Vitamin B12 may hold key to warding off Alzheimer's disease

VITAMIN B12 may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to the results of a seven-year study.

Researchers found a correlation between an amino acid associated with low levels of B12 and a higher incidence of dementia, which affects around 71,000 people in Scotland.

Researchers suspect there may be a link between Alzheimer's and the vitamin, which is found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish and dairy products and added to things like bread, cereals and Marmite.

Researcher Babak Hoosmand of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockhom said: "Our findings show the need for further research on the role of vitamin B12 as a marker for identifying people who are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

"Low levels of vitamin B12 are surprisingly common in the elderly. However, the few studies that have investigated the usefulness of vitamin B12 supplements to reduce the risk of memory loss have had mixed results."

The seven-year study involved 271 people aged between 56 and 79. Seventeen developed Alzheimer's disease. During the study all subjects had their blood tested regularly for levels of B12 and for levels of homostyceine - an amino acid which can increase in cases of B vitamin deficiencies.

The study, published in the journal Neurology Today, found that low levels of the active component of B12 and high levels of homostyceine were related to an increased risk of Alzheimer's.

Henry Simmons, chief executive of the Alzheimer Scotland, said: "These results are very encouraging and a clear indicator of the importance of funding research into the causes of, treatments and potential cures for dementia.

"We need to see further studies into the impact of B vitamins on cognitive impairment. We strongly advise that if you are concerned about yourself or someone close to you experiencing memory problems, or any other form of cognitive impairment, please see your GP first. Do not self-medicate, as there are negative side effects associated with overdosing on B vitamins.

"There is still much we do not know about what causes dementia, which is why it is so important that people receive a prompt diagnosis and excellent post-diagnostic support."

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "Discussion continues around how much promise B vitamins hold in protecting us from dementia.

"It might be tempting to stock up the cupboard with B vitamin in the light of recent findings; it remains too early to do that at this stage.

"The strongest evidence we have for reducing dementia risk is to eat a healthy balanced diet, take moderate exercise, and keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check, particularly in mid-life."