Numerous geriatric patients are using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for late-life mood and cognitive disorders. Natural products and supplements are a common CAM intervention which have risks and benefits of which patients should be appropriately advised. The data for omega-3 fatty acids, ginkgo biloba, SAMe, St John’s wort, B Vitamins and Vitamin D, huperzine, caprylidene and coconut oil will be evaluated. Since the evidence basis for natural products and supplements is limited, especially for the geriatric population. Studies involving the general adult population are included to infer effects in the aging population. Despite the data available, more rigorous studies with larger sample sizes over longer periods of time are still needed. Regardless of a physician’s preference to recommend various natural supplements and products, a physician could protect their patients by having an understanding of the side effects and indications for various natural products.

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Natural products and supplements are widely and increasingly used by the aging population for mood and cognitive symptoms. Evidence suggests that some supplements may be effective at treating a range of mood and cognitive symptoms. There is growing use of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of mental disorders because they may be seen as "safer" than traditional drugs, and because patients with mental disorders frequently use complementary and alternative medicine. We review the existing limited evidence of the efficacy and safety of natural products and supplements that are being used for treatment of mental disorders. More rigorous studies in the area of holistic and integrative treatment and preventive approaches for late-life mood and cognitive disorders are urgently needed.

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