alzheimer's Disease?

Niacinamide (a form of niacin) has been promoted as a way to protect against memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease – a claim based on studies in mice. A recent study put this to the test in people. See the results in the "Niacin" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

6/10/2017

Vitamin D & Alzheimer's Disease

Older people with insufficient levels of vitamin D had nearly triple the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease that those with sufficient levels, according to a recent study. Those with the lowest levels also experienced a faster rate of cognitive decline. Get the details and information about optimal vitamin D levels in the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among supplements.

7/04/2015

Fish Oil and Alzheimer's Disease

The evidence is mixed on whether fish oil can help people with Alzheimer's disease. A benefit was seen in a study reported last year, but a recently reported study found no benefit with fish oil combined with antioxidants. More details are found in the "What It Does" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

8/05/2024

Fish Oil to Fight Alzheimer’s?

Does taking fish oil daily slow changes in the brain associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Alzheimer's disease section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks.

2/06/2024

Coffee for Brain Health?

Find out if drinking coffee improves cognitive function and memory, affects the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and more in our article about the brain health benefits of coffee.

4/09/2019

Powerful Combination for Alzheimer's

Fish oil can help people with Alzheimer's disease but, as a new study suggests, only when they are getting enough of another nutrient. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

1/13/2018

B12 for Cognition

Numerous studies show that getting adequate intake of B vitamins, such as B12, and, perhaps, omega-3 fatty acids from fish, may slow age-related declines in memory and cognition. But not everyone should expect a benefit, as shown in a recent study. For details, see the Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products.)

11/27/2018

Can Vitamin D Boost Cognition?

Middle-aged people with low levels of vitamin D were given high-dose vitamin D for four months. Find out if this boosted their cognitive performance in the Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory and cognitive decline section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)

12/23/2017

Folic Acid for Cognition

Giving folic acid to older people with relatively low levels of blood folate resulted in improved cognitive performance, according to a recent study. For details, see the "Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease" section in the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> (Also see our Top Picks for folate and other B vitamin supplements.)

11/29/2019

B Vitamins for Cognition

Increasing vitamin B-12 intake by those deficient in B-12 can help slow age-related declines in memory and cognition, but the dose needs to be sufficient, as suggested by a recent study. For details see the Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer's Disease section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for B-12 and other B Vitamins.

5/26/2020

Lower Risk of Dementia Through Foods

A 20-year study showed that the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia was 76% lower in people who ate more of certain foods. Find out what they ate and learn if supplements can help in our answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

4/18/2020

Curcumin, Insulin & Alzheimer's?

Curcumin (from turmeric) may provide a modest benefit in people with insulin resistance and a new study suggests this may also reduce biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. For details, see the What It Does section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review. Also see our Top Picks for curcumin.

4/24/2021

Olive Oil & Alzheimer's?

Can regular consumption of extra virgin olive oil improve cognition and reduce blood levels of markers associated with Alzheimer's disease? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among olive oils.

5/27/2013

Alzheimer's Changes Slowed with B Vitamins

A combination of B vitamins was found to slow brain loss in areas of the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. This same combination of vitamins has also been shown to slow cognitive decline. Get the details on who may (or may not) benefit, dosage, plus test results for over 35 B vitamin supplements in the updated B Vitamin Supplements Product Review >>

9/30/2012

Does Ginkgo Improve Memory?

The evidence for Ginkgo biloba in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease and other dementias has become fairly negative. But is there still hope for its use in improving memory in healthy individuals? The answer seems to be in, according to a new analysis of 10 placebo-controlled trials in healthy people. Get the answer in the update to the Ginkgo Supplements Review.

