| July 2022 Concerns about forgetfulness and whether it is the first sign of Alzheimers disease are common, particularly among older patients. Your patients may also ask questions about use of dietary supplements, which are often marketed with claims that they enhance memory or improve brain function and health. This issue of the digest summarizes current information on what the science says about several dietary supplements that have been studied for cognitive function, dementia, and Alzheimers disease. Although a few trials of natural products for the prevention of cognitive decline or dementia have shown some modest effects, direct evidence is lacking. In addition, research on some mind and body practices such as music therapy and mental imagery, which have shown promise in treating some symptoms related to dementia, as well as alleviating stress among caregivers, is ongoing. What the Science Says Dietary Supplements and Cognitive Function, Dementia, and Alzheimers Disease: What the Science Says Dietary Supplements and Summary of Current Research Ginkgo biloba Omega-3 fatty acid supplements Vitamin E Curcumin B vitamins Scientific Literature Dietary Supplements and Cognitive FunctionSystematic Reviews/Reviews/Meta-analyses (PubMed) Dietary Supplements and Cognitive FunctionRandomized Controlled Trials (PubMed) Information for Your Patients Ginkgo 7 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements for Cognitive Function, Dementia, and Alzheimers Disease Turmeric Omega-3 Supplements: In Depth Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center (NIA) NCCIH Clinical Digest is a service of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, DHHS. NCCIH Clinical Digest, a monthly e-newsletter, offers evidence-based information on complementary health approaches, including scientific literature searches, summaries of NCCIH-funded research, fact sheets for patients, and more. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is dedicated to exploring complementary health products and practices in the context of rigorous science, training complementary health researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals. For additional information, call NCCIHs Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-888-644-6226, or visit the NCCIH website at nccih.nih.gov. NCCIH is 1 of 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health, the Federal focal point for medical research in the United States. | 