1. Caprylic Acid / Coconut Oil (Axona®)

Marketed as a way to give the brain extra energy by providing ketones (an alternative fuel to glucose).

Limited research, and the company stopped developing this product before large clinical trials, choosing to market it as a “medical food” instead. Thus data is very limited.

No solid evidence it helps with memory or Alzheimer’s symptoms.

2. Coenzyme Q10 and Idebenone

Antioxidants that some hoped might protect brain cells.

Studies have not shown clear benefits for Alzheimer’s.

Taking high doses can cause side effects.

3. Coral Calcium

Popular as a “natural” calcium supplement, but no scientific proof it helps Alzheimer’s or memory problems.

Marketing claims are not supported by research. FDA has even filed complaints against marketers.

4. Ginkgo Biloba

Extract from the ginkgo tree leaves, often used to improve memory and thinking.

Actually tested in a large clinical trial with thousands of people at risk for dementia.

Results showed no difference compared to placebo (a “fake” pill) in preventing or slowing Alzheimer’s.

5. Huperzine A

A natural substance from a Chinese club moss plant. Supposedly works similarly to some Alzheimer’s drugs by increasing brain chemicals involved in memory.

Has also had a large clinical trial, which found no clear benefit in people with Alzheimer’s.

6. Omega‑3 Fatty Acids (including DHA)

Found in fish oil and thought to support brain health.

Studies have been mixed, with some finding a benefit in memory, and some finding no benefit at all. 

Not enough evidence yet to recommend omega‑3 supplements specifically for Alzheimer’s.

7. Phosphatidylserine and Tramiprosate (ViviMind)

Phosphatidylserine is a fat-like substance in brain cells, promoted to support memory. Early very small trials were promising, but manufacturing was stopped due to mad cow disease. Now these products are made of soy, but they have not had sufficient evidence to recommend their use.

Tramiprosate is a drug thought to protect brain cells, but its phase 3 trial was abandoned and the manufacturers decided to market it as a “medical food” instead. Thus its claims are not considered substantiated.

Reference for above:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/alternative-treatments?

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Supplements for Dementia: What You Should Know

1. Vitamin D

What it is: A nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium and supports brain health.

Evidence: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to dementia, there is actually pretty good data to support this. However, the data is much more mixed when it comes to supplementing non-deficient persons for the purposes of treating or preventing dementia, and there is not enough currently to recommend vitamin D supplementation for this purpose. 

Side effects: Generally safe when taken as recommended. Too much vitamin D can cause nausea, weakness, and kidney problems.PMC

2. Vitamin B12, B6, and Folic Acid (B Vitamins)

What they are: Nutrients that support nerve function and brain health.

Evidence: Short-term studies suggest B vitamins don't significantly improve cognitive function in older adults with or without dementia. However, some studies indicate that B vitamins may slow brain shrinkage in certain individuals.

Side effects: Generally safe when taken as recommended. High doses of B6 can cause nerve damage over time.

3. Vitamin E

What it is: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Evidence: Two studies have found that vitamin E slows down the loss of function in established Alzheimer's disease. Studies in MCI have not shown vitamin E to slow progression to Alzheimer's, however. given the mixed results and general paucity of data, the recommendation on vitamin E is that it is still not conclusive.

Side effects: High doses can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you're taking blood thinners. High doses have also been associated with an increase in all-cause mortality.

4. Probiotics

What they are: Beneficial bacteria that support gut health.

Evidence: Some studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to cognitive decline. Some studies show improved MMSE scores or other memory/cognitive endpoints. Some of these studies are in MCI rather than established AD. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects; these existing studies all suffer from either small sample size or other significant limitations.

Side effects: Generally safe for most people. Some may experience mild digestive symptoms like gas or bloating.PMC

5. Selenium

What it is: A mineral with antioxidant properties.

Evidence: Some studies have shown Alzheimer's to be linked with lower selenium levels, however selenium supplementation has not actually been shown to be helpful in human studies. 

Side effects: High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, and nerve damage.

6. Ginseng

What it is: An herb used in traditional medicine to improve energy and cognitive function.

Evidence: Some small studies suggest that ginseng may have a mild positive effect on cognitive function in dementia patients and healthy adults, though generally only sustained while still taking the supplement. However, evidence is mixed, and more research is needed.

Side effects: Generally safe for short-term use. Possible side effects include insomnia, restlessness, headaches, and digestive issues.