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Best Supplements and Vitamins for Dementia Patients

Written by Melissa Lee
 about the author
29 minute readLast updated May 23, 2022

Nearly 10 million seniors receive a dementia diagnosis each year, bringing in new challenges and concerns for their families. As caregivers evaluate treatment options, strive to preserve quality of life for their loved ones and themselves, and work to keep their loved one’s symptoms at bay, the connection between nutrition and dementia serves as a helpful entry point.

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Make healthy diet choices potentially more effective by partnering them with valuable dementia prevention supplements and other natural remedies for dementia symptoms.
Read on to learn more about these specific, science-backed supplements, and some highly recommended products for best absorption and quality.

Vitamins to prevent dementia symptoms

The human body requires 13 essential vitamins to function normally. Each of these key substances plays a vital role in many of the chemical reactions throughout our body, including the brain — so, it’s important to make sure these vitamins are accounted for when first looking to supplement for brain health. And, being that it is common for nutritional deficiencies to arise as dementia progresses, it’s even more important to stay on top of nutrition after a dementia diagnosis.
Some vitamins you can’t really have too much of, like vitamin C, but some are best tailored to individual needs, like some B vitamins. Luckily, these days, it’s easy to check for vitamin deficiencies, as certain blood tests are now available without a doctor’s order. With easy-to-order nutritional screening through private companies, you can easily check your loved one for vitamin deficiencies at home or at a nearby lab. Walk-In Lab is one of those companies. They come highly recommended by their clients, are fully accredited, and use only CLIA certified labs. Tailoring a personal vitamin regimen is ideal to target needs and avoid overdose.
Of the 13 essential vitamins, a deficit in B vitamins, vitamin D, and vitamin C could potentially make dementia symptoms worse. So, make sure you start here when beginning a routine of supplements for dementia. Before starting any new supplement, always speak with your loved one’s medical team or pharmacist to make sure there are no possible interactions with current prescriptions.

Vitamin B complex

When looking at a vitamin B complex, it’s important to realize that this is not just one vitamin, but a group of vitamins. The B complex includes vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12.
Vitamins B6 and B12 are critical because they team up to form one of the best compounds for slowing down the effects of dementia. There is proof that memory-deteriorating genes can become more active due to a deficiency of these vitamins. And, supplementing with them may help repress cognitive decline, according to recent research in nutrigenetics — a newer science of how nutrition affects the gene expression of individuals.

Which supplements for dementia include vitamin B complex?

You may be able to find these vitamins in a multivitamin form in the vitamin section at your local grocery or health food store. You can also order them online. For a stronger and highly absorbable vitamin B complex, consider these two options:
When looking for a B complex, look for the methylcobalamin form of B-12 as opposed to the cyanocobalamin form, as it is better absorbed by the body and does not contain cyanide. It remains best practice to follow the dosing and instructions included with the product you select. Taking this product with food is preferable in order to avoid an upset stomach.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps fight more than just the common cold. Recent dementia research shows it to also be neuroprotective, and there remains a clear association between vitamin C and dementia. For example, consuming more vitamin C may lead to a lower risk of dementia, according to a study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Which supplements for dementia include vitamin C?

This vitamin can typically be found in most multivitamin formulas in grocery stores, though for best absorption it’s important to get the right form. Look for liposomal forms of vitamin C, which promote optimum absorption through the gut as the vitamin is suspended in phospholipids, or fat. Try out one of these two products, which show great reviews and science-backed results:

The first option is in capsule form, and the second is in a gel pack. The gel can be taken in a small shot of water. As always, follow the directions when using these supplements for dementia.

Vitamin D

Research consistently shows that a vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of all forms of dementia, as outlined by the prominent neuroscience journal, Neurology. Counteract this risky deficiency and stave off worsening symptoms by getting enough vitamin D — one of the best vitamins to support memory and promote a sense of well-being.

Which supplements for dementia include vitamin D?

This vitamin may be available in a multivitamin or individual form at your local health food store or grocer’s vitamin department. Though, when thinking about vitamins, you should always consider a product designed for optimum absorption, with highly tested and well-sourced ingredients.
One such product, which is also backed by nutritionists, is Hum Nutrition’s Here Comes the Sun. Its science-backed, well-sourced ingredients, great reviews, and reasonable price make for a great option.

