B Vitamins halve brain shrinkage rate in people with memory impairment, study claims

The two year randomised double-blind clinical trial is the largest to study the effect of B vitamins on MCI and one of the first disease-modifying trials in the Alzheimer's field to show positive results in people, according to the study.

Vitamin B is found in a variety of sources, such as bananas, meat, beans and whole grains.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This is an interesting study which could change the lives of thousands of people at risk of dementia. However, previous studies looking at B vitamins have been very disappointing and we wouldn't want to raise people's expectations yet, as we have not specifically seen any benefits in preventing the onset of the symptoms of dementia. This current study from Oxford University measured the rate of shrinkage of the brain and demonstrates the benefit to those starting with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine - a known risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease. The study doesn't necessarily show the benefits to people with normal homocysteine levels.'

'More research is therefore necessary to show how B vitamin therapy may prevent or delay dementia, particularly in these selected groups of people with higher levels of homocysteine and for those individually at risk of developing Alzheimer's.'

'However, we know that the best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to ensure that you eat a healthy and balanced diet containing fruit and vegetables.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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Reference:  Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment. A randomized controlled trialby A. David Smith et al is published on 8 September in PLoS ONE.

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk