According to an article by the Daily Mail Reporter, a regular dose of vitamin B can dramatically combat memory loss in old age and even protect against Alzheimer’s.
The study said people taking the pill everyday had decreased levels of a brain protein known to lead to a rise in the risk of dementia.
Scientists discovered that vitamin B also slowed mental decline in older people who have slight problems with their memory.
In Britain, more than 800,000 people suffer from dementia and the number is projected to double within a generation, but previous drug trials have been unsuccessful.
The study says about 16% of people over 70 are thought to suffer from mild cognitive impairment and about half develop dementia, usually within five years of the diagnosis of a cognitive impairment.
The research stated that dementia could be treated with a food supplement rather than by taking complicated medicines.
The study took place at Oxford University and included more than 250 people including individuals with mild cognitive impairment who were aged 70 years or older.
They were given vitamin B pills or a placebo on a regular basis over a two-year period. Vitamin B is found naturally in food such as beans, meat, wholegrains and bananas.
Taking the vitamin supplement appeared to help maintain mental processes, such as planning, organizing and recalling information.
An earlier study showed B vitamins slowed the rate of brain shrinkage compared with a group receiving a placebo.
Dr Carrie Ruxton of the Health Supplements Information Service told the Daily News:
‘The findings from these two reports should be of interest to clinicians.’
By: South Carolina Social Lawyer Pete Tsrom
