Supplements help patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease
December
19,
2008
Recent human studies have demonstrated the benefits of a vitamin with nutraceutical formulation supplying Folate, vitamin B6, alpha-tocopherol vitamin E, SAMe, NAC and ALCAR for patients with Alzheimer's disease at mild to moderate stages. The researchers have now tested this formulation for effect in a small cohort of 12 institutionalized patients diagnosed with moderate-stage to later-stage Alzheimer's disease.
Participants were randomly separated into either a nutritional treatment group or a placebo group. Participants receiving the formulation demonstrated a clinically significant delay in decline in the Dementia Rating Scale and clock-drawing test as compared to those receiving placebo. Institutional caregivers reported approximately 30% improvement in the Neuropyschiatric Inventory and maintaining better performance in daily living for more than 9 months.
This formulation holds promise for delaying the decline in cognition, mood, and daily function that accompanies the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and may be particularly useful as a supplement for pharmacological approaches during later stages of this disorder. A larger trial is warranted. The study is published online ahead of print in the December 3rd, 2008 edition of the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias.