The total direct and indirect costs that dementia causes per year is now up to 818 billion dollars and is expected to rise this year. Alzheimer’s disease cases make up the far majority of all dementia cases, which is causing researchers to push efforts to find causes and preventative measures. New research was conducted on the effects of xanthophyll carotenoids and Omega-3 fatty acids in combination on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers had three groups of participants and two formulas of nutritional supplements. Group one was comprised of participants with Alzheimer’s disease (mild to moderate) and took only xanthophyll carotenoids for 18 months. Group two was also made up of participants with Alzheimer’s disease (mild to severe) and was prescribed both xanthophyll carotenoids and fish oil for 18 months. Group three participants did not have any diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and was prescribed xanthophyll carotenoids for 6 months.

The researchers in this study, who were just looking to analyze biochemical responses in Alzheimer’s disease patients, were shocked to find that the xanthophyll carotenoids and fish oil were able to maintain function and quality of life in the participants. In group two, about half of the participants improved in either sight, memory, functioning, or manageability! Many participants from group two were able to drop from a moderate case of Alzheimer’s disease to mild, while many group one participants moved from mild to moderate, or moderate to severe. This study shows promise that this combination of nutritional supplements is able to combat against Alzheimer’s symptoms and increase functionality!

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2018;64(2), 367-378.

Nolan, J. M., Mulcahy, R., Power, R., Moran, R., & Howard, A. N. (2018). Nutritional Intervention to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease: Potential Benefits of Xanthophyll Carotenoids and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Combined. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 64(2), 367-378.