By Terry Willard Clh, PhD

This material was be presented at the Kootenay Herb Conference on July 8^th, 2023 (https://herbconference.com/kootenay-herb-conference/).

In this the last (and longest) blog in the Alzheimer’s series, we will be focusing on supplements that can help stop the advancement of AD and even reverse it in some cases.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants play a key role in the prevention and halting of AD, with various dietary components working together to combat some of its main underlying causes. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene have proven to be beneficial in assisting with AD prevention in research and clinical studies; however, it is believed that better results may be achieved with supplementation of a broader range of nutrients. A French cohort study found that when middle-aged adults took daily supplements containing ascorbic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc for 13 years, their verbal memory was significantly improved compared to those taking only vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene or a placebo. 

The antioxidant activity of fruits and vegetables is not solely attributed to vitamins C, E and beta-carotene—flavonoids, phenols, and carotenoids are just some examples of phytochemicals which may provide great benefit against AD by inhibiting the formation and deposition of beta-amyloid. It is clear that a balanced diet, rich in antioxidants and various protective phytochemicals, can have powerful effects when it comes to preventing the onset of AD.

Multivitamin^[1]

• Taking a daily multivitamin was demonstrated in a 2021 clinical trial to potentially slow cognitive decline in individuals over 65. (Centrum Silver was the multivitamin used in the clinical trial, although there are many better multivitamins options in the health food industry. A basic multi is a useful supplement for both men and women over 50.)
• Research conducted by professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine Laura Baker found that the use of multivitamins could improve memory and executive functioning while slowing decline by up to 60%.
• While more research is needed to fully establish its efficacy, experts suggest taking a daily multivitamin as part of an overall healthy lifestyle to prevent illness, safeguard against vitamin D deficiency, strengthen bones with Vitamin A, and enhance heart health with Vitamin K.

Thiamine (B1)

Thiamine is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in healthy human physiology, particularly in cardiovascular and cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, many Americans are not getting the recommended daily allowance of 1.5 mg, particularly those in the geriatric population. To assess the prevalence of thiamine deficiency among elderly patients in Tampa, Florida, 30 consecutive patients visiting a university clinic were tested; it was found that 57% of patients tested via plasma measurement, and 33% of patients tested using red blood cell thiamine, had levels below the acceptable range for younger age groups.^[2]

In addition to its role as a nutrient, thiamine also exhibits pharmacological effects on the brain by mimicking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory formation. Thiamine supplementation has been linked with improved mental performance both in Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline (senility). At high doses of 3 – 8 grams per day, positive results can be achieved without any adverse side effects. ^[3],[4],[5]

Given these findings and thiamine’s importance for optimal health and cognition in this population group, B-complex supplementation is beneficial for elderly people. It is thus important that individuals ensure they are consuming enough thiamine each day to maintain healthy levels and preserve normal functioning.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in nerve function, mental ability, and overall well-being, so its deficiency can have significant consequences on an elder’s quality of life, and it often goes overlooked in the elderly population. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include numbness, tingling sensations, burning sensations in the feet, impaired mental functioning which can mimic Alzheimer’s, and depression. 

Given the treatability of vitamin B12 deficiency and its ability to cause neurological and cognitive impairments if left untreated, it is important to diagnose it early on among the elder population. To detect vitamin B12 deficiencies, a urinary methylmalonic acid assay is often used because of its sensitivity, noninvasive qualities, and convenience for the patient. It’s also possible to accurately diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency in elders with blood tests, therefore a serum cobalamin or [urinary excretion of] methylmalonic acid test should be conducted as well as plasma homocysteine levels. Blood tests can be helpful due to its cost-benefit ratio—because in addition to a lack of B12 affecting cognitive function, high homocysteine levels (>14 mmol/L) have been linked to cardiovascular disease, dementia, and AD.^[6] In a study by Swedish researchers analyzing plasma homocysteine and serum cobalamin, amongst 296 elderly psychiatric patients with mental ailments who were given either vitamin B12 or folic acid supplements, most showed significant clinical improvements when individuals with low cobalamin were supplemented with vitamin B12. Furthermore, substantial recovery was observed in 61% of cases involving impaired mental function due to low vitamin B12 levels who had experienced symptoms for less than 6 months; however only 39% responded when symptoms had persisted longer than one year. 

