Shelves of supplements

Can I buy supplements to prevent or treat dementia?

We examine the truth behind the sale of supplements, vitamins, products and therapies that claim to prevent or treat dementia, or boost memory.

It is common to see advertisements online claiming to be a ‘miracle cure’ for dementia.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether to trust these claims.

Unfortunately, any supplement or treatment available to purchase that claims to prevent, slow down or reverse dementia is extremely likely to be bogus.

Our dementia advisers are here for you.

I have dementia - what does this mean for me?

The good news is there is support out there.

Alzheimer's Society is here for everyone affected by dementia. We provide accurate, evidence-based advice and information.

While there is currently no cure, there are drugs and non-drug treatments that can lessen a person’s symptoms of dementia.

Beware of false claims about 'treatments'

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be a difficult time for the individual and their families.

Dementia can make individuals more susceptible to aggressive marketing messages.

It’s unacceptable for companies to exploit people who are in this vulnerable position, valuing profits over well-being.

We are concerned that people looking for information are not receiving the support or treatments they need following a diagnosis. Unsurprisingly, this leads to people looking online for alternatives. 

I’m worried about developing dementia – what can I do?

The causes of dementia are complex. There are some factors we can’t change, such as our genes. There are some things we can do to reduce the chances of developing the condition.

In general, what is good for the heart is good for the brain.

It’s important to make sure that any long-term health problems are managed as well as possible. These could include diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.

If you have any of these or think you may be at risk of developing them, it’s really important to check in with your GP and take any medications they prescribe.

You can also try to make your brain healthier through positive lifestyle changes.

I'm considering taking a dementia supplement

If you are considering purchasing and taking a supplement that claims to prevent or treat dementia or memory issues, ensure you discuss this with your doctor before doing so.

Dr Fiona Carragher, Chief Policy and Research Officer at Alzheimer's Society, explains the importance of trusted sources.

'We are aware of companies marketing supplements online with misleading evidence that they can prevent or even treat dementia.

'The "evidence" is often anecdotal and, in the majority of cases, there is little or no data to back up the claims.'

'We know there is a lot of fear and uncertainty surrounding dementia, and anyone looking to reduce their risk deserves to receive accurate information.

'Research, including our own, has revealed a number of lifestyle changes that can help prevent dementia.

'It’s frustrating that people are being taken away from our evidence-based robust advice and guidance and being pointed instead to misleading claims for financial gain.'

Alternative therapies for dementia

There is so much information available online about alternative therapies for dementia. Some of it is true, but some stretch the truth.

Alzheimer's Society ensures all the information we provide is always backed up by evidence and will ensure you have all the facts to make an informed decision. 

This article was first published on 22 March 2019, and most recently updated on 11 August 2021.

Cannabis and coconut oil

Learn more about two popular alternative therapies for dementia symptoms.

Cannabis and CBD oil Coconut oil

27 comments

Is there any evidence to suggest that exercise can reverse or contribute to its reversal. Or that hormone imbalance or thyroid problems can cause dementia?

Hi Ruth,

Taking regular physical exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can help to maintain wellbeing. Physical activity creates valuable opportunities to socialise with others, and can help improve and maintain a person's independence. This is beneficial to both people with dementia and their carers. Engaging in physical activities can also improve self-esteem and mood, which in turn encourages more social engagement that may also contribute to wellbeing.

Learn more about physical activity during the different stages of dementia on our website (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/physical-exercise) or from the factsheet (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-09/529LP%20Exercise%20and%20physical%20activity.pdf). 

We also have information on the website about hormones and dementia that may be of interest: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/hormones-and-dementia

Sadly there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia.

For more dementia information or advice, we'd recommend contacting our support line on 0333 150 3456 to speak with one of our trained dementia advisers. You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours and other methods of contact) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

You might also want to join our online community, Talking Point. Here, people with dementia and others share their experiences and offer advice to people going through similar situations. You can browse the conversations within the community or sign up for free: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/

We hope this helps for now, Ruth. Please do call our support line if you need more dementia information.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

Hi my dad has recently been diagnosed with mixed dementia, vascular and alzheimers. A friend of mine recently suggested Lion's Mane, firstly has anyone taken this to help and if so was there any improvement to memory? He probably can't take normal medication as his pulse is already slow and they are concerned he might have episodes of passing out but I wondered what alternatives there are out there. Thank you. X

Hi Belinda,

Thanks for the comment. We're sorry to hear about your dad, and please know that you can always call our support line on 0333 150 3456 if you'd like any information, support or advice from one of our trained dementia advisers.

