Dementia, also called senility, is a term for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke, characterized by inability to think, remember, solve problems, control emotions or conduct normal activities. Certain vitamins may slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms associated with dementia, but they do not cure dementia or repair brain damage. Consult your doctor about what vitamins are good for dementia.
Folate
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin found in green, leafy vegetables that helps produce and maintain new cells -- especially during infancy and pregnancy -- makes DNA, RNA and red blood cells and prevents anemia. Increased dietary intake of folate can prevent development of dementia. Research by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston and published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" in 2007 found supplementation with methyltetrahydrofolate, the biologically active form of folate that is more readily absorbed into the body than folate from foods or folic acid from supplements, may be effective in preventing and treating dementia.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in fish and meat that is essential for production of red blood cells and DNA and supports proper nerve function. A deficiency of vitamin B-12 can lead to development of dementia, whereas supplementation may reduce the risk of disease. Research by scientists at the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences in Delhi, India, and published in "The Annals of Indian Academic Neurology" in October 2010 discovered that vitamin B-12 is significantly low in both Alzheimer's dementia and vascular dementia. The scientists conclude that vitamin B supplementation should be considered as a possible therapeutic intervention in dementia.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, protect your body from harmful chemicals and toxins. Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables, whereas vitamin E is found in nuts and vegetable oils. These antioxidants may also protect you from developing dementia. Research by scientists at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu and published in "Neurology" in March 2000 found that Japanese-American men taking vitamin C and E supplements may protect against dementia and improve cognitive function in late life.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in fatty fish and fortified foods that stimulates the immune system, enhances absorption of calcium and supports bone growth and maintenance. Vitamin D may also protect against dementia. Research by scientists at Harvard Clinical Research Institute in Boston and published in "Drugs Today" in March 2011 reports that epidemiological investigations suggest a protective effect of vitamin D concentration and cognitive function and cerebrovascular disease and that the nutrient be important in prevention of dementia.
References
- Medline Plus; Dementia; July 12, 2011
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Folate; 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; The Role of Folate in Depression and Dementia; David Mischoulon; 2007
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin B-12; 2010
- "Annals of Indian Academic Neurology"; Role of Vitamin B(12), Folate, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in Dementia: A Hospital-Based Study in North Indian Population; Rachna Agarwal, et al.; October 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Vitamin C; Balz Frei; November 2009