Multiple studies have shown that vitamin B12 levels significantly decline with age; rates of vitamin B12 deficiency range from 3% to 42% deficient in persons aged 65 and older.^[7],[8] Research has shown that correction of underlying vitamin B12 deficiencies can significantly improve mental function and quality of life in these patients. It is clear that diagnosing and correcting low vitamin B12 levels must be prioritized in order to reduce impaired mental functioning among the elderly population.^[9]

Folate – Vitamin B9

Folate (not folic acid) is a B vitamin found both naturally in food and synthetically in supplements. The active form of folate is important for general health, but also for proper brain development in babies, and a scientific review and meta-analysis have confirmed that lower folate levels are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.^[10]

Recommended daily amount of folate for adults – 400 micrograms (mcg); pregnant women should consume 600-1000 mcg.

Top natural sources of folate include edamame, lentils, asparagus, spinach, and black beans.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplementation helps prevent dementia by helping the body clear amyloid-beta aggregates, protect nerve cells from injury, and balance immunity.

• Researchers analyzed data from 12,388 people and found that vitamin D supplementation was correlated to a 40% lower incidence of dementia compared to no supplementation with vitamin D.^[11]
• Women taking vitamin D were 49% less likely to develop dementia than those without supplementation, while men were 26% less likely.
• Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose of vitamin D for dementia prevention, as well as identify other factors (socioeconomic status, sun exposure) that may lead to reduced risk of dementia.

Zinc

Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in elderly people and has been strongly linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.^[12] Zinc-containing enzymes are essential for the proper functioning of DNA replication, repair, and transcription. 

It is believed that cognitive decline due to zinc deficiency can be caused by an accumulation of errors or ineffective DNA-handling enzymes leading to nerve cell damage, which results in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and plaques. Zinc levels in areas such as brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluids are significantly decreased in individuals with AD; this has been correlated with a decrease in serum zinc levels. 

Studies on animals have shown that dietary zinc deficiency results in decreased serum zinc levels as well as increased levels of corticosterone due to increased activity within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Zinc deficiency can also reduce histochemically reactive zinc levels, which are more vulnerable to aging processes and thus already lower in older adults. Therefore, both zinc deficiency and aging appear to be risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.^[13],[14]

Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine is one of the phospholipids present in cell membranes, and it has been hypothesized that supplementation with phosphatidylcholine may be beneficial for AD patients due to its ability to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. 

As we saw earlier, acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in cognitive function and memory, and deficiencies in this compound have been associated with AD. 

Phosphatidylcholine supplementations are worth trying for mild-to-moderate dementia cases; however, start by taking doses of 15-25 mg per day for no more than two weeks, and stop if there is no noticeable improvement observed. Phosphatidylcholine crosses the blood brain barrier more efficiently than straight choline. If an improvement is noticed, increase dosage. 

Other supplement forms, such as phosphatidylserine or choline alphoscerate, are being investigated as potentially more helpful alternatives for supporting cholinergic transmission and should also be explored by clinicians.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine has been identified as an alternative phospholipid for treating age-related cognitive decline, AD, or depression. It functions as the major phospholipid in the brain where it helps maintain cell membrane integrity and fluidity; however, under certain conditions (such as deficiencies of methyl donors like adenosylmethionine (SAMe), folate, Vitamin B12 or essential fatty acids), phosphatidylserine levels can drop too low which leads to impaired mental function and depression in elderly individuals. There have been 11 double-blind studies that have reported successful use of phosphatidylserine for improving mental performance, behavior, and mood in individuals aged 65-93 years old with moderate to severe senility. When administered at a dose of 100 mg three times a day over 6 months, statistically significant improvements were noted (P <0.01). 

The efficacy of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine supplementation may vary depending on the individual; it is best to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. 

