Mainstream medicine, especially in the Western world, shuns natural treatments a lot, and many times refuses to believe or admit that such treatments do exist for a lot of maladies, and Alzheimer’s is no different. While we cannot stop the aging process and the natural selection of life, we can take measures to prevent rapid degeneration later in life as much as possible.

Nutrition and Supplementation

Nutritional deficiencies become more and more common the older we get. Our bodies simply do not have the absorption power that we once had in younger years. Cumulative effects of poor dietary habits can wreak havoc later in life. The good news, though, is that if we take measures earlier in life to improve our dietary intake, we can reduce our chances of being overcome by detrimental diseases as we age.

If it is already too late for you or a loved one, there are dietary regimens that can be followed to try to offset or ease some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease. Keep in mind this article is in no way a substitute for medical advice, as every person is affected by disease differently, and a professional should always be consulted prior to any program, and to ensure that proper treatment is prescribed.

B-complex vitamins are some of the deficiencies, along with iron, that are prevalent in our later years. Folic acid, which decreases homocysteine levels, can help increase the effectiveness of B vitamins. This is especially important in those suffering from Alzheimer’s, as a decrease in B-complex vitamins in the body can cause symptomatic memory problems in those of advanced age.

Plaque buildup is a problem seen in those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, in the form of atherosclerosis. Coenzyme Q-10 can augment the supply of oxygen to the brain, and therefore can be quite beneficial to those suffering from these ailments. A nutrient called DMAE, widely unknown to the general public, augments the body’s natural energy supply, sleep cycles, and memory, and also can be helpful.

Lecithin, and the choline within, has been found to enhance acetylcholine production. This vital neurotransmitter has been found to be correlated with the onset of Alzheimer’s when deficient, and so cit an be very beneficial if a tablespoon of lecithin is consumed with food daily. It also contains a natural anxiety reducer in the form of inositol, which acts like a natural Valium – minus the bad side effects.

Vitamins C and E are also very beneficial supplements to Alzheimer’s patients. Vitamin C is crucial for everyone, especially the elderly, and Vitamin E has beneficial antioxidant properties.

Magnesium is one of the minerals that can be helpful to the circulatory system; dilating the airways and blood vessel, thus helping the brain. Besides patients with this disease, most everyone could benefit from magnesium supplementation, as most people do not get enough through their day to day diets. The chelated form is the most beneficial.

Other minerals that can be of benefit include selenium and zinc. These have been found to be deficient in Alzheimer’s patients as well. Zinc, just like magnesium, should be in the chelated form. Acetyl carnitine is a nutrient that helps out with many parts of the body and can prove to be quite helpful as well. This versatility of this supplement ranges from antioxidant action to stimulating and fortifying brain cells, as well as serving as another antioxidant. It also helps the important neurotransmitter acetylcholine.