Hey there! Have you heard the news about Bruce Willis' recent dementia diagnosis? It's got a lot of people wondering if there are any supplements that can help prevent or treat dementia. As your friendly neighborhood pharmacist, I'm here to give you the lowdown on the most commonly asked about natural medicines.

But first, let's talk about what dementia is. Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and causes a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. It can also impact a person's ability to carry out daily activities. Some signs and symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty with language, changes in mood and behavior, and trouble with familiar tasks.

Now, let's dive into some of the natural supplements that people often ask about. Ginkgo is a popular choice, but while it may improve some symptoms of dementia like cognition and daily life activities, it doesn't seem to prevent or slow down the progression of the condition. Ginkgo may always have interactions with some of the other medications you take. 

Another supplement that often comes up is Prevagen, which contains apoaequorin, a protein derived from jellyfish. Some believe it may help regulate calcium in the brain and reduce memory loss. There's one study showing that it slightly improves memory, but be cautious and don't rely solely on Prevagen for dementia prevention or treatment.

Finally, when it comes to other natural medicines like gotu kola, fish oil, and vitamin D, there isn't strong evidence supporting their use for dementia. Instead, focus on healthy lifestyle choices like staying physically, mentally, and socially active, and maintaining a well-balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your memory or thinking skills, talk to your healthcare provider. We're here to help you stay healthy and informed!