A minimal amount of memory loss is a normal part of the aging process; however, dementia is a severe type of memory loss that affects your intellectual and social abilities. In addition to memory loss, dementia often results in impairment of speech, decline in reasoning, personality changes and an inability to remember people and perform basic functions, such as dressing and bathing.
Vitamin B-1
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a daily intake of 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-1 may help treat dementia. Cholinergic neurons are responsible for nerve transmission in certain areas of the brain, and they deteriorate in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin B-1 supports cholinergic neurons and prevents their deterioration, as well as slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for cellular metabolism and DNA synthesis in the brain and nervous system. A research study conducted by Dr. Norbert Goebels and colleagues, published in the August 2000 issue of the "Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences," showed that vitamin B-12 deficiency in elderly patients was associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. These patients showed improvement after supplementation with vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 deficiency also causes disorientation and numbness and tingling of the arms and legs, notes the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Vitamins E and C
Vitamins E and C are antioxidants that prevent cellular damage from environmental toxins and free radicals, as well as memory loss due to aging. Alzheimer's disease is a fatal brain disease characterized by memory loss as well as a decline in thinking and reasoning. A research study conducted by Peter P. Zandi, Ph.D., published in the January 2004 issue of "Archives of Neurology," showed that vitamins E and C supplements worked in conjunction to lower the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in patients over age 65. The University of Michigan Health System suggests taking 2000 IU of vitamin E per day to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Dementia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dementia
- University of Michigan Health System: Alzheimer's Disease
- The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences: Dementia Associated With Vitamin B12 Deficiency; Norbert Goebels et al.; August 2000
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B12
- Archives of Neurology: Reduced Risk of Alzheimer Disease in Users of Antioxidant Vitamin Supplements; Peter P. Zandi, et al; Jan 2004
