Blog – Vitamins, Food Supplements & Dementia

Vitamins and supplements are not pharmacological interventions and are not typically provided by the NHS. But this does not mean that they do not have benefits for the user. Many vitamins and minerals are essential for our bodies to function, and although most should be acquired through a balanced and healthy diet – supplementing on particular vitamins that a person may be deficient in or have trouble absorbing can be helpful. As noted, these are not pharmacological interventions, which unfortunately in-hand means that 1) there are limited rigorous testing of vitamins. Big trials and studies typically require large amounts of funding – which for pharmacological interventions – usually comes from drug companies; and 2) the quality of supplements can vary. This is in terms of not only the concentration of the vitamins, but also in terms of additives and honest labelling. It’s important to do your research and only use vitamin providers that you can trust. While we know that there is currently no cure for dementia, there are several vitamins and supplements that thought to have beneficial effects on cognitive function and may help manage the symptoms of dementia.

1. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining good brain function and has been shown to improve cognitive performance in people with dementia. It is also essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 can be found in animal-based foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products, but supplementation may be necessary for people with a B12 deficiency, particularly those following a plant based diet.
2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in people with dementia. They are also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a common co-existing condition in people with dementia. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, but supplementation is also available in the form of fish oil or plant-based sources such as flaxseed oil.
3. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for maintaining strong bones and has also been linked to better cognitive function in people with dementia. Vitamin D can be found in foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and dairy products, but the body also produces it when exposed to sunlight. Supplementation may be necessary for people who do not get enough vitamin D from their diet or exposure to sunlight.
4. Antioxidants: Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E have been shown to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of dementia. Antioxidants can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, but supplementation may also be necessary for people who do not consume enough of these foods.
5. Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba is an herb that has been used for centuries to improve cognitive function and has been shown to have beneficial effects in people with dementia. It is thought to improve blood flow to the brain and protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Ginkgo Biloba is available in supplement form and can be found at many health & food stores.
6. Bacopa: Bacopa is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in people with dementia. It is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing oxidative stress. Bacopa is available in supplement form as well.
7. Curcumin: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in people with dementia and may also help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

It is important to note that while these vitamins and supplements have been shown to have beneficial effects for people with dementia, they should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. It’s important that people living with dementia consult with their doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement regimens to determine if they are appropriate for their individual needs, and to make sure there are no interactions with existing treatments. And while there is currently no cure for dementia, incorporating specific vitamins and supplements into a healthy lifestyle may have beneficial effects on cognitive function, and may help manage the symptoms of dementia.

Thanks for reading and listening! Hannah.