Supplements for patients living with Dementia
Dementia is a serious and progressive disease that affects memory and thinking. It’s a common condition among older adults, but it can affect anyone of any age.
The good news is that there are many therapies available for people living with dementia. However, some of these treatments have not been studied well enough to determine if they’re effective or safe for long-term use.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of supplements that have been shown to have positive effects on the symptoms associated with dementia:
Niacin
Niacin is a B vitamin. It’s found in many foods, but it can also be taken as a supplement. Niacin helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
It also may help control blood sugar levels, which are important for people with dementia because they need to consume fewer carbohydrates with their meals so that they don’t experience low energy levels or confusion due to high glucose (sugar) levels in their bloodstreams due to insulin resistance caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia like Vascular Dementia
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. As you age, your bones lose calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and keeps your teeth strong.
The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1000mg for adults over the age of 50 years old (1). The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 400 IU (2).
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and prevent damage to your cells. It’s also important for the maintenance of healthy skin, eyes, immune system and heart health.
Vitamin E supplements may be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other forms of dementia that affect memory or thinking skills.
In some studies people who took vitamin E supplements had improved memory scores compared with those who didn’t take them; however more research is needed before these results can be accepted as effective treatments for AD or PD.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Thiamine is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps to maintain energy levels and tissue health. It plays a role in nerve cell function, and helps your brain cells produce enough energy to function.
Thiamine is also essential for the proper breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, which can help improve concentration and memory loss as well as mood swings related to depression or anxiety disorders.
Thiamine deficiency may also cause insomnia, irritability, headaches or tingling hands/feet (paraesthesias).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart, and they can help prevent dementia.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as treating other cognitive impairments associated with aging.
In one study published in Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that supplementing with omega-3s helped improve memory performance in older adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
They also showed that increased intake of omega-3s improved functional outcomes such as daily activities and emotional well being when compared to those who received no treatment at all!
Supplements can be effective in some cases but talk to your physician before you take them.
If you’re thinking about taking supplements, talk to your physician first. Supplements can be effective in some cases but they should not be used as a substitute for medication. They may interact with other medications or cause side effects such as stomach upset or constipation.
Supplements are not meant to replace regular visits with your doctor and don’t replace the need for regular blood work tests (e.g., cholesterol levels).
Remember, supplements are a great way to improve your health and well-being.
However, they should not be used as a replacement for professional medical care. If you have been diagnosed with dementia and are looking for ways to improve your quality of life, talk with your doctor about what supplements might work best for you.
The important thing is to find the right balance between nutrition and drugs when it comes to treating Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia that may affect your loved ones’ health.