Vitamin B Slows Down Alzheimer’s, Study Shows

Research scientists at Oxford University says that Vitamin B slows down Alzheimer's disease

Research scientists at Oxford University have said that taking vitamin B supplements could slow down the onset of Alzheimer's disease,  if not prevent the brain from shrinking as what happens in elderly people.

The researchers have discovered that people taking the supplements retained their cognitive functions longer. Some subjects in the study had their neurological decline rates reduced by as much as 50 percent.

“It is our hope that this simple and safe treatment will delay the development of Alzheimer's in many people who suffer from mild memory problems,” said David Smith, study leader and professor emeritus at Oxford University's pharmacology department.

Smith said that the results were “immensely promising”, but he pointed out that it has not been proven yet that B vitamins can definitively slow or prevent the development of Alzheimer's. He warns middle-aged people who are afraid of developing dementia from taking supplements without consultation from their physicians, as these tablets can also aid in the development of cancer.

The study “brings us a step closer to unraveling the complex neurobiology of aging and cognitive decline and hold the key to the development of future treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease,” according to Chris Kennard, chair of the Medical Research Council neuroscience and mental health board.

“These are very important results, with B vitamins now showing a prospect of protecting some people from Alzheimer's in old age. The strong findings must inspire an expanded trial to follow people expected to develop Alzheimer's, and we must hope for further success.” said Rebecca Wood, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research Trust.

Posted by George Daniels on Thursday September 09 2010, 3:29 PM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0