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Many dietary supplements are promoted with claims that they can enhance memory or brain function. And a few trials of natural products for the prevention of cognitive decline or dementia have shown some modest effects. However, direct evidence that dietary supplements can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is lacking.
- There’s no conclusive evidence that Ginkgo biloba can prevent or slow dementia or cognitive decline.
- Among dietary factors that have been studied to see if they can prevent cognitive decline in older people, the most consistent positive research findings are for omega-3 fatty acids, often measured as how much fish people consume. However, omega-3s in supplement form have not been shown to be helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
- Short-term supplementation with three B vitamins—vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid—has not been shown to improve cognitive functioning in older adults. However, longer-term studies have pointed to a possible role of these vitamins in slowing cognitive decline.
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