Three top natural remedies for Alzheimer’s disease inflammation show a lot of promise for a less toxic way to slow down and perhaps prevent the loss of memory and other cognitive problems. Options based on scientific research include natural anti inflammatories such as curcumin, high dose vitamin E, and vitamin D3. Actually, ginger, rosemary, and various other plant-based natural remedies may also help to improve memory function. Many natural remedies that are anti oxidants are also exceptional at anti inflammatory effects.

Curcumin and Memory

The anti inflammatory herbal derivative curcumin from turmeric is a powerful natural remedy to help protect brain cells from neuro-inflammatory changes that can lead to memory loss (Wang et al Neurosci Lett 2013). The ways in which it can work in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders are multiple. As with many herbs, curcumin appears to have a modulatory effect on different pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress.

One strategy for improving the biological availability and effectiveness of curcumin in the brain is to look for micro- and nano- size forms of the supplement. Nanoparticles are effective tiny carriers for herbs, nutrients and drugs that otherwise do not get out of the gut into the body or into the cells very well.  Another somewhat larger but still more effective way to deliver curcumin is liposomes; this form is available more widely in commercial products as Meriva at health food stores and naturopathic offices.

Vitamin E and Alzheimer’s Dementia

A 2014 double-blind placebo-controlled study published in the prestigious medical journal JAMA found that high doses of alpha-tocopherol (2000 IU/day) were better able to slow functional deterioriation in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease compared with placebo or the drug memantine (Dysken et al JAMA 2014). The vitamin E alone group had fewer serious side effects than the groups who got drug alone or a combination of the drug plus the vitamin E. Caregiver burden was also less for longer in the vitamin treated participants.

This study highlights the common problem with past research on nutrients in which the investigators choose to test much lower doses of a given natural supplement and then find that it “does not work.” Yes, this type of research issue means that you would not be using a nutritional supplement in the amounts typically available from dietary uses. Still, acknowledge this fact and look at the wide safety margin and broad benefits that many of these natural supplements offer, in contrast with the dangerous side effects of many drugs.

Vitamin D3 and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Vitamin D3 is deficient or at sub-optimal levels in a large proportion of the population. This nutrient is more of an essential hormone for In older adults, lower levels of vitamin D3 is associated with poorer performance on tests of executive function (ability to make decisions, change course when things are not going well, adapt to changes in your environment – Annweiler et al Dement Geriatr Cogn Disorder 2013).  Another study reported lower levels of vitamin D3 (25OHD) were associated with greater mild cognitive impairment in non-demented elderly with perceived memory issues (Annweiler et al Eur J Neurol 2012). Other studies have found similar issues in older women with cognitive impairment.

The criteria for deficient and for sub-optimal levels of vitamin D3 are not yet well-established. Some researchers believe that people want to titrate their blood levels up to the range of 50-80 ng/ml (where 20 or less might be deficient) and 100 or more would be toxic). As with many nutritional supplements, the goal is a Goldilocks goal — that is, the level that is just right, not too small and not too big for your needs and unique body. Recommended daily allowances can be too low for people with impaired gastrointestinal absorption for various reasons. Therefore, asking your doctor to test your vitamin D levels and to follow them as you increase your dose (starting around 1000 IU/day) until you achieve the optimal levels is the best strategy.

In summary, optimizing your intake of curcumin (liposomal or nano forms), vitamin E, and vitamin D3 (the more biologically active form of the vitamin) may help stave off inflammation-associated cognitive impairment and even progression of Alzheimer’s disease if you take the right doses and the right forms of each natural remedy.