Vitamin B Slows Dementia

Results from a 2-year clinical trial have found large daily dosages of B vitamins can cut the rate of brain shrinkage in the elderly who suffer from memory problems in half. Researchers believe this may slow the progression towards dementia and thus be a treatment for those suffering from or at risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The dosage of vitamin B was administered in very high quantities - folate (also known as folic acid and vitamin B9) at 4 times the recommended daily dosage, vitamin B6 at 15 times the recommended dosage and vitamin B12 at 300 times the recommended dosage. B vitamins reduce plasma levels of homocysteine - an amino acid that is associated with not only an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but also an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. It could be through these very large dosages that significantly lower blood levels of homocysteine result in less damage and shrinkage to the brain and its arterial supply. There is more research to be done but these new findings are very exciting and promising for the Alzheimer’s community.