Alpha lipoic acid is used by people to treat a variety of conditions and for certain medical benefits. Keep in mind that these claims, like other human knowledge, may eventually be seen as false. Also consider potential side effects prior to using ALA. Below, some conditions and benefits are mentioned, along with brief details related to them.

Alzheimer's disease

One claimed benefit of alpha lipoic acid is treatment for Alzheimer's disease. This condition is a form of dementia, which is typically diagnosed in persons past 65 years. It has been recently estimated that the worldwide number of people with the condition has reached at least 35 million individuals. ALA is sometimes considered for treatment in other age-related conditions, as well.

Cataracts

A cataract is a condition which develops in the eye's crystalline lens or envelope, clouding and bringing opacity (partial or full) that obstructs light passage. Cataracts can come in old age, but can also be related to other conditions, including certain disease (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), and exposure (to radiation, long-term to ultraviolet light).

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system of the patient attacks the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). This situation leads to damage of the myelin sheath of neurons, and therefore demyelination. The condition's name refers to "multiple scars" which affect the myelin in the white matter of the spinal cord and brain.

Glossodynia

Also known as burning mouth syndrome (shortened as BMS) or burning tongue, this condition involves a sensation of tingling or burning in the mouth, sometimes particularly on the lips or tongue of the patient. Some of the potential causes of glossodynia are chronic depression or anxiety, nutritional deficiencies, dry mouth, oral thrush, type 2 diabetes, menopause, and others. There are often no visible symptoms to use toward diagnosis.

Glaucoma

The term glaucoma refers to a group of different diseases which all affect the patient's optic nerve, and bring retinal ganglion cell loss. Untreated, glaucoma can bring bring permanent optic nerve damage, leading to visual field loss, and eventually blindness.

Others

Some other benefits and treatment uses for alpha lipoic acid include: brain function, chronic illness, and stroke.