**A New Report Finds That Zinc Can Slow Down the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease**
**Study participants who took zinc supplements experienced a 64 percent reduction in cognitive decline.**
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in a variety of bodily functions, including brain health. A new study has found that zinc supplements may help to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, which was published in the journal JAMA Neurology, involved 50 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is a condition that often precedes Alzheimer’s disease. Participants were randomly assigned to take either a zinc supplement or a placebo for 18 months.
At the end of the study, the participants who took zinc supplements experienced a 64 percent reduction in cognitive decline compared to the participants who took the placebo. The zinc group also showed improvements in memory and other cognitive functions.
The researchers believe that zinc may help to protect against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Zinc is also essential for the production of new neurons, which are important for learning and memory.
The study is small and more research is needed to confirm the findings. However, the results suggest that zinc supplements may be a promising new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
**What is Alzheimer’s disease?**
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common type of dementia, affecting more than 5 million people in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. These plaques and tangles damage neurons and disrupt communication between brain cells.
**What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?**
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, people with Alzheimer’s disease may experience:
* Memory loss
* Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
* Changes in behavior
As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe and include:
* Confusion
* Disorientation
* Aggression
* Hallucinations
**What are the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease?**
Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Other risk factors include:
* Family history of Alzheimer’s disease
* Head injury
* Heart disease
* Diabetes
**How is Alzheimer’s disease treated?**
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments include:
* Medications
* Therapy
* Support groups
**What can I do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease?**
There is no sure way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
* Exercise regularly
* Eat a healthy diet
* Get enough sleep
* Manage stress
* Stay mentally active
**If you are concerned about your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, talk to your doctor.**.
