It's estimated that fewer than 20% of patients have even a moderate response to FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer’s disease. Complementary and alternative therapies used alone or with drug therapy are an option, but which ones are supported by scientific evidence?

Here's a review.

Physical exercise, cognitive training, and socialization
Exercise appears to benefit executive function (planning, coordination, working memory, abstract thinking, initiation of appropriate actions). Also, there are benefits with memory training and brain exercises in selected patients. Few studies have evaluated music on cognitive function, with benefits confined to very short-term.

HuperzineA (HupA): an extract of Chinese moss Huperzia serrata

• There was reported cognitive enhancement in three studies. Unfortunately, there are too few well-designed and conducted studies to recommend its use

 Panax ginseng (Chinese, Asian, or Korean ginseng)

• There are few studies in Alzheimer’s disease. In one study, there was short-term (12-week) benefit, which declined over the next 12 weeks

 Omega-3 fatty acids

• Data suggest limited benefits in people with very mild cognitive impairment

 Resveratrol: a polyphenol in red wine

• Ongoing studies will determine its value in treating dementia

 Studies reporting conflicting results or no benefit

• Coenzyme Q10: CoQ10; ubiquinione/idebenone
• Curcumin: an extract from Curcuma longa (turmeric)
• Ginkgo biloba (Caution: reports of bleeding)
• Melatonin
• Vitamins

 Withania somnifera (ashwagandha or Indian ginseng)

• No published research in humans

 The best advice is to discuss your interest in complementary and alternative medicines with your doctor. Then, keep your doctor informed if you start treatment.