To answer your question, it’s certainly the case that medication like donepezil and other similar drugs can’t be prescribed to people with a slow heart rate as it can increase the risk of feeling faint and falling.

However, many people who can’t have one of these drugs can have another one called memantine, which has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of dementia and works in a different way.

It might be worth asking your dad’s GP to look into whether this is suitable rather than trying an alternative therapy, like the one you have mentioned, with very little evidence to support its effectiveness (or indeed safety given the possibility of interactions with other drugs a person with dementia might be taking).

We hope this helps. Wishing you and your dad all the best.

Alzheimer's Society knowledge team

Hello,
I am researching for myself. Onething I have noticed is their are many products with a "Name" of which I am steering clear of the reason is I will only take the CORRECT vitamin tablet becouse many name remedys are also made up somewhere with the needed B vitamins but not usualy a high enough dosage of vitamin.Just google Vitamins for memory loss and it is so easy to read about the B vitamins needed.❤

My Father in law is 81. He is in a wheelchair due to a below knee amputation in 2017 due to diabetic neuropathy. He has suffered from TIAs (mini strokes) in the past which so far always appear to sort themselves out (that is after multiple hospital trips where the issue has resolved upon arrival, and yes he has had many tests once there).
For the past 6 months or so he is slowly going downhill. His speech slows when gets dry and needs a drink. My Mother in law is a little bit in denial, despite our insistence he sees a doctor to arrange a definitive test and maybe get some help. I think she is worried he may have to go into a home if he is diagnosed with dementia.

My reason for posting is that he is not so much forgetful but has hallucinations, thinking he has been somewhere or seen someone. He thinks long gone family members are still around and he has just seem them in his home.
The really odd thing is he always knows when he is, 'acting silly again' (his words) and owns it, which I find remarkable. Has anyone else experienced this or is it a normal part of onset dementia? I would love some advice.

My mother has Lewy Body Dementia, which she developed around 2012. With Lewy Body, your memory lasts longer, but hallucinations and delusions are the real problem. She has been in the Geriatric Psyhc unit three times. As with most of these units and nursing homes I fear, they just dope them up with Risperadol until their manageable. The last stay, they had her up to 6 mgs within 2.5 weeks. I think the recommended dose is .75 mg, because anything higher comes with high mortality rates. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep her at home as she was in danger and feared the nursing home would just do the same thing. Within a few weeks, she was doped out of her head and we brought her home. We immediately started weaning her off her dose and got her down to .5 mg. It takes months for the initial effects to wear off, but much to our surprise a few months later, we have a happy, easy to please mom! She may have a few hallucinations or delusions once an awhile, but they are very manageable. Most people are terrified of putting an elderly person on Respiradol (I was), but she went from completely living in a delusional world and wanting to hurt her caregivers, to a sweet loving mom. She is slowly losing her daily living skills and needs assistance, but her memory is really good considering. I just wanted to post this, because I know that many are scared of the very potent drugs given at the Geri Psychs and nursing homes. Hope this helps someone. Praise GOD, our mom is doing really well and she is eight years in to the disease! She also takes Donpezil, and Levothyroxine for Hypothyroid.

My father in law has mixed alzheimers and whilst he is still able to function he has taken a worrying turn on his eating habits. He now survives on jam on white bread toast for bkfst, ham sandwiches with cucumber and radish, crabsticks for lunch and white bread jam on toast for dinner. Occasionally he will have a bag of crisps and a banana.
We are now concerned as his weight has gone down and he is not getting the right vitamins and nutrients. He does have an issue with swallowing which he has had well before his alzheimers diagnosis. We believe he should take supplements but we are confused as to which ones and what type (pills or liquid).
Any advice, ideas would be greatly appreciated.

To be honest if he is starting to lose weight you should encourage him to have a meal replacement shake with all the vitamins and nourishment he needs, or a soup (complan) losing body mass through under eating is the beginning of the end.

