I suspect we will soon be hearing a lot about "Souvenaid," a dietary supplement that is supposed to be of some help in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. It was developed by Dr. Richard Wurtman of MIT, a very reputable researcher and the formulation of Souvenaid is based on legitimate science, but unfortunately the evidence for its effectiveness is virtually negligible.
In Alzheimer’s there is a loss of synapses, the connections between nerve cells that form when protrusions develop in cell membranes and reach out towards neighbouring nerve cells. The theory is that providing nutrients needed for healthy cell membranes encourages the formation of new synapses to compensate for the experienced loss.
Souvenaid provides a range of nutrients that include including omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), phospholipids, choline, uridine monophosphate, vitamins E, C, B12, B6, folic acid and selenium based on the theory that these are needed for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major constituent of synaptic membranes. The more phosphatidylcholine in cell membranes, the greater the likelihood of synapse formation, at least so goes the theory. But a theory needs evidence to back it up if it is to evolve into practical recommendations. And that evidence is not forthcoming. It isn’t for lack of effort.
A number of studies have been carried out on Alzheimer’s patients with Souvenaid using standardized assessment scales. The results are disappointing. There is no evidence of decreasing the rate of cognitive decline or delaying the progression of the disease in any way, but one of the studies offered a slight glimmer of hope. In patients experiencing early Alzheimer’s Disease, who are not yet taking medication, there was an improvement in verbal recall. That isn’t much to hang a hat on, but at least the supplement was tolerated without side effects. Souvenaid is on the market in Europe and Australia but not yet in the US or Canada despite the low level of evidence that is required for selling dietary supplements. My guess is that Souvenaid will not be of much aid in Alzheimer’s Disease.
