Alzheimer's Society comment on Vitamin B12 and rate of brain volume loss in older people in the community

As vitamin B may be given as a food supplement, it may be useful to include tests of vitamin B levels in the general assessment of health of older individuals.

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.

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Reference : Vitamin B12 may protect the ageing brain

Vitamin B12, may protect against brain shrinkage in older people, according to a new study published on 9 September in the journal Neurology. University of Oxford scientists examined 107 people between the ages of 61 and 87 and found that people with lower vitamin B12 levels were six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage, which can cause memory loss, compared with those with higher levels of the vitamin in the blood.

Notes to editors

• 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia.  This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk. 
• Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk