Prevention

 Fish oils. More than a dozen epidemiological studies, including one carried out on more than 2 people in 000²³, have made it possible to establish a link between the consumption of omega-3, more particularly in the form of fish, and the reduction of the risk of suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease^{19-25 ,83}. It has also been found that people with low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood are more likely to experience cognitive decline.^26,27,29. For more information and resources, visit the Douglas Mental Health University Institute website (see Sites of interest).

Several animal studies have shown that a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids protects against neurodegeneration⁸². More specifically, docosahexaenoic acid, which is a major constituent of neurons, appears to have a protective effect. In humans, it is difficult to set up long-term clinical trials to assess the preventive effect of omega-3s. Several trials are underway on more than 10 patients to gather more data⁸⁴. For more information, see our Fish oils sheet.

 Vitamin E.. Experts believed that vitamin E could prevent or slow down oxidative damage that occurs in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to its antioxidant properties. For now, the epidemiological data are contradictory and recent clinical trials are rather disappointing. In addition, taking high doses of vitamin E requires medical monitoring and could pose health risks for people with chronic diseases.⁸⁰. According to the authors of 2 summaries published in 2005^78,79, the use of vitamin E is not not recommended to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Processing

 Ginkgo biloba. Several clinical studies and meta-analyzes³¹ indicate that this herb relieves symptoms that occur in light stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Four meta-analyzes compared the efficacy of standardized ginkgo extracts with that of conventional drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. One concluded to an equivalent effectiveness³² and the other 3 highlighted the advantage of conventional drugs^33-35 . According to a recent meta-analysis (in 2010), which covered 9 clinical trials involving more than 2 patients, ginkgo is more effective than placebo in alleviating the cognitive and functional symptoms that manifest themselves in the body. early stage disease⁸⁵. The precise mechanism of action of ginkgo is not known. However, we know that it improves blood circulation and that it has a significant antioxidant effect.

Dosage

Consult the Ginkgo biloba file.

 Huperzine (Huperzia serrata ou Qian Ceng Ta). An alkaloid, huperzine A, is extracted from this Chinese plant. Huperzine A inhibits the production of acetylcholinesterase and would act like cholesterase inhibitors given in classical medicine to treat Alzheimer’s disease. According to controlled and random Chinese studies, huperzine improves memory, cognitive functions and behaviors in people with Alzheimer’s disease^36-38 .

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted in 103 subjects. After 8 weeks, researchers observed significant improvement in memory, cognitive skills and behavior in subjects who used huperzine A compared to those who received placebo.³⁶. Other tests go in the same direction^39,40. However, larger randomized studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of huperzine A, as suggested by the authors of a 2009 review.⁸⁶.

Dosage

During the studies, which lasted from 8 weeks to 12 weeks, subjects took 400 µg of huperzine A daily, divided into 2 equal doses.

 Music therapy. Several reviews have taken stock of the apparent benefits of music therapy for people with dementia.^41-49 . Most of the clinical trials carried out on this subject report, among other things, an improvement in social skills and emotional state, as well as a reduction in behavioral disorders (agitation, aggression, wandering, etc.). Music therapy also appears to reduce the need for physical and pharmacological interventions. However, controlled and randomized clinical trials are rare. Protocols lack consistency and results are not always conclusive. Further research is needed to assess this approach more rigorously.

 Omega-3. Epidemiological studies suggest that omega-3s, often provided by fish, are effective in a change.. In contrast, most clinical trials show that they have no effect once dementia is declared.⁸³. Thus, in 2010, a clinical trial carried out on 300 people who already had Alzheimer’s disease showed that omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid supplements did not slow down cognitive decline.²⁸. However, some researchers still suggest offering them as an adjuvant treatment.⁸¹.

 Transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS). The neurostimulator is a device that generates an electric current of low voltage. It is connected to electrodes placed on the skin. This technique is commonly used by physiotherapists to relieve pain. Rather old randomized clinical studies have concluded that transcutaneous neurostimulation may alleviate symptoms in patients who are at an early stage. light stage Alzheimer’s disease, mainly memory and mood^50,51.

Another randomized clinical study with placebo found, after 4 weeks of TENS, a significant improvement in cognitive function and short-term memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease⁵². However, after 6 months, there was no longer any difference between the 2 groups. In addition, no recent study has been performed to re-evaluate this technique.

 Phosphatidylserine (soy based). An essential component of the cell membrane, phosphatidylserine is the main phospholipid in the brain. In older adults, the decrease in its level in the brain is associated with deterioration of cognitive functions and memory, as well as depression. With age or with illness, the body produces less phosphatidylserine. Although the plant-based one has shown good results in improving the cognitive abilities of animals and does not appear to be harmful to humans, data on humans is, so far, unconvincing⁵³.

 Sage (Salvia officinalis). Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicates that sage extract equivalent to about 1 g of sage per day may improve cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease⁵⁷. This 4-month study was carried out on 49 subjects with mild to moderate stage of the disease. The authors also observed that sage eased patient agitation.

 melissa. Due to the action exerted by certain components of lemon balm on specialized receptors in the central nervous system, some researchers believe that this plant may be a supportive treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.^71,72. A preliminary trial on 42 subjects yielded promising results⁷³.

 Zootherapy. Small-scale studies (a few dozen participants) indicate that pet therapy could help reduce agitated behaviors in people with dementia and increase their social interactions^58-60 . The daily arrival of a dog would provide such benefits, but they would disappear as soon as the animal’s visits were interrupted.

 Art therapy. There are programscreative artistic expression intended for people with Alzheimer’s disease and offered by patient associations⁷⁵. Even when the language skills of the sick have faded, art remains a great way for them to express themselves and tell stories. Contact the association dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease which is located in your region. See also our Art-therapy file.

 Avoid exposure to aluminum. Even if scientific studies on the role of aluminum as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease have led to contradictory results, in naturopathy, the avoidance of sources of this metal is part of the therapeutic approach.⁷⁴. To reduce as much as possible the sources of aluminum present in the environment, the American naturopath JE Pizzorno advises to refrain from using the following products⁷⁴ : certain medications (including antacids), antiperspirants containing aluminum, aluminum casseroles and trays, aluminum foil and coffee whiteners. A diet rich in magnesium is preferable, according to him because this mineral reduces the absorption of aluminum in the intestine. Vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds are good sources of magnesium.

Other approaches under study

Lavender (essential oil). Lavender has calming properties that could help calm theaggressiveness oragitation some people with Alzheimer’s disease^67-70 . Research is underway.

Turmeric. In vivo and in vitro studies indicate that certain turmeric compounds, including curcumin, may cause Alzheimer’s disease^63-65 . Clinical studies are underway⁶⁶.

Carnitine. Due to the action of carnitine (acetyl-L-carnitine) supplementation on the functioning of the central nervous system, researchers have looked at its effect in Alzheimer’s disease. So far, the data is not convincing^61,62. Many of the studies done so far have been funded by a company marketing a carnitine supplement (ALCAR®).

Small periwinkle (Vinca minor). Vinpocetine, extracted from periwinkle, is traditionally known to have beneficial effects on the brain⁵³. In 2003, a meta-analysis involving 3 studies and more than 500 patients, however, revealed that the scientific data were insufficient to conclude to any protective effect on the brain.⁵⁴.