The term "Early-Onset Dementia" (EOD) defines all dementia-related conditions with the onset occurring before 65 years of age (Giannakopoulos et al., 1996).
Dementia, defined by the Alzheimer's Association, is a widespread term for memory loss, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities severe enough to obstruct daily life. Alzheimer's is considered the most frequent cause of dementia and can contribute to up to 70% of all cases (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020).
New Research on Diabetes and the Onset and Risk of Developing Dementia
Did you know that Alzheimer's is also known as the "diabetes of the brain" or "type 3 diabetes? This lesser-known type is also associated with insulin resistance within the brain. It has significant potential to impact neurocognition and contribute to Alzheimer's disease (Nguyen et al., 2020).
Diet and Dementia Risk
Managing your diet's glucose (sugar) is essential for brain health. Studies have shown that specific food or a particular diet can help prevent or delay dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. One such diet showing promising evidence is the Mediterranean diet. This diet might help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's dementia or slow cognitive decline. The Mediterranean diet comprises low glycemic index fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein sources, including fish, seafood, and poultry. At the same time, you should cut down on refined sugars found in processed foods, which lack vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Treat Dementia by a Natural Approach
Studies show that loved ones diagnosed with EOD can benefit from non-pharmacologic approaches, including cognitively engaging activities such as reading, daily walking, and socialization. In contrast, pharmacologic approaches can provide modest symptomatic relief (Arvanitakis et al., 2019).
What about Vitamins and Supplements and the Treatment of Dementia?
Besides lifestyle changes, introducing alternative treatments for dementia would include providing the body (brain) with natural raw materials, including vitamins, minerals and amino acids for cognitive health. A list of supplements that show promising evidence for preventative or early onsite dementia, including, but not limited to:
Folic acid (B9): There is some evidence that folate deficiency can contribute to the cognitive impairment of the aging brain, sometimes leading to reversible dementia. Some studies suggest that folate deficiency affects the nervous system (Reynolds, 2002). Folic acid has anti-inflammatory and memory-enhancing properties. Supplementing a diet higher in folic acid for your loved ones may significantly improve their cognitive performance while reducing systemic inflammation (Ma et al., 2016).
Product Recommendation: New Roots Active Folate, 60 capsules.
Thiamine (B1): This B vitamin has been connected to neurological problems and dementia. An interaction between nutrition and dementia is related to low thiamine (vitamin B1) levels (Gibson et al., 2016). Supplementing with thiamine may help with neurological health.
Product Recommendation: Natural Factors Benfotiamine, 150 mg plus Thiamine Diphosphate, 30 capsules.
Vitamin E: Studies show that this antioxidant, vitamin E, may reduce the risk of the onset of dementia (Giraldo et al., 2014). A diet high in vitamin E or vitamin E supplementation can seriously reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly (Zhao et al., 2022).
Product Recommendation: Natural Factors Mixed Vitamin e400iu, 90 softgels.
Ginko Biloba: Clinical trials of the efficacy of supplementing with Ginko Biloba in 1998, meta-analysis found some benefits with dementia subjects (DeKosky, 2008) (Weinmann et al., 2010).
Product Recommendation: Naka Ginkgo Biloba, 400 mg 120 capsules.
Creatine Monohydrate: Supplementing with creatine has been shown to improve cognition and memory, mainly in older adults or during a stressful metabolic period (i.e., lack of quality and quantity of sleep) (Candow et al., 2023). Some researchers have also suggested that creatine may provide cognitive benefits in those with a possible risk for dementia by helping with mental fatigue, sleep and memory (Yassine & Albensi, 2021).
Product Recommendation: Naka PRO Creatine 100% Pure Micronized, 400 g
Early Diagnosis and Lifestyle Change are Key to Success
A healthy lifestyle, diet and natural supplemental approach can assist in lowering or lessening the effects of developing dementia while delaying symptoms. You and your loved ones diagnosed with dementia deserve the highest quality of life.
If you have been diagnosed with EOD, or you are the caregiver for a loved one with EOD, you already know how demanding and stressful the situation can be. However, help is available – and you are not alone on this challenging journey.
Please consult your primary health care provider or nutritionist before taking supplements, including vitamins, minerals, or herbal medicine. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding your medical condition and any diet changes. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on The Health Shop website.
References
Arvanitakis, Z., Shah, R. C., & Bennett, D. A. (2019). Diagnosis and management of dementia: Review. JAMA, 322(16), 1589. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.4782
Breijyeh, Z., & Karaman, R. (2020). A comprehensive review on Alzheimer’s disease: Causes and treatment. Molecules,25(24), 5789. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245789
Candow, D. G., Forbes, S. C., Ostojic, S. M., Prokopidis, K., Stock, M. S., Harmon, K. K., & Faulkner, P. (2023). “heads up” for creatine supplementation and its potential applications for brain health and function. Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01870-9
DeKosky, S. T. (2008). <emph type="ital">ginkgo biloba</emph> for prevention of dementia<subtitle>a randomized controlled trial</subtitle>. JAMA, 300(19), 2253. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2008.683
Giannakopoulos, P., Hof, P. R., Savioz, A., Guimon, J., Antonarakis, S. E., & Bouras, C. (1996). Early-onset dementias: Clinical, neuropathological and genetic characteristics. Acta Neuropathologica, 91(5), 451–465. https://doi.org/10.1007/s004010050452
Gibson, G. E., Hirsch, J. A., Fonzetti, P., Jordan, B. D., Cirio, R. T., & Elder, J. (2016). Vitamin b1 (thiamine) and dementia. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1367(1), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13031
Giraldo, E., Lloret, A., Fuchsberger, T., & Viña, J. (2014). Aβ and tau toxicities in Alzheimer’s are linked via oxidative stress-induced p38 activation: Protective role of vitamin E. Redox Biology, 2, 873–877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2014.03.002
Ma, F., Wu, T., Zhao, J., Song, A., Liu, H., Xu, W., & Huang, G. (2016). Folic acid supplementation improves cognitive function by reducing the levels of peripheral inflammatory cytokines in elderly chinese subjects with mci. Scientific Reports, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep37486
Nguyen, T., Ta, Q., Nguyen, T., Nguyen, T., & Van Giau, V. (2020). Type 3 diabetes and its role implications in alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(9), 3165. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21093165
Reynolds, E. H. (2002). Folic acid, ageing, depression, and dementia. BMJ, 324(7352), 1512–1515. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7352.1512
Weinmann, S., Roll, S., Schwarzbach, C., Vauth, C., & Willich, S. N. (2010). Effects of ginkgo biloba in dementia: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2318-10-14
Yassine, H., & Albensi, B. C. (2021, February 16). Nutrition, metabolism and dementia PIA - creatine treatment: promising approach or dead end [Alzheimer's Association]. Retrieved November 18, 2023, from https://training.alz.org/products/4267/nutrition-metabolism-and-dementia-pia-creatine-treatment-promising-approach-or-dead-end#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20it%20provides,TBI)%2C%20and%20working%20memory.
Zhao, R., Han, X., Zhang, H., Liu, J., Zhang, M., Zhao, W., Jiang, S., Li, R., Cai, H., & You, H. (2022). Association of vitamin e intake in diet and supplements with risk of dementia: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.955878
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