Vitamins & Supplements
Ask the doctor: Can supplements prevent dementia?
Q. Is there any medication or over-the-counter supplement or vitamin I can take to prevent dementia?
A. Unfortunately, no drug, supplement, or vitamin can prevent you from getting dementia. The 2010 Consensus and State-of-the Science Statement on Preventing Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline from the National Institutes of Health reviewed all the available scientific evidence on the topic. The authors concluded, "Evidence is insufficient to support the use of pharmaceutical agents or dietary supplements to prevent cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease." So there are currently no good scientific data to show that taking anything—whether it's ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, or donepezil (Aricept)—will protect you from losing mental function.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.