Can B vitamins help stave off memory loss in old age? 06 October 2008
A University of Oxford study suggests that vitamin B12, found in meat, fish and milk as well as good multivitamin supplements, may be linked to a lesser chance of brain shrinkage and memory loss in the elderly.
Researchers found that 61 – 87 year olds with lower levels of B12 were more likely to experience brain shrinkage over a five year period. Professor David Smith from Oxford University concluded that “the rate of shrinkage of the brain as we age may be partly influenced by what we eat.”
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem among elderly people in the UK and has been linked to declining memory and dementia. Some commentators estimate that 2 out of every 5 people in the UK are deficient in the vitamin. A further study is now planned to investigate the effects of B vitamin supplements on the rate of brain shrinkage in the elderly.
Dr Susanne Sorensen from the Alzheimer’s Society stated,
"This is another example of why it is crucial for people to lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and antioxidants.
"The best way to reduce your risk of developing dementia is to keep active, eat a balanced diet, don´t smoke and visit your GP to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked."
