Alzheimer's disease is a common form of dementia characterized by memory loss, confusion and personality changes. It occurs when cells in the cerebral cortex, the layer of gray matter that covers the brain, start to die-off, causing the brain to function less effectively. A vitamin B12 deficiency may be implicated in the development of Alzheimer's -- although evidence proving that taking supplemental vitamin B12 can improve symptoms, is lacking. Talk to your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin B12, and don't use it in place of prescription Alzheimer's treatments.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin required for DNA synthesis and neurological function. It also plays an important role in red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 is sometimes used to boost energy levels and athletic performance and may also help to prevent cardiovascular disease. The Office of Dietary Supplements adds that a vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and cognitive decline. In theory, therefore, taking vitamin B12 may help to prevent Alzheimer's or improve symptoms by lowering homocysteine levels -- although this has not been proven.
Sources and Administration
Vitamin B12 is found in a variety of foods including liver, salmon, yogurt, tuna and milk. It is also available as a dietary supplement in pill form. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that 100 mcg to 1,000 mcg daily may help with some symptoms of Alzheimer's, but adds that vitamin B12 injections may give the best results. Talk to your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin B12 or if you are considering vitamin B-12 injections.
Effects
The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that while vitamin B12 lowers homocysteine levels, there is no evidence to prove that taking vitamin B12 can improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients. The results of a randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial of vitamin B12 supplementation in 409 individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, published in the October 2008 issue of "JAMA," show that it does not help to slow cognitive decline.
Safety Considerations
The Office of Dietary Supplements states that vitamin B12 has a low potential for toxicity, but adds that it might interact with other medicines you may be using including the diabetes drug, metformin, proton pump inhibitors and Histamine H2 receptor antagonists, medicines used to treat peptic ulcer disease.
Member Comments