Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, neuro-degenerative disease characterized in the brain by abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibres composed of misplaced proteins. Age is the most important risk factor; the number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include memory loss, language deterioration, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. Eventually it destroys cognition, personality and the ability to function. The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, which include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, are often missed because they resemble the natural signs of aging.

Although Alzheimer's disease itself cannot be prevented there are steps people can take in order to reduce memory loss and dementia when it comes to the development of the disease. Some scientists speculate that there are also some things people can do in order to reduce their risk of developing the disease. There are many different medications and vitamin supplements that can be used to relieve and manage some of the symptoms and other medications to help control behavioural symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression.

Research has shown that vitamins C and E help to reduce the risk of memory impairment as people age by about 30 percent. These vitamins have also been shown to reduce the chance of developing the disease by approximately 70 percent. A study published in the Archives of Neurology showed that people who eat Omega 3 rich fish such as salmon once a week or more have a substantially lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, the seven-year study of 815 nursing home residents found those who reported eating fish at least once a week had a 60 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's compared to those who rarely or never ate fish. If you don’t like fish you may want to consider adding Omega 3 supplements to your diet. 

Another study suggests that high homocysteine levels in the blood are linked with mental declines associated with Alzheimer's disease and tops the list of potentially new risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Though nutritional deficiencies can be the cause, so can some medications like the seizure drug Dilantin, kidney disease, alcohol use, and too little physical activity. High homocysteine levels can be treated very easily with vitamins, including folate, niacin, and B-12.

Not everyone with Alzheimer's Disease has the same symptoms and you should discuss what is best for you with your doctor.  Remember not to add to your medications or stop taking any without first consulting your physician. Certain vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements can react adversely with medications you may already be taking.