Can These Supplements Really Slash Your Risk of Dementia in Half? Experts Say Yes
When it comes to preventing dementia, supplements have been debated time and time again. But now, it’s official: A recent study proves that just taking supplements to help prevent dementia could slash your risk of ever developing the disease by up to 50 percent or more. Which one is right for you? Experts recommend the following four as the best dementia prevention supplements — though you should always talk to your doctor before you get started.
1. Take a B-Complex for air pollution.
If you’re exposed to a lot of air pollution, you can lower your risk of dementia 58 percent just by taking a B-complex supplement each day, say University of Southern California scientists. A B-complex is one of the best supplements for dementia prevention because B’s help your liver flush out toxins — even inhaled ones — before they damage brain cells. One option: Twinlab Stress B-Complex ($16 for 100 capsules, VitaminShoppe.com). Important: Check with a doctor before starting any new supplement.
2. Take Phosphatidylserine for stress.
In recent research, a daily 300-mg. dose of phosphatidylserine (PS) quashed stress, anxiety and blue moods for 94 percent of women — plus cut the risk of memory woes by as much as 50 percent! In supplement form, PS — a fatty compound in the brain — is knows as one of the best dementia prevention supplements because it prods the repair and replacement of aging neurons, says study coauthor Rika Ebina, Ph.D.
3. Take DHA for muscle aches.
Stiff, sore muscles are signs your body needs more DHA, an omega-3 fat in fish. Correct that DHA shortfall — by taking 480 mg. to 600 mg. daily — and you’ll not only feel more limber, your risk of dementia will drop 55 percent, European research reveals. DHA earns its spot on our supplements for dementia prevention list because it is a key building block of healthy, active brain cells. One option: Life Extension Mega EPA/DHA ($15 for 120 softgels, LEF.com/ww).
4. Take Vitamin D-3 for diabetes risk.
Vitamin D-3 slows brain aging, cutting your dementia risk in half if you take 3,000 IU daily, British researchers say. Avoiding a D-3 deficiency also lowers your diabetes risk faster and more effectively than losing weight! That’s because D-3 helps your pancreas produce insulin, plus it encourages your muscle cells to burn blood sugar for fuel.
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