| Supplement | Amount | Why |
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Acetyl-L-Carnitine | 1 gram taken three times per day |  [2 stars] Short-term studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s disease who supplement with acetyl-L-carnitine experience improved memory, enhanced overall performance, and delayed disease progression. |
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Ginkgo | 120 to 240 mg of a standardized herbal extract daily | [2 stars] Ginkgo biloba extract is an approved treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. It is thought to improve memory and quality of life and slow early disease progression.
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Huperzia | 200 mcg of huperzine A twice per day | [2 stars] Huperzine A, a substance found in the Chinese medicinal herb huperzia (Huperzia serrata), has been shown to improve memory and mental and behavioral function in people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. |
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Lemon Balm | 60 drops per day of a 1:1 herbal tincture, standardized to contain at least 500 mcg per ml of citral | [2 stars] Supplementing with an herbal extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce agitation in people with Alzheimer's disease.
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Melatonin | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, supplementation with melatonin significantly improved cognitive function and sleep quality, compared with a placebo, in patients with Alzheimer's disease. |
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Periwinkle | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] Lesser periwinkle contains the alkaloid vincamine, which has shown some benefit to people with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Sage | 60 drops daily of a 1:1 tincture | [2 stars] Sage appears to have an effect on acetylcholine, one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain and supplementing with sage has resulted in a significant improvement in cognitive function. |
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Vitamin B1 | 3 grams daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with vitamin B1 might slow Alzheimer’s disease progression in people whose vitamin B1–dependent enzymes have low activity.
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Vitamin E | 2,000 IU daily | [2 stars] Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E have been associated with lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and improved brain function in middle-aged and older adults.
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Asian Ginseng | 4.5 grams per day for 12 weeks
|  [1 star] A preliminary trial suggests that taking Panax ginseng may significantly improve a measure of cognitive function in the short term, though long-term use has not been established. |
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Bacopa | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Animal studies have found the Ayurvedic herb bacopa has constituents that enhance several aspects of mental function and learning ability. |
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Coenzyme Q10, Iron, and Vitamin B6 | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] A combination of coenzyme Q10, iron (sodium ferrous citrate), and vitamin B6 may improve mental status in people with Alzheimer’s disease. |
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DHEA | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] People with Alzheimer’s disease may have low DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels, and supplementation may improve mental performance.
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DMAE | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) may increase levels of a brain neurotransmitter, which may foster positive behavior changes in people with dementia. |
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Fish Oil | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Fish oil may help slow the rate of cognitive decline in people with very mild impairment.
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Folic Acid | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Some researchers feel Alzheimer’s disease may be related to folic acid deficiency. |
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Lecithin (Phosphatidyl Choline) | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Weak evidence suggests that moderate amounts of lecithin, a fat used by the body to build membranes that may be obtained through food sources, may slightly improve symptoms.
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NADH | 10 mg per day
| [1 star] A small, preliminary trial showed that oral NADH improved mental function in people with Alzheimer’s disease. |
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Phosphatidylserine | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] There is some evidence that cow-derived PS (phosphatidylserine) has been shown to improve mental function and feelings of well-being in people with Alzheimer’s disease, though most research has not found benefit.
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Turmeric (Curcumin) | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In case reports, three patients with Alzheimer's disease showed improvements in symptoms such as irritability, agitation, anxiety, and apathy after supplementing with turmeric. |
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Vitamin B12 | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Some researchers feel Alzheimer’s disease may be related to vitamin B12 deficiency. |
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