| Vitamins & Minerals |
What experts say about these minerals & vitamins for dementia |
| Vitamin
E |
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant
that helps to prevent free radical
damage to cells
One
research
study show that taking 2,000 IU of vitamin E daily slows down the
disease in those people who suffer from somewhat severe Alzheimer's
disease. However there are also studies that show that vitamin E did
not
help at all.
Dose:
For healthy individuals, we suggest a dose of 400 to 800 IU daily. Take
up to 2,000 IU daily for those suffering from dementia under the
supervision of a healthcare professional.
|
Niacin/Niacinamide
(Vitamin B3) |
There
is evidence that very low levels of niacin can cause the symptoms of
dementia. Population studies suggest that low levels of niacin
increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
However, it is not known if taking enough niacin could slow down the
progression of this disease.
Dose:
Take 50 to 100 mg daily.
|
Vitamin
C
(Ascorbic acid) |
Population studies show that low amounts of vitamin C (and E) is linked
to increased risk of getting dementia.
Vitamin
C, like vitamin E, is an antioxidant
that helps to prevent free radical
damage to cells. It is known that oxidative damage may be responsible
for causing Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 250 to 500 mg daily. Higher doses have been used safely.
|
Thiamin
(Vitamin B1) |
Vitamin
B1 is needed for the nerves to transmit signal properly and is lower in
those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is known
that deficiency in thiamin can result in symptoms of dementia.
Studies show conflicting results and the dosage used is extremely high
at 3 grams daily.
Dose:
Typical dose used is up to 30 mg daily. Dosages as high as 300 mg
have been used to treat severely low levels of thiamin.
|
| Zinc |
There is some evidence that taking zinc may slow
down Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 10 to 40 mg of zinc daily.
|
| Vitamin
B12 |
Make
sure you get enough vitamin B12 as if you are
low in this, you will get
symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. These symptoms include shaky
movements, muscle weakness and dementia.
Dose:
Take 800 to 1,600 mcg daily.
|
| Folic
Acid |
Population studies seem to show that higher levels of folic acid seem
to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 400 to 1,000 mcg (0.4 mg to 1 mg) daily.
|
| Iron |
Low levels of iron can cause memory function problems. Get your iron
levels checked if you suspect you are deficient.
However, it is not known if taking iron supplements in those with
normal iron levels would help with Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
As determined by your family doctor after a blood test is
completed.
|
| Boron |
Boron has been suggested in research studies to be helpful in those
suffering from dementia.
Dose:
Up to 20 mg daily have been suggested.
|
| Selenium |
Helpful
Selenium
is an antioxidant
(like vitamin C and E) and has been suggested to be
helpful in those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Clinical studies
will need to be done to support using selenium for treating this
condition.
Dose: 50
to 200 mcg daily have been suggested.
|
Pyridoxine
(Vitamin B6) |
Probably
not effective
There doesn't seem to be a link between blood levels of pyridoxine and
the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.
|