Micronutrient and phytonutrient supplements for dementia

When a person eats plant-based foods, the body absorbs phytochemicals – naturally occurring plant chemicals – sometimes also referred to as phytonutrients.
The science of phytochemicals is new but rapidly gaining traction. They have the potential to be disease-curing power players, as outlined by Debbie Krivitsky, director of clinical nutrition at the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Center at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
Research continues to show that people with Alzheimer’s disease face an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, which include many of these important phytonutrients. The following phytonutrients have been shown in clinical studies to offer protection to the brain and nervous system and may even help regrow nerve cells. These nutrients may help support a loved one with dementia and are now readily available to the consumer looking to improve their brain function, reduce anxiety, and alleviate depression.

Tryptophan

Among other nutrients, clinical research shows that dementia patients have a specific difficulty absorbing tryptophan, an important amino acid for brain health. This tryptophan depletion may be related to difficulties with memory and significantly impaired cognitive function in dementia patients, as stated in a highly cited study in the Journal of American Psychiatry. This was also found to be the case as psychiatric researchers from the University of Oxford discovered during clinical trials with dementia patients.
It’s important to keep in mind that tryptophan acts as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and melatonin, a hormone connected to sleep cycles, which means it helps the body to make these important chemicals. This relationship of precursors to vital chemicals of the body can help us understand the mind-body connection of what people eat and how it affects their mental states.
The use of tryptophan therapy — supplementing with tryptophan to increase absorption — results in an improvement in mental state, scientists agree.

What supplements for dementia include tryptophan?

Consumers should look for quality products when considering tryptophan natural supplements for dementia. With these supplements, it is also important to follow the recommended dosing. Products to consider include the following blends that include tryptophan along with other precursors to serotonin and melatonin:

Acetyl L-carnitine and acetyl choline

In the body, a phytonutrient called acetyl L-carnitine acts as a precursor to acetyl choline, which is an important chemical for healthy communication between brain cells. Acetyl choline plays an essential role in working memory, and deficiencies of acetyl choline are associated with dementia.
Additionally, significant differences in tryptophan, fatty acid, and choline levels exist in those with dementia as compared to other healthy older adults, as asserted in a study cited in the scientific journal Nutrients. Many dementia patients show a deficiency in acetyl choline levels in the brain, so it’s important to supplement with acetyl L-carnitine to boost these levels when trying to help reduce dementia symptoms.

What supplements for dementia include acetyl L-carnitine?

While acetyl choline does not exist as a stand-alone supplement, a person can take supplements to boost its production in the body, such as acetyl L-carnitine. It can be found in the following products, which have great reviews and third-party backed quality standards:
It’s important to read and follow the dosing instructions for this type of supplement, as it should be started slowly and taken with food.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)

Another important phytonutrient to promote healthy brain-chemical levels is alpha lipoic acid (ALA). This antioxidant can easily pass the blood-brain barrier and may be critical to protecting the brain and nerve tissue, according to Mount Sinai’s Health Library.
The damage from oxidative processes has been connected with dementia, according to a recent study in the National Library of Medicine, so ALA’s ability to easily pass into the brain as an antioxidant shows ALA to have great promise as a dementia treatment. Recent studies suggest that ALA therapy may even help reverse damage to brain cells.

What supplements for dementia include ALA?

While many companies offer ALA supplements, it is best to choose supplements from a business with an established reputation. Consider the following two products:
The LivOn Labs brand has ALA bonded with phospholipids (fat) for hyper-absorption through the gut. It is a gel that can be taken in a small shot of water or mixed in a smoothie. Solgar’s product is made into capsules. Remember, it’s always best practice to check with your loved one’s medical care team or pharmacist before adding additional supplements to the diet.

Magnesium

As a mineral that is naturally present in many foods, magnesium plays an important role in bodily functions, including those in the nervous system. “Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body,” according to research from the National Institutes of Health.

What are the cognitive benefits of magnesium?

With it playing a vital role in so many nerve systems, it’s easy to see why magnesium might play a role in dementia. The use of magnesium can improve dementia symptoms, reduce anxiety, and help with sleep, as witnessed through recent clinical trials in magnesium therapy for dementia.

