Slowing Alzheimer's and dementia onset with 'B' vitamins

[mjnc]

The discussion in another thread had me doing a little research about the effects of some 'B' vitamins.
As a result, I found some very hopeful news about finding ways to combat dementia and Alzheimer's disease.


Vitamin B is revolutionary new weapon against Alzheimer's Disease

The team at the University of Oxford set out in a new direction – targeting the abnormal physical shrinkage of the brain.

They knew that a substance called homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood, was associated with this shrinkage.

Elderly people with higher levels of homocysteine, had higher levels of brain shrinkage.

They also knew that vitamin B regulated levels of homocysteine and that the more vitamin B in the blood, the lower the levels of the harmful amino acid.

Vitamin B 'puts off Alzheimer's'

'Protecting' the brain

Certain B vitamins - folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 - control levels of a substance known as homocysteine in the blood.
High levels of homocysteine are associated with faster brain shrinkage and Alzheimer's disease.

Can vitamin B prevent Alzheimer's?

What were the basic results?

Of the 266 people who started the study, 223 (83.8%) completed it. The researchers found that:

• At the end of the study homocysteine levels were on average 30% lower in the group taking B vitamins than in those taking placebo.
  --
• Among the 50% of people with the highest homocysteine levels at the start of the study, those taking B vitamins did
  significantly better in several tests than those taking placebo.
  --
• Among the quarter of people with the highest homocysteine levels at the start of the study those who took B vitamins did
  better in the test assessing clinical dementia scores than those taking the placebo.

How did the researchers interpret the results?

Researchers say that B vitamins appear to slow cognitive and clinical decline in people with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment),
in particular those with elevated homocysteine levels.

wikipedia - Homocysteine


American Heart Assoc. - Homocysteine, Folic Acid and Cardiovascular Disease

Although evidence for the benefit of lowering homocysteine levels is lacking, patients at high risk should be strongly
advised to be sure to get enough folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 in their diet. They should eat fruits and green,
leafy vegetables daily.

This is just one possible risk factor. A physician taking any type of nutritional approach to reducing risk should consider
a person's overall risk factor profile and total diet.

Dr. Andrew Weil - Handling High Homocysteine

Blood levels of homocysteine tend to be highest in people who eat a lot of animal protein. These people also tend to
consume few fruits and leafy vegetables, which provide the folic acid and other B vitamins that help the body get rid of
homocysteine.

[mjnc]

A more concise article.

I had intended for this one to be first.
DOH!!

Vitamin B could delay onset of Alzheimer's: study

Slow progression of dementia with b-complex vitamins