I noticed my Mum was having memory problems in her late 80s, I kept taking her to her doctor and she just had 'Memory Problems' put on her notes. This happened for 3 years and finally she had an MRI when she was 91 which confirmed vascular dementia small vein disease. We have had no help, no information, no dietary advice, no meeting, no memory clinic, nothing, just the diagnosis. Mum is hypothyroid and has been in hospital for 6 weeks with a UTI. Her Liothyronine T3 was stopped as soon as she entered the hospital, the levothyroxine was continued. The endocrinology consultant stopped it. I kept on at the doctors to reinstate the T3 as I know what happens if a dose isn't given to Mum. Last Monday suddenly my Mum greeted me, her speech wasn't slurred, there was a light in her eyes, it was my Mum again. I asked the nurse what had happened and she told me that the T3 had been reinstated that morning. Everyone noticed the difference, it was so dramatic. How can T3 be stopped in hospital when it has an adverse effect on brain fog, memory and mood! Something should be done about this, my Mum suffered, got depressed, wouldn't eat and now I have my Mum back. Nothing else changed to give this dramatic effect.

I’ve suspected my mother has dementia for the last few years. Doctor confirmed it to me a few weeks ago. Mum will not go for a memory test. I’ve tried twice. I think she knows her memory is bad and is frightened. She lives alone. She gets quite confused and short term memory is poor. She doesn’t eat too well. She is very down. I just do not know what to do or how to help her and doctor won’t do anything without the memory test. I’m going round in circles. Help!

Hi Annelisa, I'm sorry to hear about your concerns for your mother. If you call our helpline one of our advisers would be glad to discuss it with you and offer advice.

Our Helpline is open Monday to Wednesday (9am-8pm), Thursday to Friday (9am–5pm) and Saturday to Sunday (10am-4pm), and can be reached on 0300 222 11 22.

Thanks

Dear Linda. Iwas carer and husband for 58 years despite disabilities of my own.My wife wanted to go home (we have lived here 26 years) didn't know where "home"was but would still pack.Couldn't reason but problem solved (each day!) by saying "It's a bit late now dear, we'll go tomorrow." Didn't recognise me but would want me."Oh,he's just popped down the road and will be back soon." Problem solved! Same with long dead mother and father. "Oh,they've gone out with friends." Anxiety dismissed. Just go along with their "reality" and don't try reasoning-it only leads to more anxiety and confusion.Give them the answer they will accept. Sadly, Piera passed away last year leaving me with profound depression with which I am battling, but please look after yourself and accept any help that is offered.Best wishes.

First, regrding driving problems-better to be safe than sorry. If you are alone, try to obtain assistance from a trusted friend or neighbourto order on-line deliveries, get lifts with associates etc. and develope strategies with the help of professionals. As husband and carer for my wife I found that for a few years she could drive perfectly and safely but eventually with increasing confusion I had to say "It's Ok dear, I've got some shopping to do so I'll drive you where you want to go and then pick you up afterwards." Problem solved (but licence surrendered!). I'd like to reply to Linda,too,but insufficient space.

Ones again I've read your blogs . How many people out there who are and had bad experiences with there GPs Hospital Memory clinic . And organisations like your self . I see you don't put that up in your blogs .
I would also like to remind you all about the word stigma .
You put your statement the organisation who going to try and informed the general public about this some top names . Not seen anything.
Back to my wife 4 years in May she was diagnosed we were told she had vascular dementia . We when to the hospital in January only to be told now she got front temporal lobe just by asking questions? We now going to see specialist out side of our area . Has you can see not happy please do not respond by saying sorry or put me in touch with local society they been help ether. I want positive and constructive answer .

Hi Stephen, thanks for your comment, and sorry to hear if you've had a bad experience.
We're just gathering some information from the relevant teams and will get back to you shortly with a response.
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Alzheimer's Society blog team

Hello Stephen,

Thanks for your feedback about the content of our blogs. We use this platform to share personal stories from people affected by dementia, which we hope will provide comfort to others in similar situations. We also aim to provide practical information, advice and answers to questions from our readers. We're sorry to hear that your experiences are not being represented here - we understand that everyone experiences dementia differently, and want to cover as many of these perspectives as possible. If sharing your story is something you're interested in doing, we'd encourage you to get in touch: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/share-your-dementia-story-our-blog. In turn this may encourage other people who have similar experiences share their stories also.

We really are sorry to hear about your wife; unfortunately we can’t second guess exactly what caused the doctors to diagnose vascular dementia and then amend the diagnosis to frontal-temporal dementia. We can appreciate how upsetting it must have been to be given a different diagnosis in January from the one four years ago, however we would say that dementia can be difficult to accurately diagnose.

