Alzheimers disease destroys the connections in the brain responsible for memory and other mental functions. This causes a loss of memory, confusion, and a decline in everyday self-care skills.
Currently, theres no way to reverse Alzheimers disease. However, newer treatments may slow down its progression.
New studies are showing promising results that indicate the potential to reverse Alzheimers disease in the future.
Theres no way to reverse or cure Alzheimers disease. However, scientists have made incredible progress in recent years.
New Alzheimers treatments may slow disease progression and reduce symptoms. They can help people stay independent and keep functional skills for longer than theyd be able to without treatment.
While many treatment options are still in development, current medical treatments include:
Medications with the potential to reverse Alzheimers are also being studied. For instance, a 2021 research study conducted in Barcelona, Spain was able to reverse Alzheimers disease in mice using medications commonly used to treat inflammation and high blood pressure in humans.
A similar American study had success reversing Alzheimers using a medication that is currently approved as a diuretic.
These results havent yet been replicated in other studies or tested in humans, but theyre good examples of how far Alzheimers research has come.
A decade from now, treatment options for Alzheimers disease might look completely different from today.
Theres no diet or supplement that can reverse Alzheimers, but theres some evidence that diet can play a role in preventing Alzheimers disease.
Specifically, there seems to be a link between the Mediterranean diet and memory. Since high blood pressure is known to be an additional risk for Alzheimers, the MIND diet is sometimes recommended. The MIND diet is a variation of the Mediterranean diet that blends it with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.
Following the MIND diet involves cooking with olive oil and eating more:
People who are following the MIND diet are advised to limit:
Evidence to support following a Mediterranean or MIND diet to improve memory and cognition isnt definitive. Studies have been done, but they arent conclusive. These diets wont reverse any Alzheimers symptoms, and its still unclear whether theyll reduce your risk.
However, the foods suggested in these diets have high nutritional value. This could offer benefits for your overall health in addition to the possibility of lowering your risk for Alzheimers.
There are many supplements and products that claim to be able to slow down, reverse, cure, prevent, or treat Alzheimers disease. None of these claims are backed by research or supported by the FDA.
Currently, there are only two supplements that have any studied benefit:
Studies have shown that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 fatty acid found in certain kinds of fish, might reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimers.
However, there havent been enough studies to fully support this claim, and the FDA doesnt recommend DHA as a treatment or as a preventive supplement against Alzheimers.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a lipid or fat found in the membranes around nerve cells. Like DHA, a few small studies have shown promising results, but they dont offer enough evidence to support it as a treatment or preventive option for Alzheimers.
Currently, the FDA allows products with phosphatidylserine to carry the following disclaimer: Very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that PS may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly. FDA concludes that theres little scientific evidence supporting this claim.
Alzheimers disease is likely a result of multiple factors such as genetics, age, lifestyle, and environment. Researchers are currently working on identifying some of the genetic risk factors for Alzheimers.
For now, everyone can take steps to control the known lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimers disease. These include:
The signs and symptoms of Alzheimers disease can change as the disease progresses.
In the early stages of Alzheimers, it can be difficult to tell that anything has changed. Symptoms will be mild and the person with Alzheimers will seem healthy. Often, close friends and family members will notice signs that become a pattern.
While theres no cure for Alzheimers, early diagnosis offers the best treatment options. With treatments, you may slow down the progression of Alzheimers and reduce its symptoms.
Its important to see a doctor for evaluation if you notice any signs of early Alzheimers.
As Alzheimers progresses, people often need more supervision and care. People with moderate Alzheimers might need full-time care, and changes in behavior and personality might overwhelm family caregivers.
People with severe Alzheimers lose their ability to communicate and care for themselves. At this stage, people with Alzheimers often spend most of their time in bed and need assistance with nearly all tasks.
Theres currently no cure for Alzheimers and no way to reverse the disease. However, new treatment options may slow Alzheimers progression and reduce symptoms. Researchers are making headway on treatments that could reverse Alzheimers in the future.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of Alzheimers by taking care of your overall health. Theres a strong link between heart health and Alzheimers, and by keeping active, maintaining a moderate weight, eating healthily, and quitting smoking, you can help reduce your risk of Alzheimers.
Keep your mind active by taking classes, playing strategy games, volunteering, or staying in touch with friends and family.
If you notice any early signs of Alzheimers, its best to make a doctors appointment. Theres no cure for Alzheimers at any stage, but Alzheimers is most treatable when its diagnosed early.
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Reversing Alzheimer's: Diet, Supplements, and Advances in Treatment - Healthline