Krill Oil

It is well known that omega-3 oils help in brain health, especially for dementia and AD. Krill oil outshines all of the other oils for many reasons.^[15] Not only does it have the above phospholipids and omega-3 oils, but it also has many other functions including:

• Krill oil protects dopaminergic neurons from age-related degeneration and decreases alpha-synuclein aggregation.
• Lipid extracts from Antarctic krill are rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthin.
• Krill oil improves dopamine-dependent cognition and behavior in lab models of Parkinson’s disease.
• It rewires global gene expression programs to attenuate aging hallmarks including oxidative stress, proteotoxic stress, senescence, genomic instability, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Mechanistically, krill oil increases neuronal resilience through temporal transcriptome rewiring to promote anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation.
• It promotes dopaminergic neuron survival through regulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal functions.

Dosage: 2 – 3 capsules – twice daily

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) has been extensively studied in the past 10 years for its potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease, senile depression, and age-related memory difficulties. LAC is composed of acetic acid and L-carnitine, which are bound together by a chemical reaction. It remains unclear if LAC is more effective than straight carnitine in terms of brain health; however, research suggests LAC is much more potent. This is due to its striking structural similarity to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter found abundantly in the human brain.^[16],[17]

Studies have demonstrated that LAC can mimic acetylcholine, thereby providing benefits for those with early-stage AD or elderly people who suffer from depressions or memory impairment. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant in brain cells, which helps stabilize cell membranes and improve cellular energy production. Furthermore, it amplifies or mimics the function of acetylcholine in the brain.^[18] All of these properties make LAC an exciting option for treating neurological conditions.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant hormone in the body’s circulation, and its levels are particularly high in the brain. DHEA naturally decreases with age, and research suggests that when DHEA levels drop too low, symptoms linked to aging may appear. This includes declines in mental performance. ^{[19],[20],[21]}

While DHEA itself has no known direct function, it is still important as it helps to form other steroid hormones that regulate the body’s activities such as sex hormones and corticosteroids. DHEA plays a key role in keeping balance among these hormones by providing the necessary raw materials for them to be produced in optimal levels. This helps maintain overall bodily health and functioning.

There is a growing body of research showing that DHEA deficiencies are associated with conditions like diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, cardiac issues, arthritis, and other diseases associated with aging. Additionally, studies indicate that supplementing with DHEA may help improve cognitive function and memory; however, more research is needed on this front. The recommended dosage varies between sexes but generally falls between 15 – 50 mg per day for adults over 50—though dosages can go up to 100 mg for those in their 70s or older. Too much DHEA can cause acne and menstrual irregularities in women, so laboratory tests should be done before prescribing DHEA supplements to an individual.^[22]

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body from serotonin and released by the pineal gland which plays an essential role in regulating our sleep cycles and circadian rhythms. Melatonin is also known for its powerful antioxidant properties and its use in cancer therapies. Recent medical research has revealed that melatonin may have a more expansive role, providing protection to neurons from damage due to heavy metals such as cobalt. Cobalt is found at higher levels than normal in individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and it has been shown that melatonin can help protect neuronal cells from cobalt-induced oxidative damage and beta-amyloid release when used as a preventive treatment. Melatonin’s ability to prevent neuronal damage from heavy metal exposure could prove invaluable for those susceptible to AD.^[23]

The importance of melatonin in protecting neuronal health cannot be understated. It is a crucial hormone that may prove to play an even larger role in the body as researchers continue to uncover its many benefits. Melatonin’s potential contribution to preventing and managing AD should not go unnoticed. Further research into melatonin’s protective properties could lead to the development of ground-breaking new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease sufferers.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted by researchers at Nippon Medical School gave 3 mg of melatonin to eleven subjects daily for one month, along with nine other subjects given placebo (mean age 79.2 years). Assessment scales showed that the melatonin group had significantly increased sleeping time and decreased nighttime activity, as well as improved cognitive and noncognitive functioning compared to the control group. 

