This publication, featured in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, represents the culmination of years of work exploring the potential of targeted nutritional intervention for people living with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Building on previous exploratory studies, this was a robust, randomised controlled trial that tested the efficacy of a unique supplement formulation, which includes carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E.
Our earlier studies had sparked optimism; they showed promising improvements in quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients taking this combination of nutrients. But as is often the case in science, we were met with fair criticism due to the small sample size and exploratory design. To truly move the field forward, we needed to prove these antioxidant benefits with a gold-standard, placebo-controlled study involving standardised cognitive tests and, importantly, the voice of caregivers, the people who know these patients best.
We carried out a 12-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 77 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the active supplement or a placebo. Throughout the study, we assessed vision, memory, mood, and quality of life using clinical tools for Alzheimer’s and crucially caregiver feedback, which we refer to as clinical collateral or “the patient’s story.”
This work wasn’t without its challenges. The trial launched before the pandemic and continued through it, with dedicated collaboration from doctors and families across the region. The resilience of the team and participants was exceptional.
After 12 months, patients in the active supplement group showed statistically significant improvements in memory and mood compared to the placebo group. These improvements weren’t just seen in test scores, they were experienced and reported by caregivers: enhanced memory, more stable mood, and improved daily functioning. This is especially important in a disease like Alzheimer’s, which typically sees relentless decline.
Notably, the supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse effects, and this work adds to a growing body of evidence that these nutrients can safely support brain health.
This was the first trial to show meaningful improvements in both cognitive and visual function using a nutritional supplement in Alzheimer’s patients. The societal impact is profound: we believe this study has identified a correctable nutrient deficiency in this disease. The supplement formulation is not a replacement for medication; it is a co-management tool.
This study strengthens our call for nutritional strategies to be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to healthy ageing and neurodegeneration care.