9/16/2012

Vitamin D & Alzheimer's

A seven-year study of women over age 75 found those with higher intakes of vitamin D from their diets were 77% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. The amount of vitamin D intake associated with this large benefit was actually fairly modest. Get the details in the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review, which includes our product tests and quality ratings. More >>

9/09/2012

Ginkgo Fails Alzheimer's Trial

Over two thousand people with memory complaints were given Ginkgo biloba extract or placebo as part of a five-year study. The results, published this week, showed no difference between the groups in the percentage who eventually developed Alzheimer's disease or dementia. See how this compares to other studies of ginkgo in the updated Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Review, which includes our tests and reviews of ginkgo products. More >>

1/31/2014

Fish Oil / Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Alzheimer's

A new study found that fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid can slow cognitive and functional decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. Get the details in the Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review >>  and the Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplements Review >>

9/12/2015

Resveratrol for Alzheimer's Disease?

High doses of a synthetic resveratrol stabilized a marker of disease progression in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's, a recent study reports. However, more research is required to determine if resveratrol is effective for Alzheimer's. Get the details about this and other studies with resveratrol, and our tests and comparisons of products, in the Resveratrol Supplements Review >>

7/05/2016

Folic Acid Supplementation Mitigates Alzheimer's

A recent study in people with Alzheimer's disease found that folic acid supplementation decreased inflammation and slightly improved mental functioning. However, participants began the study unusually low in folic acid relative to normal U.S. levels. For more details see the B Vitamin Supplements Review >> Also see results of a folate/B-12 study which showed reduced brain shrinkage in Alzheimer's patients.

3/29/2017

Vitamin E/Selenium & Alzheimer's

A long-term study among men in the U.S. found that giving high doses of vitamin E and/or selenium did not significantly affect their risk of developing dementia. The study was part of a larger study which found that these supplements increased the risk of prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, hair loss, and dermatitis. For details, see the "Alzheimer's disease/dementia" section of the Selenium Supplements Review >>

6/18/2016

Green Tea & Cognition

Green tea consumption has been associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults. However, a recent study evaluating the effects of a green tea powder on older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia failed to show a benefit. For more information, see the "What It Does" section of the Green Tea Review >>

8/27/2017

Does Lithium Prevent Dementia?

A new study found the risk of developing dementia to be significantly lower in areas with higher levels of lithium in the drinking water. This finding is consistent with a study that found low-dose lithium to stabilize patients with Alzheimer's disease. Details about these studies are in the "What It Does" section of the Low-Dose Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among low-dose lithium supplements.

8/07/2021

COVID Vaccination in People With Neurologic Conditions

Should people with neurologic conditions – including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, MS, and epilepsy – get vaccinated? Find out what experts recommend.

8/31/2021

Magnolia Bark and Alzheimer's

Can taking magnolia bark extract improve learning and memory in those with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what evidence suggests in our article about supplements for memory and cognition.

2/01/2022

Olive Oil Lowers Risk of Death

Regular consumption of olive oil was associated with reduced risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease in a large, long-term study – but only if replacing certain other foods. Get the details in the What It Does section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils.

9/19/2023

Cat's Claw

Does cat's claw reduce symptoms of arthritis, help with Alzheimer's disease, boost the immune system, or have other benefits? Find out in our new article about the health benefits and safety of cat's claw.

1/04/2014

Vitamin E Helps Alzheimer's Patients

A new study suggests that high-dose vitamin E can help people with Alzheimer's disease retain their ability to perform activities of daily living (such as dressing) for several months longer than those given placebo, reducing caregiver time. A similar dose of vitamin E has been shown in other studies to slow the progression of the disease in some people and to reduce the rate of conversion to Alzheimer's among people with mild cognitive impairment. For details -- including the dose and form of vitamin E used and our tests of supplements on the market which can provide this dose -- see the update to the Vitamin E Supplements Review >>

8/08/2014

Up To a Point, Alzheimer's Risk Falls with Vitamin D

A new study shows that, up to a point, the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia fall with higher blood levels of vitamin D. However, the research also clarifies that exceeding a certain blood level of vitamin D provides no further benefit. In fact, additional research suggests that too much vitamin D can have negative effects. The message: Make sure you have a sufficient, but not excessive level of vitamin D. For details about these levels, as well as results of our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >> 

5/29/2024

Eggs for Alzheimer’s

Weekly consumption of a modest number of eggs, which are a good source of choline, was associated with a dramatic reduction in risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study. Choline supplements may also be helpful. Get the details in the Alzheimer's section of our Choline Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among choline supplements.

