Thursday, October 16, 2008

Vitamin B ineffective in Alzheimer's

A new study shows that high doses of vitamin B supplements are ineffective in preventing mental decline in Asian Alzheimer's sufferers.

Previous studies had reported that vitamin B supplements lower the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, the main ingredient in brain-clogging amyloid plaques, and therefore are an effective tool in tackling Alzheimer's disease.

According to the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, high-doses of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid are not effective in preserving cognitive skills such as memory and language in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Findings revealed a higher depression rate among individuals taking these supplements. Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal brain disease, affecting a large number of individuals in the world. The disease destroys brain cells, causing memory and behavioral problems severe enough to disable one's life.


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