Book A Call Now
Natural Defence against Alzheimer’s Disease
This month brought an exciting breakthrough for Alzheimer’s researchers and families affected by the disease. Before exploring why this development is so significant, it helps to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what makes it such a formidable challenge.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that destroys brain cells and leads to cognitive impairment. Its development is complex, involving multiple pathological changes within the brain.
Hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers consistently observe several biological markers in individuals with Alzheimer’s:
- Accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques
- Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) made of tau proteins
- Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (amyloid build-up in blood vessels)
- Loss of neurons and synapses
These changes gradually interfere with normal brain function, leading to symptoms such as:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Repetitive questioning
- Difficulty making decisions
- Hesitancy to try new tasks
- Forgetting familiar names, people, and places
- Trouble expressing thoughts clearly
Alzheimer’s Prevalence
Alzheimer’s is currently the most common form of dementia worldwide. In the United States alone, 6.7 million adults over 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2060, that number is expected to nearly double to 13.8 million if current trends continue.
Approximately 1 in 9 adults over 65 will develop Alzheimer’s, and in its most advanced stages, the disease can be fatal.
The encouraging news is that Alzheimer’s is not strictly genetic. While having a family member with Alzheimer’s increases your risk, it does not guarantee that you will develop the condition. Instead, it signals the importance of taking proactive steps to support brain health—especially if shared biomarkers may be present.
A Breakthrough in Treatment
As Alzheimer’s cases rise, so does the urgency to find effective treatments. This year, significant progress was made. In July 2023, the FDA approved Lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi, for the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Clinical trials demonstrated that Lecanemab can:
- Slow cognitive decline
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce progression by up to 56% in early-stage patients
This approval marks a major milestone—one that gives hope to families, expands treatment options, and paves the way for future therapies targeting more advanced stages of the disease.
A Natural Approach to Protecting Brain Health
While pharmaceutical advancements are promising, researchers are also examining nutritional and lifestyle interventions that may support cognitive function and help delay progression.
Key nutrients showing consistent benefits include:
- Vitamin D3
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin B12
These nutrients support brain structure, reduce inflammation, and help maintain neural communication—making them valuable tools in a holistic brain health strategy.
Vitamin D3 and Omega-3: A Powerful Cognitive Combination
One of the defining features of Alzheimer’s is the increase of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. These plaques disrupt neural communication, impairing memory, decision-making, and overall cognition.
Vitamin D3
Research shows that diets rich in Vitamin D3 correlate with lower levels of amyloid plaques. This benefit may stem from Vitamin D3’s role in activating the immune mechanisms responsible for clearing plaque. When Vitamin D3 is insufficient, these mechanisms cannot function optimally, allowing plaque accumulation to progress unchecked.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 works synergistically with Vitamin D3 by:
- Supporting the immune system’s ability to fight plaque formation
- Stimulating plaque-clearing mechanisms
- Promoting neuron structure and function
Long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids support cell membrane integrity, while medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) provide the brain with a preferred energy source that bypasses the liver and fuels cognitive performance.
For those interested in understanding MCTs further, you can read more about them in our dedicated article HERE.
Vitamin B12: Essential for Neuron Health
Another hallmark of Alzheimer’s is the loss of neurons and synapses. This loss shrinks brain volume and disrupts communication pathways that allow information to travel throughout the brain.
The Role of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for:
- Maintaining the myelin sheath, a protective layer around nerves
- Supporting normal central nervous system function
- Enabling efficient signal transmission
Without sufficient Vitamin B12, the body cannot produce or repair myelin. As a result, nerve cells begin to malfunction, leading to cognitive symptoms.
Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
You may experience a deficiency if you notice:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Low mood
- Muscle weakness
- Light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty remembering or concentrating
If these symptoms sound familiar, increasing your B12 intake through diet or supplementation may be beneficial. You can learn more about dietary sources and supplement options HERE.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most challenging neurodegenerative conditions, but progress is accelerating. The approval of Lecanemab represents a significant advancement in medical treatment, giving patients and families renewed hope. At the same time, growing evidence supports the role of key nutrients—such as Vitamin D3, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin B12—in promoting neuronal health, protecting brain function, and reducing risk factors associated with cognitive decline.
By combining the latest scientific breakthroughs with proactive nutritional strategies, we can take meaningful steps toward safeguarding long-term brain health. Whether you are supporting a loved one or strengthening your own cognitive resilience, these approaches offer powerful tools for a healthier future.
If you have found this post useful or interesting please subscribe so that more content like it can be delivered straight to your inbox 🙂
References
2023 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. (2023). Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 19(4), 1598–1695.
Alzheimer’s Society (2023). Three promising drugs for treating Alzheimer’s disease bring fresh hope. Accessed from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/three-promising-drugs-for-treating-alzheimers-disease-bring-fresh-hope
Van Dyke. C.H. et al (2023). Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer’s Disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 388, 9-21.
Zhang. M., et al. (2022). Neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease in centenarians, in the context of aging. Alzheimer’s & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, (17).
NHS (2021). Symptoms: Alzheimer’s disease. Accessed from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms/
National Institute on Aging (2017). Causes of Alzheimer’s disease: What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease? Accessed from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease
Yu, J., Gattoni-Celli, M., Zhu, H., Bhat, N. R., Sambamurti, K., Gattoni-Celli, S., & Kindy, M. S. (2011). Vitamin D3-enriched diet correlates with a decrease of amyloid plaques in the brain of AβPP transgenic mice. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease : JAD, 25(2), 295–307.
Bivona, G., Lo Sasso, B., Gambino, C. M., Giglio, R. V., Scazzone, C., Agnello, L., & Ciaccio, M. (2021). The Role of Vitamin D as a Biomarker in Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain sciences, 11(3), 334.
Xiao. M. et al. (2022). DHA Ameliorates Cognitive Ability, Reduces Amyloid Deposition, and Nerve Fiber Production in Alzheimer’s Disease. Frontiers in Nutrition: Food Chemistry, (9).
Jatoi, S., Hafeez, A., Riaz, S. U., Ali, A., Ghauri, M. I., & Zehra, M. (2020). Low Vitamin B12 Levels: An Underestimated Cause Of Minimal Cognitive Impairment And Dementia. Cureus, 12(2), e6976.
Calderón-Ospina, C. A., & Nava-Mesa, M. O. (2020). B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 26(1), 5–13.
National Institute on Aging, (2023). Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Fact Sheet. Accessed from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet
