Dementia refers to a class of symptoms that affects your social and cognitive abilities and disrupts functioning in daily tasks. It is caused by conditions that affect your brain and many different forms exist. Alzheimer's disease is one type of dementia. Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty with organizing and planning information, difficulty with coordination and movement, personality changes, agitation and inappropriate behavior. Certain vitamins may help relieve or control your dementia symptoms.
Vitamin E
Including vitamin E in your daily diet may help reduce the progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease. Research studies have been mixed and more studies are required to establish a benefit. Taking large doses of vitamin E can increase your risk of bleeding, particularly if you are taking blood thinning medications. Consult your doctor before taking these supplements or to determine an appropriate dose. In addition to a supplement, vitamin E can be obtained from foods including avocado, olive oil, almonds, nut butters and spinach.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy formation of red blood cells and nerve cells. This vitamin may also play a role in maintaining your memory, important to those with Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia. According to MayoClinic.com, if you are deficient in vitamin B12, you may exhibit signs of memory loss. Taking vitamin B12 supplements may help improve your memory in such cases. However, vitamin B12 supplements have not been found to improve memory if there is no vitamin B12 deficiency, according to MayoClinic.com. Vitamin B12 still remains an essential vitamin for your body and you can obtain it in many foods including poultry, red meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.
Folic Acid
Folic acid, also called folate, is an important B vitamin that aids in red blood cell formation and normal brain functioning. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, research has shown that elderly people with low folate levels were more likely to have dementia and show signs of cognitive decline. Studies are not conclusive and more research is required to establish any association and benefit. In addition to a supplement, you can obtain folic acid from dietary sources including green leafy vegetables, beans and lentils. Breads and cereals may be fortified with this vitamin.
Thiamin
Thiamin is another B vitamin that may play a role in dementia. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, a deficiency in thiamin can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a type of dementia. Studies have been mixed and there is only some evidence that supplementing with thiamin can be of benefit for Alzheimer's disease. Consult your doctor to see if this treatment may be of benefit to you. Thiamin is found in many food sources including whole grains, nuts, legumes, pork, eggs and yeast.