Another randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study studied the effects of prolonged-release melatonin (PRM) (2 mg) over a 24-week period on cognitive function and sleep quality in 80 patients with mild to moderate AD who were already receiving standard AD therapy; this study found that PRM treatment led to improved cognitive performance and better sleep efficiency than what was observed with placebo treatment. These results suggest a causal link between poor sleep quality and cognitive decline in AD patients. Melatonin could prove to be one of our most important weapons against dementia. ^[24],[25]

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an alkaloid derived from Huperzia serrata, a moss native to China. For centuries, Huperzia has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever and inflammation, however it has been found to have no antipyretic or anti-inflammatory properties in experimental models. Huperzine A is unique in that it is highly selective for the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (ACE) physiologically and is substantially less toxic than other conventional drugs used to treat the same condition such as physostigmine, tacrine, and donepezil. Huperzine A has been used by over 100,000 people without any serious adverse effects which makes it a promising potential treatment option.^[26],[27]

Clinical studies conducted in China show Huperzine A can be effective for treating dementia when taken twice daily at a dose of 200 mcg. In one double-blind study, 58% of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients who took Huperzine A showed measurable improvements in memory, cognitive function, and behavioral factors; 36% of those taking the placebo demonstrated improvement. ^[28]

Additionally, a double-blind study involving 210 AD individuals found Huperzine A to significantly improve cognition as measured by the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog). At 400 mcg taken twice a day over 16 weeks, there was an 11-week improvement of 2.27 points on the ADAS-Cog versus 0.29 points for those taking placebo and a 16-week improvement of 1.92 points compared with 0.34 points for placebo takers. While neither dose from these 2 studies exhibited any notable impact on global impression of change or activities of daily living according to this study, Huperzine A remains a promising treatment option for cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia due its effectiveness and safety profile relative to other medications commonly prescribed for this condition.^[29]

Actions of Huperzine A in seizures and cognitive decline.

From Damar U, Gersner R, Johnstone JT, Scachter S, Rotenberg A, Huperzine A. A promising anticonvulsant, disease modifying, and memory enhancing treatment option in Alzheimer’s disease. Med Hypotheses. 2017;99:57–62.

Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an effective memory enhancer, seizure and insomnia treatment, and mild sedative. In recent years, research into Bacopa’s potential to reduce memory dysfunction in rat models of Alzheimer’s disease has steadily grown. One study investigated Bacopa’s effect on a culture of purified rat astrocytes exposed to toxins that mimic the consequences of an excess of nitric oxide. This condition is known to play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. The Bacopa extract was able to inhibit the formation of reactive species and DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. These results support previous traditional applications for Bacopa and suggest that this medicinal plant may have therapeutic possibilities for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s disease.^{[30],[31],[32]}

Curcuma longa (Turmeric)

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is another medicinal plant that has shown neuroprotective benefits for Alzheimer’s patients due to its anti-inflammatory effects, cognitive enhancement abilities, and protection against neurotoxicity—all possible factors for Alzheimer’s development.

Studies have additionally indicated that curcumin is able to inhibit amyloid-β-protein (Aβ) aggregation, Aβ-induced inflammation, and β-secretase and acetylcholinesterase activities. In animal models of AD, oral administration of curcumin led to the inhibition of Aβ deposition, Aβ oligomerization, and tau phosphorylation in the brain as well as improved behavioral performance. Despite two clinical trials showing no benefit from consuming curcumin, this may be attributed to the poor pharmokinetic profile that was used.^[33] Furthermore, curcumin has also been shown to reduce plaque burden in AD models, protect against age-related brain damage, and decrease cataractopoiesis by inducing glutathione S-transferase activity which then reduces lipid peroxidation.^[34],[35]

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Known in Latin as Hericium erinaceus, lion’s mane is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, although it’s not cultivated widely in areas outside of Asia. It’s sometimes referred to as Hedgehog Mushroom, Yamabushitake or Houtou, and it belongs to the tooth fungus, or hydnoid fungi, group.

Lion’s mane has been used to treat many ailments including brain function, cancer, heart and circulation, inflammation, improve digestion, as an antioxidant, and on the nervous system in general; probably the most significant area is on brain function.

Enhances Brain Function and Benefits the Nervous System

One of the major ways in which lion’s mane mushroom affects brain function is by promoting “neurite outgrowth,” which refers to the growth of axons and dendrites from neurons. By enhancing this growth, the degeneration of brain cells, which is the main feature of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, could potentially be slowed down or even reversed.

A study conducted in Malaysia found that lion’s mane mushroom consumption can help regenerate damaged cells from peripheral nerve injury, which is an injury that affects the delicate tissue between the brain and spinal cord.