Which supplements for dementia include magnesium?

Though many magnesium supplements are available at your local health food store, two quality products include the following:
Both of these products are made with a special type of magnesium that is bonded with the amino acid L-threonate, which enables the magnesium to cross the blood-brain barrier. When aiming to treat dementia-specific symptoms with magnesium, it is important to get this type, magnesium L-threonate, specifically. As with any supplement, make sure to follow the dosing and other instructions accompanying the product you select.

Probiotic supplements for dementia

Probiotics play a critical role in the body’s ability to properly absorb and process nutrients. The gut microflora — the bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and other organisms living in the human digestive tract — continue to show an influence on cognitive health across clinical research studies. The make-up of someone’s gut microflora is seen to influence the brain and behavior in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Research into the ever-important role of gut flora in disease is even supported by the University of Texas Health and Science Center, one of the largest medical research centers in the world.
Additionally, there are gut microflora signatures that may be associated with the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies continuously suggest that tailoring the gut microflora with supplemental probiotics may be therapeutic for dementia.
How can I find out about a person’s specific gut-flora health?
You can find out more information about your loved one’s gut microflora by taking an at-home gut microbiome test, which can help you to identify deficiencies for more tailored supplement options. There are many at-home biome tests, but a popular option for home use remains the Viome Gut Intelligence Test, which can be purchased online and shipped to your home.
What supplements for dementia include probiotics?
Even without a gut microbiome test, adding a probiotic supplement to your diet is not harmful and can help aid in healthy digestion. There are many probiotic supplements available in local grocery and health food stores and online. You should consider the number and type of strains in each product and choose a reputable brand.
One product to look at, which is formulated specifically for brain health and backed by medical doctors and clinical trials, is Garden of Life’s Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+.

Other natural remedies for dementia

The following are the leaders in natural herbal remedies for dementia symptoms, with promising phytochemical research all their own. Many of these substances come from plants, herbs, and other sources found in nature, some of which have been used in traditional medicine practices for thousands of years. Not only can you find these in supplement form, like capsules, drops, and powders, but many of them can be easily added to recipes and drinks to supplement the diet in their whole food form.
Layering supplementation in this way will only increase the body’s stores of these important phytochemicals.

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Cinnamon

While cinnamon may make you think of holiday cooking, it actually originates from the bark of small, aromatic evergreen trees. This spice offers more than just flavor for baked goods. It remains connected to many health benefits.
What are the cognitive benefits of cinnamon?
With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, cinnamon and its phytochemical element, cinnamaldehyde, may alter Alzheimer’s disease epigenetics by positively affecting gene expression.
“Cinnamon and, in particular, cinnamaldehyde, seem to be effective and safe approaches for treatment and prevention of AD onset and/or progression,” noted a study in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. Another promising scientific study suggests that cinnamon may have a protective effect on brain mitochondria, resulting in healthy energy metabolism in the brain.
Which supplements for dementia include cinnamon?
There are many supplements featuring cinnamon available to consumers. One to consider is Oregon’s Wild Harvest “True” Cinnamon, which is tested for purity by the non-profit Oregon Tilth. Remember to read and follow the dosing instructions at all times. It’s always preferred to start slow and steady with dosing, and many herbal supplements are best taken with food to avoid an upset stomach.

Turmeric (curcumin)

As one of the best supplements for dementia according to traditional medicines around the world, turmeric, also known as curcumin, its phytochemical element, is a spice made from a root, much like ginger. Turmeric has been used in the traditional medicine practices of India for thousands of years. And clinical studies of turmeric extract show it can improve cognitive health.
What are the cognitive benefits of turmeric?
Neuroscience studies consistently show that curcumin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse, and it can help delay the degradation of neurons and improve overall memory in the brains of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin also showed evidence of decreasing brain plaques and tangles in the brain, as noted in a study in The American Journal of Geriatric Medicine. Scientists believe these positive effects may be linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin.
Which supplements for dementia include turmeric?
As with all vitamins and supplements, ease of absorption by the body is a major issue. Curcumin appears to work in coordination with other bioactive nutrients to be absorbed by the body, such as piperine, the phytochemical element found in black pepper. The following supplements feature easily-absorbable forms of curcumin in their blends, along with high purity standards:

