In a recent study, researchers looked at the possibility of using nutritional intervention to slow the onset of certain Alzheimer’s symptoms. The study involved a particular nutritional drink called Souvenaid http://www.souvenaid-us.com/, which was given to patients in the pre-dementia (prodromal) stage of Alzheimer’s once a day for a twelve month period. The drink contains a patented formula of fatty acids, vitamins and other nutrients. This was first reported in yesterday’s Medical News Bulletin, an on-line medical site based in Canada. http://www.medicalnewsbulletin.com/nutritional-drink-may-help-reduce-brain-shrinkage-and-slow-symptoms-of-alzheimers-disease/

The results showed that, compared other patients who had received a placebo drink, patients receiving Souvenaid suffered less brain shrinkage, particularly in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that helps to store short-term memories for long-term retrieval. Patients who had received the nutritional drink also preserved greater ability to remember, to think, and to carry out everyday tasks.

Although scientists have known for some time that certain nutrients can have a neuroprotective effect on the brain, effective interventions using single nutrients has been difficult to develop. This new study suggests that the key may be in combining nutrients in order to increase their effect.

The study is touted as the first research to confirm that nutritional intervention can help patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. These results are important because individuals in the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s currently have no approved, available pharmaceutical treatment options. Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia are devastating illnesses, estimated to affect more than 47 million people, and for which there is currently no known cure. The number of people affected is on the rise, with some expecting it to double within the next 20 years.

According to WebMD, Souvenaid, is a patented combination of fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients derived from milk, fish and soy. It is marketed for the dietary management of early AZD.

Souvenaid is not available in the United States, according to its web site, but studies are under way in the U.S. and Europe. http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20160314/drink-help-memory-early-dementia-souvenaid

The composition of Souvenaid, according to a Wikipedia entry includes: