Friday Oct 19, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Doctors say there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.  But recent studies suggest that at least the progression of this disease can be retarded or slowed by taking some dietary supplements.  A new study published in Journal of Alzheimer's disease shows that taking a combination of alpha lipoic acid and omega-3 fatty acid can slow cognitive and functional decline.

Lynne Shinto from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR, USA and colleagues conducted the study to evaluate the effects of 12-month supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids alone or omega 3 fatty acids plus alpha lipoic acid, compared with placebo on oxidative stress in 39 patients with Alzheimer's disease.  Oxidative stress is considered the driver for the decline in cognitive function or progression of the disease.

The supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids alone or the combination of omega 3 fatty acids plus alpha lipoic acid did not affect peripheral F2-isoprostane levels and some cognitive functions.

However, the combination of omega 3 fatty acids and alpha lipoic acid did slow the decline in the functional and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease over the 12 months of intervention, compared with placebo.

The authors say more research is needed to evaluate the combination of omega 3 fatty acids plus alpha lipoic acid as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is believed to affect about 5 million Americans.  There are many things we can do or not do to reduce the risk of developing the brain disorder. (DL)