Alzheimer's: Prevent It With Nutrition? - written by Barbara Morris, R.Ph.

September 21 was "World Alzheimer's Day." I didn't hear anything about it in the press, but it's just as well. What would celebration accomplish? Awareness? Walk-athons, and more money pumped into the same type of research that's been done for years that hasn't produced anything?

In honor of the day, a press release, "Neutraceuticals offer hope on World Alzheimer's Day" suggested it's worth reflecting on the potential of research into food and dietary ingredients to stave off the disease. Could this be good news?

Research into dietary supplements to prevent Alzheimer 's disease has been going on for a long time with some very promising results. But that's where it ends: "Promising results." Research that produces truly promising results usually dies for lack of funding and lack of support by advocacy organizations.

It is of interest that the supplements and food mentioned in the press release as of possible benefit - vitamin E and the Mediterranean Diet are nothing new. What is also of interest in the release is there is no mention of the most promising of all supplements - the anti-oxidants alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, acetyl-l-carnitine, and others.

There is very encouraging research that indicates these anti-oxidants, taken well before cognitive decline begins can be brain savers.

Dr. Julian Whitaker discusses the Alzheimer's situation in his September 2007 "Health and Healing" newsletter and he doesn't paint a pretty picture. According to Whitaker, nearly 1 in 8 of those over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 already have Alzheimer's. By mid century, up to 16 million people will be afflicted. That's more than the total population of New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago combined.

Now while you still have your cognitive health is the time to take steps to save your brain. There are supplements you can take, if taken in adequate amounts that may save you and your family a lot of grief down the road. Dr. Whitaker suggests a daily supplement regimen:

DHA, 50 mg (3-4 fish oil capsules); Curcumin, 900-1,800 mg; Natural vitamin E,800-1,600 IU; Vitamin C,3,000 mg; Natural beta-carotene, 15,000-20,000 IU; N-acetyl cysteine NAC), 500-1,500 mg; Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), 200-400 mg; CoQ10, 200-400 mg; Acetyl l carnitine (ALC), 1,000-2,000 mg; Phosphatidylcholine, 250 mg; Phosphatidylserine, 100 mg; and a good multivitamin and mineral supplement.

For many, if not most people, the above list of anti-oxidants is forbidding. "I can't swallow that much" and "I can't afford it" are common objections. If we can eat a mouthful of food, we can swallow a handful of supplements a couple at a time. If we have enough money to spend on trinkets and entertainment, perhaps reorganization of spending priorities is in order.

You can fall prey to conflicting reports about the safety and usefulness of supplements or you can educate yourself and do what you have to do to maintain your cognitive ability. If you don't take care of yourself, who will?