According to the APA, dementia is a generalized, pervasive deterioration of memory and at least one other cognitive function, such as language and an executive function, due to a variety of causes. The loss of intellectual abilities is severe enough to interfere with an individual’s daily functioning and social and occupational activity.

Dementia

Nootropics or "smart drugs" are substances that are thought to improve cognition, learning, memory, etc. They are sometimes used to treat cognitive deficits or as a supplement, and are generally well-tolerated.

Nootropics

Ginkgo biloba is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for symptoms of dementia and for its supposed nootropic effects. Although research supporting its positive effect on cognitive function is limited and unclear, the supplement is generally well-tolerated and safe to use in most populations, barring those with bleeding disorders. 

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- St. John's Wort
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- S-Adenosyl Methionine
- Valerian
- Melatonin
- Ginkgo Biloba

Examples of Alternative Medicines

- Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
- Asiatic Pennywort (Centella asiatica)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri)
- Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
- Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
- Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Plants with Potential Nootropic Effects

Mischoulon D. (2018). Popular herbal and natural remedies used in psychiatry. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 16(1), 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20170041

Popular Herbal and Natural Remedies Used in Psychiatry

St. John's wort has shown promise as an affordable herbal treatment for depression, being compared to tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs, particularly with less severe forms of the disorder. However, it is also known to interact with several other drugs.

St. John's Wort

A key family of polyunsaturated fats. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are all beneficial in hindering the progressive of degenerative disorders, and have shown some evidence of being useful in treating mental illnesses such as mood disorders. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

S-adenosyl methionine has shown some promise in treating depression comparably to tricyclic antidepressants, especially in cases of unipolar depression or comorbid depression with other illnesses. It has been found to be well-tolerated and safe to use in conjunction with other drug treatments.

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe)

Valerian is used as a natural treatment for sleep issues, having sedative and hypnotic qualities that some studies have shown to be comparable to benzodiazepines. Although generally well-tolerated, some cases of severe adverse reactions have been documented.

Valerian

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Melatonin is a hormone that is used to treat insomnia due to its hypnotic and sedative effects. Although findings regarding its efficacy in different populations have been mixed, it is generally well-tolerated, barring some rare adverse reactions especially among immunocompromised individuals.

Melatonin in Alternative Medicine

Maca root is prepared and consumed in a number of ways in South America, and has been shown in mice studies to demonstrate neuroprotective effects which are thought to aid against cognitive deterioration over time. In humans, it has been found to be safe and well-tolerated.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Centella asiatica is prepared, consumed, and utilized in multiple ways for its strong antioxidant properties. Due to this and its purported nootropic and anxiolytic effects, it is used in traditional medicine and is thought to show promise in treating illnesses like Alzheimer's disease. Though generally well-tolerated, it is not recommended to be used orally by children, pregnant individuals, or breastfeeding individuals.

Asiatic Pennywort (Centella asiatica)

Ashwagandha's roots and leaves are thought to have nootropic and sedative effects, in addition to some animal studies showing promise for it as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and tardive dyskinesia. However, its fruit has emetic properties and overconsumption of the plant may lead to gastrointestinal distress. Though mostly safe, it is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or dealing with hyperthyroidism. 

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Bacopa monnieri, sometimes used in cooking, has strong antioxidant properties. Some believe that it may be a promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease as rat studies have demonstrated potential nootropic and neuroprotective effects of the plant extract. It is generally well-tolerated and reported side effects are mild.

Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri)

Most commonly used in Brazil, guarana seeds are prepared into a paste that is used to make supplements and caffeinated beverages. The substance has shown nootropic and anxiolytic effects in mouse studies, indicating promise as a treatment for cognitive deterioration in cases of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, etc. However, it may not be safe to consume for individuals with certain medical conditions or who take medications like theophylline.

 Guarana (Paullinia cupana)

Also known as Siberian ginseng, eleuthero root is used as an herbal medicine that is thought to have detoxifying, antioxidant, and antiradical properties, in addition to showing some promise in mouse studies in improving memory. Though generally well-tolerated, it is not suitable for use by those with high blood pressure.

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Rhodiola's plant extract has demonstrated neuroprotective effects. Likewise, human trials have indicated its potential benefit in treating anxiety, depression, and other mood-related issues, and mouse studies have confirmed these antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in addition to potential stimulant and adaptogen properties. However, it is not recommended for many groups of people, such as those with hypertension or certain psychotic disorders, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, and children. 

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Schisandra's seeds and fruits are prepared in a variety of ways, often consumed as a drink for its stimulant effects. One component of the plant, schisantherin A, has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects in mouse studies and may be promising in treating symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. Though generally well-tolerated, overconsumption may lead to insomnia. 

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