Extracts and various forms of lion’s mane mushroom have a significant impact on PC12 cells, which are often used in brain disease research as a testing tool for various treatments. These extracts protect the cells from damage and delay cell death, proving potentially beneficial in the prevention or treatment of brain conditions.

Research with mice has demonstrated that lion’s mane mushroom stimulated cognitive function, improved memory, and slowed Alzheimer’s-related symptoms. Similarly, a study involving humans with mild cognitive impairment showed improvement after 8 – 16 weeks of lion’s mane supplementation.

Lion’s mane mushroom has been found to have potentially protective effects on the spread of Parkinson’s disease according to animal research published in the Journal of Translational Medicine.

In laboratory tests conducted in Taiwan, lion’s mane mushroom has also been shown to help prevent the danger of ischemic injury, which is damage caused by a lack of blood flow to neurons. Although lion’s mane research is still in its early stages, its consistent impact on brain cells is worth further investigation.

Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus spp.)

A bioactive flavonoid from hibiscus flower, gossypetin, has been shown to be effective to resolve AD in mice studies. There have been many studies shown that hibiscus flower tea is very effective for lowering cholesterol in humans. It specializes in reducing LDL and improving small HDL cholesterol ratio levels in the blood and spinal fluids. In this study, the researchers observed a significant reduction in the levels of all forms of beta-amyloid in the brains of 5xFAD mice treated with gossypetin. Importantly, the reduction of beta-amyloid levels was not accompanied by a decrease in the enzymes responsible for their production. This finding suggests that gossypetin’s effect on cognitive improvement in the mice was likely due to its ability to modulate the clearance of beta-amyloid rather than its synthesis.

Furthermore, gliosis, which is the induction of microglia and astrocytes in response to brain cell damage, is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The research indicated that gossypetin treatment reduces gliosis in both the hippocampus and cortex of 5xFAD mice. Moreover, the data showed that gossypetin increased the markers linked to phagocytosis in the hippocampus and cortex and boosted the phagocytic activity of microglia.

While the study could not evaluate the effects of gossypetin on the functions of astrocytes and neurons, it provides promising evidence that the flavonoid could help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. Professor Kyong-Tai Kim, one of the study authors, posited that with gossypetin’s efficacy in beta-amyloid clearance, its addition to the search for a safe and affordable drug for Alzheimer’s treatment would tremendously impact the development of a cure.

In addition to its potential for beta-amyloid clearance, Dr. Raymond J. Tesi, CEO of a clinical stage immuno-oncology firm, suggests that gossypetin, being an antioxidant, could prove useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease through antioxidant therapy. He further notes that targeting neuroinflammation, improving mitochondrial and cholesterol metabolism, and reducing insulin resistance could all potentially contribute to non-amyloid therapies. Gossypetin’s positive effects reported in animal testing remain a hopeful sign that it could undergo human trials and verify its potential in reversing Alzheimer’s disease.

Tea

Drinking tea has been shown to reduce many forms of dementia including AD.^[36] Interestingly, there was not one particular tea that provided more benefits than the others. The research found that health benefits weren’t limited to green tea or herbal teas: the freshly brewed leaves of other teas like black tea, green tea, and oolong tea, were all shown in this study to have neuroprotective effects. Let’s look at some of the most popular teas and discuss their brain-boosting benefits.

Green Tea

Green tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is one of the most popular teas in the world due to its health benefits. It is packed with antioxidants which help to fight against aging and chronic diseases. The polyphenols it contains help reduce inflammation in the body, while one of its key components, L-theanine, can help promote relaxation without making you drowsy. It also has a high content of catechins, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) as the most abundant one. Two common compounds, catechins and resveratrol (a compound also found in red wine), reduce the formation of Alzheimer’s-associated amyloid plaques in brain tissue.

Nonetheless, several cohort studies point out that green tea consumption may lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. 

