Can Coenzyme Q10 Help Prevent Alzheimer’s? Here’s What You Should Know

Written by Nguyenjessica

Published on May 6 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the biggest health challenges of our time. As the population ages, more people are affected by dementia—currently 50 million worldwide, and that number is expected to hit 150 million by 2050.

One supplement that’s been getting a lot of buzz lately is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It’s often marketed as something that “protects brain health” and “reduces dementia risk.” But does it live up to the hype? Can it actually prevent Alzheimer’s?

Can Coenzyme Q10 Help Prevent Alzheimer’s?

Key Points

CoQ10 is a natural antioxidant that helps your cells produce energy and fight oxidative stress.
Animal studies suggest CoQ10 might protect the brain from Alzheimer’s-related damage, but human studies haven’t proven this yet.
CoQ10 supplements might help if you’re at higher risk for Alzheimer’s or if you’re taking statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).

What exactly is 40hz therapy?

have a look

Table of content

What Is CoQ10, and Why Does It Matter?

Can CoQ10 Really Prevent Alzheimer’s? The Research Says

Can You Get Enough CoQ10 from Food?

Should You Be Taking CoQ10 Supplements?

Proven Lifestyle Habits to Keep Your Brain Healthy

What Is CoQ10, and Why Does It Matter?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound your body makes naturally, and it’s found in every one of your cells. It’s a big deal for two main reasons:

CoQ10 Powers Your Cells
CoQ10 plays a key role in producing ATP, which is basically the fuel that keeps your cells running. Your heart and brain—two of the most energy-hungry organs—depend on it the most.

CoQ10 Fights Free Radicals
It’s also a powerful antioxidant. That means it helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells and speed up aging. Too many free radicals can lead to a problem called oxidative stress, which is linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s.

In Alzheimer’s specifically, oxidative stress and the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain are thought to be major drivers of the disease. Some research suggests CoQ10 might help by:

Reducing oxidative damage
Preventing toxic protein buildup
Supporting mitochondrial function (the “power plants” of your cells)

Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: while this all works in theory (and in animal studies), we don’t yet have solid proof that it works in people.

Can CoQ10 Really Prevent Alzheimer’s? The Research Says

Animal Studies: Good News for Mice

In animal models of Alzheimer’s, CoQ10 has shown promising results. For example:

A 2018 study in Journal of Neuroscience found that CoQ10 reduced amyloid plaques in mice and improved their memory.
Other studies suggest CoQ10 can reduce brain inflammation and oxidative stress in animals.

Human Studies: Not So Clear

Unfortunately, what works in mice doesn’t always work in humans. Here’s the deal:

A 2014 clinical trial tested 200 mg of CoQ10 daily in people with mild cognitive impairment (a precursor to dementia). It found no significant improvement in their cognitive function.
Another study showed CoQ10 might slightly improve physical performance in older adults, but it didn’t show any clear benefits for brain health.

While CoQ10 has solid evidence for some health benefits (like improving symptoms in heart failure patients), there’s no strong proof yet that it can prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Can You Get Enough CoQ10 from Food?

Your body makes some CoQ10 on its own, but you also get it from your diet. The best food sources include:

Organ Meats: Chicken heart, pork liver, and beef liver (20–50 mg per 100 g)
Fatty Fish: Sardines, mackerel, and salmon (4–10 mg per 100 g)
Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, walnuts, sesame oil (1–2 mg per 100 g)
Vegetables: Spinach and broccoli (less than 0.5 mg per 100 g)

Why Food Alone Isn’t Enough

Here’s the problem:

Most people only get 3–5 mg of CoQ10 per day from their diet, far below the doses (100–300 mg/day) typically used in studies.
CoQ10 is sensitive to heat, so cooking (especially frying or baking) can destroy much of it.
Foods high in CoQ10, like organ meats, are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can pose other health risks.

If you want therapeutic levels of CoQ10, supplements are often the more practical option.

Should You Be Taking CoQ10 Supplements?

Who Might Benefit from CoQ10?

You might want to consider a supplement if:

You’re at higher risk for Alzheimer’s: For example, if you have a family history of dementia or conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
You’re taking statins: These cholesterol-lowering drugs can reduce your body’s natural CoQ10 levels, so supplementation might help offset this.

How to Supplement Safely

Dosage: Most studies use 100–300 mg per day. Start on the lower end and talk to your healthcare provider.
Best Time to Take It: Take CoQ10 with food (it’s fat-soluble, so it absorbs better with a meal).
Side Effects: Taking too much CoQ10 can cause nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort, so stick to the recommended dose.

ZenWave Z1 - Precision 40Hz Gamma Sound & Light Wave Generator

Video-ZenWave Z1 - Precision 40Hz Gamma Sound & Light Wave Generator

ZenWave Z1 - Precision 40Hz Gamma Sound & Light Wave Generator

$79.99

Proven Lifestyle Habits to Keep Your Brain Healthy

While CoQ10 might help some people, it’s not a magic pill. If you really want to protect your brain, focus on these proven strategies:

Eat a Mediterranean Diet
This diet is loaded with brain-boosting foods like fish, olive oil, whole grains, and vegetables. Studies show it can lower your risk of dementia.

Get Moving
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (like brisk walking). Exercise improves blood flow to the brain and keeps it healthy.

Challenge Your Brain
Do puzzles, read, or learn a new skill. Keeping your brain active helps maintain cognitive function.

Manage Chronic Conditions
Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to reduce your risk of vascular-related dementia.

Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Both can harm your brain by increasing oxidative stress and damaging brain cells.

Coenzyme Q10 has some exciting potential for brain health, especially in animal studies. But for now, there’s just not enough human evidence to recommend it as a go-to strategy for preventing Alzheimer’s.

If you’re thinking about trying CoQ10, talk to your doctor first—especially if you’re already at risk for Alzheimer’s or taking statins.

In the meantime, the best thing you can do for your brain is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, stay active, and keep your mind engaged—that’s the real recipe for long-term cognitive health.

Sources

Beal, M. F. (2004). Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 5(10), 787-796.
Dumont, M., et al. (2018). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and improves cognitive function in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. Journal of Neuroscience, 38(23), 5245-5256.