Diagnosis is done on the basis of assessing the persons memory and cognitive skills through asking specific questions designed to test different types of abilities, and by observing behaviours. Doctors also use blood and urine tests, ruling out other possible causes of the symptoms, and will often order a brain scan. Brain scans can show how the brain is being affected, which can lead to a clinical diagnosis of type of dementia. They can be inconclusive however, especially in the earlier stages. Some people may have symptoms that fit more closely with one form of dementia rather than another. Some people will have ‘mixed dementia’ which means that they have more than one kind of dementia.

It’s good that you’re going to see a specialist, so that you can ask for more clarity about your wife’s condition and access any appropriate treatment for her.

You might find it helpful to read our factsheet on Assessment and Diagnosis https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/dia….
We also have factsheets on vascular dementia and fronto-temporal dementia which talk in more detail about those types of dementia. You can see a full list of our factsheets here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/dia…

Our Dementia Helpline can provide information, advice and emotional support, and we would be happy to talk to you in more detail about your situation if you would like to call the Helpline on 0300 222 1122.

If there is anything else we can do please do not hesitate in contacting us.

Best Wishes

My husband was prescribed menamtina about 18 months ago,so far there has been no obvious deterioration in his mental state

Hi Valerie, it’s great to hear that Memantine has been helpful for your husband. It is prescribed commonly to people with Alzheimer’s disease to manage some of its symptoms.
You can read more here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/treatments/drugs/drug-trea…
Thanks,
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Alzheimer's Society research team

Is there any medication that will stop or reverse this disease. There is a product called ambrotosre that works on cell communication i have tried it for my husband but cant confirm that it really helps is there any awareness out there about this product its a powder. Sold by a company called manatec.

Hi Martie, thanks for getting in touch. At this stage there is no published research looking at the benefits of ambrotose and it has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They include a caveat on their website which says: ‘These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease’. Without thorough, in depth research it’s impossible to know whether there might be benefits or risk of taking this supplement. If you’re considering using this supplement please do discuss it with your doctor.
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Alzheimer's Society research team

My Husband has Mixed Dementia
/Alzheimer’s All has been ok up to a couple of weeks ago when he forgot where he is He thinks we are away on holiday but wher we are is exactly the same as at home
He doesn’t know me at times( his wife of over 30 years) Then he remembers and thinks I left him and have come back to him
I don’t know how to answer him when he asks me questions like “are we together now?
Were you married to ????
You have a younger sister ???
No
and so many random wuestions

Hi Linda,
Really sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis.
Problems around memory and communication are common and it can be difficult to know how to answer these kinds of questions.
We have some information on our website around communication which you may find useful. This page in particular might be a good place to start: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/sym…
Some people also find it useful talking to other people in similar situations. Our online community Talking Point is a forum which you can connect with other people affected by dementia and ask questions: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/
You can also call our helpline on 0300 222 11 22 for information, advice or emotional support. The helpline's opening hours and full contact details can be found here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/national-dementia-helpline
Hope this is helpful.
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Alzheimer's Society blog team

I am prity shore a
I am. in the early stages of vascular dementia and I would like more information onit

Hi Alan,
I'm sorry to hear you're concerned about symptoms of dementia.
Firstly, we'd recommend visiting your GP and explaining what you're experiencing if you haven't done so already. We have some information here on why getting a formal diagnosis can be a really important step: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/why…
We also have lots of information on vascular dementia on our website and advice for anyone who is worried about their memory.
For vascular dementia, you can read or order a copy of our factsheet here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/vascular-de…
Most of our information for people worried about their memory is collected here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/wor…
Finally, if you feel like you'd rather speak to somebody, you can always call our helpline for information, advice and support. You can find details of the helpline here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/national-dementia-helpline
I hope this helpful, if you have any other questions please do get back in touch.
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Alzheimer's Society blog team

My specialist took many tests and confirmed I am in early stage dementia. DMV is requiring me to take a driver test and I just renewed for 4 years! Dr says no cure. I’m 76 years old.

Take test. It's about safty I drove for 2yrs after diagnosis then family started being concerned. My driving was perfect the instructor said my concentration was awful ie making me unsafe.
Result gave licence back to DVLA I miss car but I will not hurt anyone by driving . my age 62