Black Tea

Like green tea, black tea also comes from Camellia sinensis and carries some brain-boosting benefits. It contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and other antioxidants that protect against free radicals and reduce inflammation. One study conducted by University of Newcastle found that drinking black tea may even lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce risks for Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, it can be concluded that black tea and green tea both have high potentials to protect the brain.  ​

Herbal Tea

Tea is a widely consumed beverage, not only for its pleasant flavor but also due to its many potential health benefits. Recent studies suggest that tea has the ability to improve memory speed and may even reduce the risk of dementia. Rosemary tea in particular has been associated with improved cognitive performance at low doses (750 mg). Other types of teas that have been linked to similar effects include peppermint, ginkgo biloba, matcha, and white tea. 

Coffee

Coffee is another popular choice for those looking to boost their cognitive abilities. According to one study from the Krembil Brain Institute, drinking coffee was found to be associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is due to the presence of natural compounds called phenylindanes which have neuroprotective qualities and can slow down cognitive decline. Darker roast coffees are more beneficial as they contain higher concentrations of phenylindanes. 

Another potential cognitive enhancer is caffeine—found in both coffee and tea—which has been linked with improved mental clarity and alertness. One study published in the Journal of Nutrition concluded that high caffeine intake was associated with better thinking skills over time. Another study from the National Institute on Aging identified a link between a healthy diet full of essential nutrients, high caffeine consumption, and better performance on memory tests. 

More research is needed to better understand how these substances (phenylindanes and caffeine) affect our brains over an extended period, however, evidence so far supports their positive impact on our cognitive function and mental wellbeing. With that being said, it is important to keep in mind that caffeine should be enjoyed in moderation and not used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. So, if you’re looking for an extra boost of energy or mental clarity, perhaps try increasing your daily intake of tea or coffee, but if you come to rely on it for energy, you might want to look at other ways you can support your energy levels.

According to an article in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers from a prestigious university conducted an extensive study on the lifestyle, health, and biographical data of 171,616 participants who were part of the UK Biobank collection.^[37] The results proved that those who regularly consumed coffee had a 30% reduction in mortality rate compared to those who did not. 

Dr. Christina Wee—deputy editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine and associate professor at Harvard Medical School—was quoted by The New York Times as saying “It’s huge. There are very few things that reduce your mortality by 30%.”

This isn’t an unfamiliar conclusion either; other studies have shown that regular consumption of black coffee is associated with increased longevity. Further research results discovered that drinking black coffee, without additional sugar or dairy, resulted in more significant effects when it came to life expectancy.

Cannabis

Cannabis and psychedelics have been at the forefront of medical research for their potential therapeutic effects on a wide range of medical conditions. One of the most promising areas is for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the endocannabinoid system and its potential therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s disease. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.

Cannabis and its constituents, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are known to interact with the endocannabinoid system and have shown great potential for treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, three papers published in September 2021 alone summarize much of what is known about Alzheimer’s disease and the endocannabinoid system.

One of these papers discusses how CBD and other cannabinoids may be used to help treat Alzheimer’s disease: CBD, in particular, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties that may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s disease. CBD has also been shown to reduce the production of beta-amyloid, a protein that plays a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.^[38]

Another recent review, published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research, makes a case for selectively targeting CB2 when developing novel drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease. CB2 is a specific cannabinoid receptor found primarily in immune cells and targeting this receptor may help reduce inflammation in the brain, a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.

Finally, a Life article suggests that modulating the microbiome via the endocannabinoid system. Because the gut microbiome has been shown to play an important role in overall health, including brain health, using cannabis to support the microbiome offers new potential therapy perspectives for treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Basil

One of the constituents found in basil is fenchol, which is a monoterpene also found in a variety of other plants, including eucalyptus leaves, wild celery, nutmeg, aster flowers, and citrus fruits. It has a pleasant scent and is used as an ingredient in some perfumes and laundry detergents. In addition to its pleasing aroma, fenchol has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Recently, researchers at the University of South Florida Health (USF Health) have discovered a new mechanism that may help reduce Alzheimer’s disease-associated neurotoxicity by activating the molecules that sense signals from the gut microbiome.

The study was conducted by Hariom Yadav PhD, professor of neurosurgery and brain repair at USF Health and director of the USF Center for Microbiome Research.^[39] His research focuses on how the gut microbiome affects brain health and age-related cognitive decline. The findings indicate that short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) released by beneficial bacteria in our gut bind with free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) neurons in the brain—thereby lowering amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This suggests that stimulating FFAR2 sensing could be beneficial for protecting neural cells against amyloid beta accumulation. 

