Study claims Vitamin E could reduce risk of developing dementia
Published 5 July 2010
High levels of vitamin E in the blood could be linked with a decreased risk for Alzheimer’s disease in older age a new study has suggested.
The research published in the Journal of Alzheimer's disease today (Monday 5 July 2010) claims people with high levels of several Vitamin E compounds have a 45-54 per cent lower risk of developing dementia.
The study conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm looked at the Vitamin E levels of 232 people without dementia aged 80 or over. They then carried out follow up studies six years later. They found 57 of the participants had developed dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'This study is interesting but should be treated with caution as it uses a small sample group observed over a relatively short time scale making it difficult to generalise the findings. Clinical trials already exist suggesting Vitamin E has no obvious benefits for reducing risk of dementia. While this latest work looks at different natural Vitamin E components, it will require back up from much more robust research if it is to disprove these earlier findings.
This week, Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer's Society is asking people to Remember the Person behind the diagnosis. This includes reminding people that what is good for your heart is generally good for your head. Eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 60 per cent.'
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society
