Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that diminishes learning and memory skills. The National Institute on Aging notes that that Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older people and estimates that there are 5.1 million Americans with the condition. Alzheimer's disease is incurable but can be managed with medications such as rivastigmine and galantamine. The National Institute on Aging notes that lifestyle factors, including diet, may have an impact on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Certain vitamins may help prevent Alzheimer's disease but this has not been proved conclusively.
B Vitamins
According to the results of a clinical trial published in the September 2010 issue of the medical journal "Public Library of Science ONE" B vitamins may reduce brain shrinkage, a phenomenon linked with Alzheimer's disease. Patients in the trial were given a high dose of vitamins B6, B9 and B12 or placebo. According to lead author Professor David Smith, the rate of brain atrophy was lower in the patients who took B vitamins, compared to those who received placebo. Professor Smith notes, however, that further studies are needed to determine whether taking a B vitamin complex could delay progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamins C and E
Research published in the 2004 issue of "Archives of Neurology" suggest that a combination of the antioxidant vitamins C and E may prevent Alzheimer's disease by protecting the brain from oxidative damage. Vitamins C and E protect cells from free radical damage and may counteract the effects of ageing. Lead author, P.P. Zandi notes that use of vitamin E and C supplements in combination was associated with a lower prevalence and incidence of Alzheimer's disease. However, the use of a vitamin E supplement alone or a vitamin C supplement alone had no effect.
Considerations
U.K. Health care provider Bupa notes that the dose of vitamins C and E used in the study were much higher than the recommended dietary allowance. Taking high doses of vitamins C and E can cause stomach cramps, nausea and abdominal pain. Bupa also suggests that there may be other reasons why people who took vitamin C and E supplements were at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease such as their gender, age and general health. Similarly, the dose of B vitamins used in Professor's Smith study was much higher than the recommended dietary allowance. In addition, the long-term effects of taking big doses of vitamin B are unknown.
References
- The National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
- "Public Library of Science ONE"; Homocysteine-Lowering by B Vitamins Slows the Rate of Accelerated Brain Atrophy in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial; A.David Smith et al; September 2010
- Telegraph.co.uk: Vitamin B is Revolutionary New Weapon Against Alzheimer's Disease
- "Archives of Neurology"; Reduced Risk of Alzheimer Disease in Users of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements: the Cache County Study; P.P. Zandi et al; January 2004
- Bupa: Hot topic - Do vitamins C and E reduce Alzheimer's risk?