In addition to SCFAs from our gut microbiome reducing Alzheimer’s symptoms via this mechanism, researchers believe that other monoterpenes like fenchol can stimulate FFAR2 signaling as well—and thus may have potential therapeutic benefits for managing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. While further research needs to be conducted before it can be determined definitively whether fenchol can reduce toxic levels of amyloid beta in neurons affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other neurological conditions, it appears likely that its antimicrobial properties could offer promising therapeutic benefits for those suffering from such diseases.

Saffron 

Experts working at the Bioanalytical Laboratory conducted a study to discover the beneficial effects of saffron (Crocus sativus) on preventing the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The research showed that saffron extract and crocin had the potential to improve spatial cognitive abilities by reducing chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, in part due to their antioxidant properties. So, by supplement with saffron can be a step toward preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease.^[40]

Other Botanical Supports:

• Cerebrovascular stimulants: Rosmarinus, Vaccinium, Ginkgo, Vinca, Crataegus, Capsicum, Zingiber, Zanthoxylum
  
  
• Nervine trophorestoratives, to protect neurons: Rhodiola, Centella, Bacopa, Acorus, Withania, Rosmarinus, Avena, Hypericum, Ganoderma, Eleutherococcus, Turnera, Sida cordifolia, Phyllanthus emblica, Panax spp., Polygonum, Angelica sinensis, Cordyceps, Grifolia, Coriolus
  
  
• Antioxidant botanicals: Curcuma, Boswellia, Commiphora, Crataegus, Phyllanthus emblica, Bacopa, Tinospora, Shilajitu, Ginkgo, Rosmarinus, Centella, Silybum, Buplerum, Astragalus, Spirulina, Ganoderma
  
  
• M1-mimetics, to provide cholinergic stimulus in the nucleus basalis of Maynard: Pilocarpus, 10-30 gtt b.i.d.
  
  
• Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors, to inhibit the enzymatic degradation of acetylcholine:Physostigma venenosa, 5 gtt b.i.d.

Supplements

• vitamin A – 2 0,000 IU daily
• vitamin B complex – 50 mg b.i.d.
• vitamin C – to bowel tolerance
• vitamin D – 5,000 – 10,000 IU daily
• vitamin E – 800-1200 IU daily
• EPA/DHA – 3000 mg each daily
• phosphotidylserine, to support biosynthesis of acetylcholine – 100 mg t.i.d.
• L-acetylcarnatine, to support biosynthesis of acetylcholine – 500 mg t.i.d.
• iron – 20 mg b.i.d.
• calcium/magnesium – 1:1, 800 mg each b.i.d.
• chromium – 200 mcg t.i.d.
• selenium – 200 mcg b.i.d.
• zinc – 50 mg daily
• CoQ10 – 50 mg t.i.d.
• grapeseed extract – 50 mg t.i.d.
• bioflavonoids – 3-5 g daily

Suggested Supplements Program:

• Gingko Biloba eXtract (24%:) 80 – 240 mg b.i.d.
• Huperzine A: 200 mcg b.i.d.
• Krill: 500 – 2000 mg daily
• Rhodiola: 1000 mg b.i.d.
• Lion’s Mane: 500 – 3,000 mg daily or equivalent of concentrate
• CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): 200 – 400 mg daily
• Hibiscus tea: 1 – 2 cups per day
• Other Teas and or Coffee
• Medicinal 5-Mushrooms blend containing Lion’s mane: 2 capsules b.i.d.
• Multivitamin Mineral: 1 daily

Conclusion

Well, that concludes the blog series on Alzheimer’s. As you can see from the above, there are many approaches a person can use to lower or even reverse the insult of Alzheimer’s in one’s life. Many of these ingredients can be obtained from a healthy well-rounded diet. The above supplement suggestion is a basic program only. To this add botanicals that are specific for the individual’s specific sub-type or combination of subtypes presented. You can start off small and build up to the supplementation program that is right for you and your budget.

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