CLINICAL TRIALS-ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
L-ALPHA-GLYCERYL-PHOSPHORYCHOLINE
Summary: In 126 patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type, there was a significant improvement in neuropsychological parameters in the l-alpha-glyceryl-phosphorylcholine group.
"Multicentre Study of l-Alpha-Glyceryl-Phosphorylcholine Among Patients with Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type," Parnetti L., Abate G, et al, Drugs and Aging, March-April,1993;3(2); 159-164.
VITAMIN B12 AND FOLIC ACID
Summary:
More than 20 case-control and cross-sectional studies involving more than 15,000 patients support the role of elevated homocysteine in vascular disease. In a recent published study, elevated serum homocysteine levels were associated with Alzheimer's disease. There was also a reverse relationship found between serum folate and vitamin B12 levels and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Polyvitamin therapy with folic acid and vitamin B12 is effective in lowering homocysteine levels in most people. The author suggests that neurologists may want to add measurements of homocysteine levels to their battery of tests that are routinely done in usually futile searches for reversible factors that predispose to dementia.
"Hyperhomocysteinemia: A New Risk Factor for Alzheimer Disease?" Diaz-Arrastia R. Arch Neurop, November, 1998;55;1407-1408.
DHA
Summary: DHA is the major fatty acid of neurological and retinal membranes and makes up more than 30 per cent of the structural lipid of the neuron and is especially concentrated in synaptosomal membranes. Elevating circulating levels of DHA through dietary intervention has resulted in improvement in a variety of conditions including dyslexia and Alzheimer's disease .In studying 1,188 elderly individuals (mean age of 75 years), a 2-fold higher frequency of Alzheimer's disease was found in individuals from the lower half of the DHA distribution.
"Low Serum Docosahexaenoic Acid is a Signifiant Risk Factor in Alzheimer's Dementia," Kyle DJ., et al, Lipids, 1999;34:S245.
PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE
Summary: In studying 494 elderly patients who were between 65 and 93 years of age with cognitive decline, 69 dropped out of the study within the 6 month trial period. Results showed that 300 mg/day of phosphatidylserine verses placebo caused significant improvements in the phosphatidylserine group compared with the placebo in both behavioral and cognitive parameters.
"Cognitive Decline in the Elderly: A double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study on Efficacy of Phosphatidylserine Administration" Cenacchi T, Bertoldin T, et al, Aging (Milano), April, 1993;5(2);123-133.
HUPERZINE A
The moss Huperzia serrata has been used in China since recorded history. Recently the administration of Huperzine A, an alkaloid isolated from the moss, has produced encouraging results in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Experimental Double-blind Study: 50 pts. with Alzheimer's disease were given orally .2m mg.(4 tablet) of Huperzine A and 53 pts. were given placebo for 8 weeks. About 58% (29/50) of pts. treated withn Huperzine A showed improvements in their memory, cognitive, and behavioral functions. the efficacy of Huperzine A was better than placebo (36%, 19/53). No severe side effects were noted.
Efficacy of tablet Huperzine A on memory, cognition and behavior in Alzheimer's disease, Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 16:391-5, 1995).
VINPOCETENE
Summary: In a review of 39 articles evaluating Vinpocetene use in treatment of dementia, memory deficits or cognitive impairment a total of 327 subjects in the Vinpocetene or placebo group participated in the 3 trials selected. The dose ranges were between 15 and 60 mg. In all 3 studies, there was a significant improvement with the use of Vinpocetene in cognitive function in individuals suffering dementia or other cerebrovascular diseases.
"Efficacy of Vinpocetene in the Mamagement of Cognitive Impairment and Memory Loss," Wollsclaeger B, JANA, Summer 2001;4(2);25-30.