There is growing evidence that getting the right amount of magnesium reduces the risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia. For details, including results of a new study, see the Dementia and cognition section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among magnesium supplements.

A 20-year study showed that the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia was 76% lower in people who ate more of certain foods. Find out what they ate and learn if supplements can help in our answer to the question: Do any supplements really help with brain function, like memory and cognition?

In a recently published study, investigators looked to see if taking a magnesium supplement reduces the risk of dementia. See what they found in the "What It Does" section of the Magnesium Supplements Review >>

What is the evidence that a special form of magnesium helps people with memory and concentration impairment? Find out in the Dementia and cognition section of the Magnesium Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among magnesium supplements.

Studies have shown higher rates of mental illness and dementia in areas with the lowest levels of lithium in the water, suggesting that people supplement with lithium. However, a new study raises doubts about this. For details, see the What It Does section of the Low-Dose Lithium Supplements Review.

Middle-aged people with low levels of vitamin D were given high-dose vitamin D for four months. Find out if this boosted their cognitive performance in the Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory and cognitive decline section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for vitamin D.)

A recent study found DHA and EPA from fish oil did not slow cogntive decline in older adults with cognitive difficulties. However, other studies suggest there may be a benefit if taken before the onset of cognitive decline or dementia. For details, see the "Age-Related Cognitive Decline" section of the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements Review >>

Green tea consumption has been associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults. However, a recent study evaluating the effects of a green tea powder on older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia failed to show a benefit. For more information, see the "What It Does" section of the Green Tea Review >>

Cognitive decline may be a normal part of aging, but a new study suggests that high-dose fish oil particularly rich in DHA may provide some benefit. In people over age 65 with mild cognitive impairment, fish oil was associated with improved verbal skill. Perhaps as important, fish oil also reduced depressive symptoms, which can be a risk factor in the progression to dementia. Get the details, including how much DHA and EPA was used in the study, in the Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement Review. More >>

Over two thousand people with memory complaints were given Ginkgo biloba extract or placebo as part of a five-year study. The results, published this week, showed no difference between the groups in the percentage who eventually developed Alzheimer's disease or dementia. See how this compares to other studies of ginkgo in the updated Ginkgo Biloba Supplements Review, which includes our tests and reviews of ginkgo products. More >>

A new study shows that, up to a point, the risks of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia fall with higher blood levels of vitamin D. However, the research also clarifies that exceeding a certain blood level of vitamin D provides no further benefit. In fact, additional research suggests that too much vitamin D can have negative effects. The message: Make sure you have a sufficient, but not excessive level of vitamin D. For details about these levels, as well as results of our tests of vitamin D supplements, see the updated Vitamin D Supplements Review >> 

A study showed that men and women with adequate levels of vitamin D in their blood were less likely to experience declines in cognitive functioning associated with Alzheimer's dementia than those with lower levels. More about the study, including the vitamin D level considered adequate, as well as our reviews of supplements, is found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>