Niacinamide, a derivative of vitamin B-3 generally found in supplemental form, aids in the conversion of food to usable energy for your body and plays a role in neurological functions. Niacin, nicotinic acid and niacinamide are similar in chemical structure but may have a slightly different effect when consumed from food versus supplemental sources. The derivatives of vitamin B-3 may be helpful in reducing the cognitive decline associated with dementia.
Dementia Information
Dementia is a set of symptoms impacting your neurological functions, including loss of memory, poor judgment and language difficulty. It is not a disease in itself, but it may be caused by Parkinson's disease or vascular complications. However, nearly 70 percent of dementia cases are associated with Alzheimer's, a severe progressive neurological disease. Accurate diagnosis of dementia involves a medical assessment of symptoms, ruling out other causes, such as pellagra from niacin deficiency, brain scans and neuropsychological testing. Alzheimer's disease is less distinctly diagnosed because symptom presentation is similar to dementia and only after death can the microscopic examination of brain tissue occur.
Dementia and Niacinamide Research
In 2008 the "Journal of Neuroscience," published a study by researcher Kim N. Green and colleagues exploring the use of nicotinamide and niacinamide for treating Alzheimer's disease symptoms. The results of the study showed a significant decrease in a marker called "tau protein," which is implicated as one cause of Alzheimer's symptoms. The niacinamide injections improved cognitive abilities, including memory, behavior and attention. However, the research was done on animal subjects, and human studies are needed to determine safety and effectiveness in using this supplement for prevention or treatment of the disease.
Deficiency
Deficient levels of vitamin B-3 cause pellagra and the associated symptoms include dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and death. This condition was noticed in Europe during the 1700s and the United States during the 1900s with the lower social classes that did not have access to niacin-containing foods. However, in modern society, niacin deficiency or pellagra are uncommon because of the vast array of foods containing the vitamin. The aging population may have difficulty with nutrient absorption, and the Linus Pauling Institute notes that nearly 25 percent of older adults do not consume enough dietary niacin, which can increase the risk of niacin deficiency-related dementia.
Daily Intake and Sources
The daily recommended intake of niacin or derivatives is 14 to 16 mg for adults. Supplements generally come over-the-counter as nicotinamide, nicotinic acid or niacinamide. Prescription strength niacin also is available with a referral from your physician. Poultry, beef and fish are good natural sources of niacin. Whole grain breads, cereals and pasta or beans and nuts also contain niacin. As part of a healthy diet to prevent later onset of dementia, eat niacin-rich foods along with well-balanced meals. Do not exceed the upper tolerable limit of supplemental niacin, which is set at 35 mg per day, or you may experience side effects like flushing of the skin.
References
- American Holistic Health Association; The Potential, Do-it-Yourself Treatment for Alzheimer's You Can Get at Your Local Pharmacy; Jonathan V. Wright, M.D.; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Niacin
- MayoClinic.com; Niacin (Vitamin B-3, Nicotinic Acid), Niacinamide; April 2011
- "The Journal of Neuroscience"; Nicotinamide Restores Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease; Kim N. Green, et al; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Dementia