DHA fatty acid (omega 3)

Docosahexaenoic acid, commonly called DHA, is the main omega-3 fatty acid present in the brain and the heart. DHA is well known by doctors and scientists to support healthy brain and heart functioning. Lower levels of DHA have been connected to cognitive decline in older adults and people with Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the cognitive benefits of DHA?
DHA supports essential brain functions as it is what the brain uses for energy. Studies consistently conclude that a higher intake of DHA appears to improve learning ability, boost memory recall, reduce inflammation throughout the brain and body, and ultimately reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases overall.
Which supplements for dementia include DHA?
As one of the many potential dementia prevention supplements, DHA and Omega 3s can be readily purchased by consumers. One product to consider is the Nordic Naturals Omega Memory with Curcumin. This supplement is thoughtfully sourced and formulated with curcumin to boost anti-inflammatory brain support.
Other companies may offer other similar product lines for your selection. No matter which supplement you choose, make sure to follow the directions on that specific product for dosing and usage.

Ginkgo biloba

Native to China, the ginkgo biloba tree features distinctive fan-shaped leaves. These ginkgo leaves remain a popular ingredient in traditional medicine in East Asia, with medicinal usage spanning at least 2,000 years.
What are the cognitive benefits of ginkgo biloba?
Supplementation with ginkgo biloba improved cognition in people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in a recent clinical study. This study also noted that ginkgo biloba extract remains well-tolerated among most adults, which means potentially fewer side effects along with improved cognition.
Which supplements for dementia include ginkgo biloba?
While many products offer ginkgo biloba extracts as an ingredient, you could consider the following products for the person in your care:
When using these natural supplements for dementia, always follow the instructions and dosing on the bottle.

Lavender

This aromatic, Mediterranean plant can be made into an essential oil product with health benefits. The oil can be used as food flavoring or simple aromatherapy.
What are the cognitive benefits of lavender?
This essential oil may improve mood and decrease anxiety when taken orally. Clinical studies also assert that lavender oil taken orally could be as effective as the anti-anxiety pharmaceutical, lorazepam.
Which supplements for dementia include lavender?
As with any essential oil, it is important to buy lavender oil through a clean and reputable source. Two safe options include:

These two companies are known for some of the highest standards in the business and offer products that are are free of synthetics. Aura Cacia is available at many health food stores. And, both come with great reviews from customers and herbal specialists alike. Start slow with any new essential oil, and always dilute the essential oil with water, food, or cooking oil.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

As a member of the mint family, lemon balm is a medicinal herb native to Europe and grown all over the world. It has been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, and ease pain and discomfort, as noted by Mount Sinai Health Library. It is even known to heal wounds with its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Other members of the mint family, including rosemary and sage, may have similar effects according to recent studies. The herbs in this family may be considered possible home remedies for dementia as their positive effects are experienced by many.
What are the cognitive benefits of lemon balm?
Multiple studies have asserted that lemon balm can improve mood or cognition. Studies of rosemary and sage suggest that they could be used to improve cognitive performance and mental alertness, as well.
Lemon balm extract specifically helps manage the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as suggested in a study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.
Lemon balm use has shown positive changes in the psychological state of dementia patients, in research backed by medical doctors studying the medicinal effects of herbs. Clinical evidence repeatedly shows that lemon balm can reduce agitation in people with dementia, as noted by Jean M. Bokelmann, M.D., in the journal Medicinal Herbs in Primary Care.
Which supplements for dementia include lemon balm?
As a natural treatment for dementia, lemon balm can be found in health food stores and most grocery stores with a vitamin department. A great product to look out for is Oregon’s Wild Harvest Lemon Balm, though many other brands have similar lemon balm options, too. Whichever brand you choose, just make sure to audit all your herbal sources for purity and professional-backed processing standards. Lemon balm can also be made into a delightful tea.

