Vitamin B cuts dementia risk: Study
Despite the controversial results about the efficacy of vitamin B in overcoming Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests the supplements are effective.
While an average brain shrinks at a rate of 0.5 percentage point per year after the age of 60, Alzheimer's patients have brain shrinkage of 2.5 points per year.
According to the study published in Public Library of Science One, high doses of B vitamins halves the rate of brain shrinkage, one of the main symptoms of mild cognitive impairment which often leads to dementia in the elderly.
The pace of brain shrinkage is slowed down by 30 points in those who take folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 on a regular basis, the study found.
Vitamin B supplements are believed to help limit the brain shrinkage rate through controlling blood levels of homocysteine.
“These vitamins are doing something to the brain structure - they’re protecting it, and that’s very important because we need to protect the brain to prevent Alzheimer's,” said lead researcher Professor David Smith.
Scientists hope their findings would pave the way for the development of new treatments effective in delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
"We must be cautious when recommending supplements like vitamin B as there are separate health risks if taken in too high doses," said Chris Kennard, chair of the Medical Research Council’s Neurosciences and Mental Health Board.
Source: presstv.ir
