Antioxidant treatment for Alzheimer's
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that is believed to have a protective role. Vitamin E may help prevent free radical damage to the brain. Normal cell function produces a byproduct called a free radical. It is believed free radicals can damage cell structures and genetic material. The damage free radicals can produce is called oxidative stress and it is believed that it contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin E is not claimed to prevent or significantly slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease. The main evidence that exists does suggest that high dose vitamin E may result in some mild functional improvement but not cognitive improvement.
The need to take Vitamin E in higher doses may be because of vitamin E's low penetration of the central nervous system.
Vitamin E side effects
Most people can take vitamin E without any side effects and it is well tolerated even in high doses. However side effects can include;
Vitamin E as Alzheimer's treatment Taking vitamin E should be approved by your doctor because of its interaction with other medications and because of its possible side effects. This is very important if you take anticoagulant medications (blood thinners).[
At the present time many types of alternative treatments for Alzheimer's show little evidence of any real benefit. The evidence for their use is often inconclusive. Vitamin E is under continued investigation and seems to be one of the alternative treatments for Alzheimer's showing more promise.
11/15/2005