Lion’s mane mushroom

For thousands of years, the Lion’s mane mushroom has been consumed across Asia for its health benefits. Recent clinical studies shed light on these positive effects. As noted in a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lion’s mane mushroom is a medicinal mushroom with the following health benefits:
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidative
  • Antidiabetic
  • Antihypertensive
  • Cardioprotective
  • Neuroprotective
What are the cognitive benefits of Lion’s mane mushroom?
The use of Lion’s mane mushroom appears to support the normal function of the nervous system. Lion’s mane mushroom body and extract may even promote neuroregeneration — the growth and support of brain nerve cells.
Which supplements for dementia feature Lion’s mane mushroom?
One best-selling supplement to consider on the market is the MycoBotanicals Brain Capsules. It is made by the company Host Defense, started by renowned mycologist Paul Stamets. His company is known as one of the best-documented and longest-standing mushroom supplement companies in the U.S.
Their MycoBotanicals Brain blend offers a mix of Lion’s mane mushroom, Bacopa, Reishi, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, and Cordyceps — a science-backed blend of strains good for the brain, heart, lungs, and immune system. There are many Lion’s mane mushroom products on the market now, as the science is undoubtable. They come in capsules, drops, or powders and may be found at your local health food store or the vitamin aisle of your grocery store.

Yokukansan

Traditional Japanese and Chinese medicine practices utilize a variety of herbs to address health concerns. Yokukansan is a blend of herbs traditionally used to treat dementia in these cases.
What are the cognitive benefits of yokukansan?
Recent clinical studies have shown that treatment with yokukansan can result in significant improvements in the behaviors and symptoms of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment with the yokukansan blend was seen to reduce the following symptoms in people with dementia, as noted in the study:
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Irritability

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Which supplements for dementia include yokukansan?
While you may see yokukansan supplements online, it is ideal to visit a local acupuncturist, naturopath, herbalist, or alternative medicine clinic specializing in traditional Japanese or Chinese medicine to purchase this herbal remedy.
These providers will typically assess your loved one’s needs prior to selling you yokukansan. This personalized experience may even result in a tailored formulation of yokukansan. As with any supplement, make sure to follow the directions and dosing outlined by the provider.

Considerations for vitamins, supplements, and herbs for dementia

Buying supplements for dementia requires due diligence on the part of the consumer.
The FDA does not have the authority to review dietary supplements and therefore cannot verify or deny their safety or effectiveness. That said, it’s important to research the companies you plan to buy vitamins, herbs, and other supplements from on your own prior to making a purchase. You can do this by reading reviews online about the companies and researching their products as well as the credentials of the specialists who promote the product.

Determine personalized natural supplements for dementia

The best supplements for dementia remain those that work best with your loved one’s individual medical situation, lifestyle, and genetic factors. You can learn more about your loved one’s genetic factors that affect nutrition and vitamin deficiencies through the new science of nutrigenomics, also called DNA nutrition testing.
This can be done either by requesting the test from your doctor or by ordering a test to be delivered at home through popular companies, such as Nutrigenomix or Nutrition Genome.
There are even companies, such as Genopalate, that can simply review any previous 23andMe or AncestryDNA results and give you a tailored nutrigenomic report without making you take a genetic test again. You can request that your previous genetic test results be sent to Genopalate’s nutrigenomic lab for a diet-specific report.

Coordinate care and treatments

You should always consult your loved one’s medical care team, dietician, pharmacist, naturopathic provider, or other health experts prior to adding, changing, or stopping any type of supplement regimen.
It’s also important to follow dosing instructions for the specific products you are using. Take note of any contraindications or possible side effects on the label of the product. A pharmacist can possibly help you and your loved one identify contraindications or drug interactions that may apply.
It can be stressful as a caregiver to manage your loved one’s medications and supplements for their optimum health. As time goes on, you may want to consider looking into long-term memory care or in-home care options for them. Memory care communities or a home health aide can help ensure that your loved one gets the vitamins, supplements, and tailored nutrition they require.
If you would like help with your loved one’s long-term care, reach out to a Senior Care Advisor for assistance. This free service can assess your loved one’s situation and help you locate memory care options in your local area.

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Meet the Author
Melissa Lee

Melissa Lee is a copywriter at OurParents, where she primarily creates content for veterans and caregivers. She pairs over a decade of writing experience with expertise gained from her time as a military programs volunteer and military spouse. She studied journalism at the University of Kansas.

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