Vitamins & Nutritional Supplements for Senile Dementia

Several clinical trials have found that acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation delays the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, improves memory, and enhances overall performance in some people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, in one double-blind trial, people who received acetyl-L-carnitine (1 gram three times per day) deteriorated at the same rate as those given a placebo. Overall, however, most short-term studies have shown clinical benefits, and most long-term studies (one year) have shown a reduction in the rate of deterioration. A typical supplemental amount is 1 gram taken three times per day.

In a preliminary study, people who used antioxidant supplements (vitamin C orvitamin E) had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared with people who did not take antioxidants. Other preliminary research shows that higher blood levels of vitamin E correlate with better brain functioning in middle-aged and older adults. The possible protective effect of antioxidants may be explained by the observation that oxidative damage appears to play a role in the development of dementia. Large amounts of supplemental vitamin E may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A double-blind trial found that 2,000 IU of vitamin E per day for two years extended the length of time people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease were able to continue caring for themselves (e.g., bathing, dressing, and other necessary daily functions), compared with people taking a placebo...