Scientists believe antioxidant vitamins C and E reduce damage
from amyloid plaque in the brain, which can both reduce the risk of ever
getting Alzheimer's and minimize the damage from existing plaque. A
2004 study at Johns Hopkins University found vitamins C and E may even
help prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease, but only when taken
together, as C and E each boost the effects of the other. This is
important news for anyone who is concerned about protecting the
long-term health of their brain with natural methods of Alzheimer's
prevention.
Vitamin C cleans up free radicals, reduces
inflammation and prevents infection. It is also required to synthesize
the vital neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
Scientist believe vitamin C helps maintain the brain enzymes that break
down amyloid plaque by preventing oxidative damage.
Vitamin E
helps maintain cell membranes and is actually a group of eight
antioxidants, called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Most vitamin E
supplements provide alpha-tocopherol, which is the type most common in
the human body. Gamma-tocopherol is also important and can be found
naturally in nuts and seeds. Because vitamin E reduces oxidation of LDL
cholesterol, it can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as
well as the risk of developing vascular dementia. Studies have found low
levels of vitamin E in those diagnosed with vascular dementia.
A
recent study of almost 8,000 people in the Netherlands found those with
the highest intake of both vitamin C and E had a lower risk of
developing Alzheimer's disease. Those with the highest vitamin E intake
were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's and those with the
highest intake of vitamin C were 30 percent less likely to develop the
disease.
Natural sources of vitamin C include broccoli, kiwi,
oranges, peppers, grapefruit and strawberries. To take full advantage of
the health benefits of vitamin C, most experts recommend at least 500
mg daily. Many higher quality multi-vitamin formulas provide 1,000 to
2,000 mg.
Natural sources of vitamin E include nuts, spinach, kiwi
and sunflower seeds. A vitamin E supplement will insure you are
supplying your body with all the beneficial tocopherols, such as
d-gamma, d-delta, d-beta and d-alpha. Look for a natural formula - they
are usually labeled "natural vitamin E complex." Most nutrition experts
recommend a 400 i.u. dose daily. Vitamin E can influence the effect of
anticoagulants, so be sure to let your health care provider know if
you're starting to take vitamin E supplements.



Craig Wallin is the editor of the Alzheimer's Prevention Digest, a
free resource to help you improve your memory, stop brain aging and
develop your own personal "Alzheimer's Prevention Program." To learn
more, visit: http://alzheimerspreventiondigest.com
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