Alzheimer’s Society comment on Nicotinamide vitamin B3 study in Journal of Neuroscience

Nicotinamide, (vitamin B3), lowered levels of a protein called phosphorylated tau that leads to the development of tangles, one of two brain lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The vitamin also strengthened scaffolding along which information travels in brain cells, helping to keep neurons alive and further preventing symptoms in mice genetically wired to develop Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's Society comment on Nicotinamide vitamin B3 study in Journal of Neuroscience.

'This new research demonstrates that Nicotinamide (vitamin B3), can help mice with some aspects of Alzheimer's disease to maintain their memory.  From the research, it appears that Nicotinamide has more than one beneficial effect on nerve cells including the facilitation of the recycling of the 'bad' phosphorylated tau. This research is interesting as it points towards new ways of treating Alzheimer's disease.
 
'Nicotinamide occurs naturally in meat, fish, beans, cereals and potatoes and is cheap and easy to take. However, more research is now needed to explore the possible mechanisms involved so we can better understand if Nicotinamide could have the same effect in people and, if it does, what level of vitamin intake would be required.

'The best evidence around reducing your risk of dementia is to eat a healthy balanced diet, take regular exercise, don't smoke and check your blood pressure and cholesterol.'

Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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