Basic First Steps
Many of the factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease are modifiable. Although there is no single treatment that prevents or reverses the disease, addressing multiple contributing factors supports brain health, can slow disease progression and, in some individuals, may stabilize or even improve cognitive function.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
First Steps
These recommendations provide a strong foundation and are appropriate for most people.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
Diet
- Build your diet around whole, minimally processed foods.
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit.
- Choose healthy protein sources such as fish, eggs, legumes, poultry, and unprocessed meats.
- Include healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocado.
- Consider following a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern.
- Limit food cooked at very high temperatures (deep-fried or heavily charred foods)
- Minimize ultra-processed foods and foods containing artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and emulsifiers.
- Limit sugar, sweetened beverages, white flour products, and highly refined carbohydrates.
- Limit alcohol consumption (especially regular or excessive intake).
Foundational nutrients to supplement daily
- Multivitamin – broad-spectrum nutrient support
- Vitamin B-complex – supports brain energy production and methylation
- Vitamin C – antioxidant, supports glutathione production
- Vitamin D – anti-inflammatory, supports immune regulation
- Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory, supports brain cell membranes
- Magnesium – supports brain energy production and nerve function
Also consider:
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – antioxidant, supports mitochondrial function
Other first actions
- Exercise regularly, including both aerobic and resistance exercise.
- Improve sleep quality and aim for adequate sleep each night.
Further actions
Consider, if appropriate:
- Intermittent fasting (or time-restricted eating) – supports brain energy metabolism and cellular repair
- Ketogenic or lower-carbohydrate dietary approaches (e.g. Paleo) – supports healthy blood sugar and provides alternative brain fuel
- Increase foods rich in polyphenols – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
- Ensure adequate fibre intake – supports a healthy intestinal microbiome
Avoid when possible:
- Environmental chemicals
- Tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
Additional nutrients to consider:
- Choline – supports acetylcholine production and brain cell membranes
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – supports brain energy production
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) – supports methylation and healthy homocysteine levels
- Vitamin E – antioxidant that protects brain cell membranes
- Curcumin – anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) – supports mitochondrial energy production
- Coenzyme Q10 – supports mitochondrial function and antioxidant defenses
- Melatonin (particularly if sleep is impaired) – supports sleep and brain repair
- Probiotics – supports healthy intestinal microbiome
- Resveratrol – supports healthy blood vessels and reduces inflammation
Going Deeper
Consider assessing for and addressing:
- insulin resistance (especially with prediabetes, diabetes, excess abdominal weight, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease)
- elevated homocysteine
- hormone imbalances
- poor sleep disorders (including sleep apnea)
- chronic infections
- gut dysbiosis
- toxin exposure
- hearing loss
- depression
- social isolation
- low physical activity
- chronic psychological stress
Consider laboratory testing
Appropriate testing may include:
- fasting glucose and HbA1c
- fasting insulin (or other measures of insulin resistance)
- homocysteine
- vitamin B12
- folate
- vitamin D
- magnesium (or other mineral assessment where appropriate)
- inflammatory markers – e.g. C-reactive protein (CRP)
- thyroid function
- sex hormones
If you are taking medications
Some medications may contribute to cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.
- Ask your physician or pharmacist whether any of your medications could be affecting memory or cognition.
- Ask whether safer alternatives are available.
- Review whether any medications are associated with nutrient depletion and discuss whether supplementation may be appropriate.
- Do not discontinue prescribed medications without consulting your physician.
Seek qualified guidance
Because Alzheimer’s disease usually involves multiple contributing factors, many people benefit from individualized care.
Consider working with a healthcare practitioner experienced in Orthomolecular medicine or another evidence-informed integrative approach to help identify contributing factors and develop a personalized treatment plan.
