Alzheimer's Disease: Is There a Prevention?

The results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter trial* suggested that in patients with moderately severe impairment from Alzheimer's disease, treatment with Seligiline or alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E) slows the progression of the (Alzheimer's) disease.

In the study noted, 341 patients were given one of the following on a daily regimen: 10mg of Seligiline or 2000 international units (IU) of vitamin E or a combination of Seligiline and vitamin E or a placebo. Despite random assignment, the baseline score for the placebo group (all results based on the Mini-Mental State Examination) was higher. Analysis of the results showed what has been deemed "Significant delays in times to the primary outcome" which in this disease would be either death, institutionalization and/or inability to satisfactorily perform at least two of three routine tasks of day to day living.

The noted time from beginning of medication to endpoint (primary outcome) for Seligiline was 655 days, Vitamin E 670 days, the combination 585 days, and the placebo was 440 days.

Steven DeKosky M.D., chairman of the Alzheimer's Association's Medical and Scientific Advisory Council, concluded there was insufficient data to state that vitamins can help prevent or delay the disease's progression, but it doesn't hurt to take them. DeKosky went on to say that the official view of the association is that vitamin E is benign and if it does not help, cannot cause harm. The group doesn't recommend Seligiline because of the the cost factor and advent of side effects. Not only that, but vitamin E showed better effects.

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) is usually given in conjunction with E, not because it is of any value in brain disorders, but it assists in absorption of E and is of value in many other disease states, DeKosky said. Ginko remains to be evaluated, he said. In the findings of one trial**, Ginko (Ginko Biloba) was shown to improve attention span and memory. Unfortunately, the study was inconclusive in that it was carried out for a period of only 3 months and, more to the point, only consisted of 20 persons.

There are studies, DeKosky said, that show estrogens slow down the progress of the disease, and other studies that contradict those findings. In a forthcoming study, there is evidence that smokers have a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Detractors contend that smokers are subject to many other problems and might not live to the age where Alzheimer's presents.

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