9/01/2023

Blueberries to Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk?

Consumption of fruits high in anthocyanins, like blueberries, is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Does consuming large amounts of blueberries reduce markers of Alzheimer’s? See what a recent study found in our article about supplements and foods for memory.

10/25/2022

Alzheimer's and Oral Care

A recent study suggests that enhanced oral care may help slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Get the details in the Lifestyle Modifications section of our article about Supplements, Foods and Lifestyle Modifications for Cognition.

11/08/2022

Soy Isoflavone for Alzheimer’s?

Can supplementing with genistein, a soy isoflavone, improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in our CL Answer about supplements for memory and cognition.

2/28/2023

Nicotinamide Riboside for Alzheimer's?

A preliminary clinical study suggested that taking nicotinamide riboside reduced blood markers of Alzheimer’s disease. For details, see the What It Does section of our NAD Boosters Review, which includes our Top Pick among nicotinamide riboside supplements.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

11/23/2023

Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s?

Does supplementing with coconut oil improve cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease? Find out what a recent study showed in the Cognitive Impairment section of our Coconut Oil and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among coconut and MCT oils.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

10/02/2024

Benfotiamine & Alzheimer’s

Can taking benfotiamine (a derivative of vitamin B-1) slow cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease? See what research suggests in our B Vitamins Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among B vitamins.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

12/08/2023

Dementia & Folic Acid

Taking folic acid without getting enough B-12 has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Learn more in the Folate section of our B-Vitamin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among B-Complexes.

Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

4/25/2023

Does Melatonin Improve Cognition?

Find out what studies have shown when melatonin has been used by people with Alzheimer’s disease as well as cognitively healthy older people in the What It Does section of our Melatonin Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Picks for melatonin.

4/08/2022

Vitamin B-12 Deficiency and Dementia

Correcting B-12 deficiency may improve cognition in people with dementia, according to a recent study and case reports. Get the details in the Memory, Cognition, and Alzheimer’s Disease section of our B Vitamin Supplements Review.

7/19/2022

Vitamin D & Alzheimer's Caution

Although several studies suggest that maintaining an adequate level of vitamin D may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, a recent study provided a cautionary note. See the details in the Alzheimer's and Dementia section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review.

11/18/2021

Does Melatonin Increase Alzheimer’s Risk?

My doctor said that melatonin may increase the risk of Alzheimer's as some sleeping pills do. Is this true? See the answer in Concerns and Cautions section of the Melatonin Supplements Review.

9/16/2015

Adequate Vitamin D May Lower Risk of Alzheimer's

A study showed that men and women with adequate levels of vitamin D in their blood were less likely to experience declines in cognitive functioning associated with Alzheimer's dementia than those with lower levels. More about the study, including the vitamin D level considered adequate, as well as our reviews of supplements, is found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

9/02/2022

Lithium for Dementia?

Does low-dose lithium stabilize or improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive decline? Find out in the What It Does section of our Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Review.

Also see our CL Answer about supplements for brain function.

7/21/2020

Omega-3s and the Brain

To raise levels of DHA and EPA in the brain, large doses are needed according to a recent study. Even larger doses are needed by people with a gene associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's. While the study did not show an effect on people's cognitive scores, it may help explain why some studies with fish oil show little effect. For details, see the What It Does section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.

6/27/2020

Factors For Lower Risk of Dementia

Diet and lifestyle factors were associated with up to 60% reductions in the risk of developing Alzheimer dementia according to a new study. Learn about these lifestyle factors in the updated answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?