In this two-year study of 341 individuals with Alzheimer's of moderate severity it was found that 2,000 IU per day of vitamin E extended the time patients were able to care for themselves, such as bathing, dressing, and other necessary daily functions, compared to those taking a placebo. There is a particular form of dementing illness known as Wernicke Korsakoff Disease. This disorder most frequently occurs in chronic alcoholic patients or in individuals on long-term hemodialysis. Treatment with thiamine can immediately reverse some of the effects of this disease. Thiamine, which is involved in glucose metabolism, can mimic the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine 4 .
Thiamine is also critically important in cardiovascular function.
The herb, ginkgo biloba , has been used for decades in Europe as a leading treatment for early stage Alzheimer's. I prescribe this nutrient on a regular basis to my patients with early dementia. Gingko is thought to work by increasing cerebral blood flow, stabilizing cell membranes, potentially reducing inflammatory response within the brain, and acting as a potent free radical inhibitor. Although it is considered a safe nutrient, it does have mild anti-coagulant effect and should not be used in patients taking Coumadin. Phosphatidylserine is the major phospholipid found within the cell membranes within the nerve cells in the brain.