Role of Dietary Supplements for Brain Health in Older Adults

Purpose: Dietary supplements are commonly used by older adults for concerns such as memory loss or to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, these agents are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Furthermore, there are limited long-term studies evaluating safety and efficacy, especially in older adults. The intent of the current article is to review the recent literature on commonly used dietary supplements in older adults to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Method: Systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses published within the past 10 years were reviewed to provide recommendations on the use of dietary supplements for brain health. Results: There is limited evidence supporting the efficacy of commonly used dietary supplements but there are germane safety concerns that need to be considered by the interprofessional team. Conclusion: Future research should prioritize standardized dosing, diverse older adult populations, and long-term outcomes focusing on efficacy and safety.