Herbal Supplements and Alzheimer's

When I went to visit my folks this summer my uncle was telling my dad he needed to take Coconut Oil.  My uncle is a retired doctor so my dad believes he should take Coconut Oil.  We also have a family history of Alzheimer’s.  My dad is 81 years young and still very sharp, but decided he should start Coconut Oil.  Then at work a patient asked me about Coconut Oil.  I realized a lot of my patient’s try alternative/complimentary medicine and that I needed to know more about coconut oil and other touted remedies for Alzheimer’s.

Herbal supplements are considered alternative or complimentary medicine and sometimes referred to as dietary supplements or medicine food.  They are advertised as memory boosters or treatment s for diseases and ailments.  There is concern with the safety and efficacy of these supplements since they are not regulated by the FDA and the safety of these supplements are unknown.  With that said, I think it is important that we know what is out there and what our patients may be taking.  A lot of your supplements have interactions with other medications and can increase side effects.   I have looked at the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Institute of Aging (NIA), Prescriber’s Letters and websites and created a table that is not inclusive just some information I found on supplements for Alzheimer’s. Would love to know what you have heard patients use, recommend and/or swear their memory is better.

Note: There are no clinical trials that support the use of supplements to prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline, if you find something different would love to have you share it.

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