Positive Correlation of B Vitamins on Memory
A recent study by Oxford University has concluded that taking vitamin B supplements can reduce the effect of memory problems in elderly people. Vitamin B comes in two forms, B6 and B12. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, dairy, and fish products, but deficiency tends to only become a problem with the elderly. It is necessary for proper neural cell function. Vitamin B6 is found in a variety of foods including grains, eggs, meat, and legumes, and a mild deficiency of it is common in Americans. It is necessary for the manufacture of seratonin and norepinephrine. Folic acid is also a B vitamin, and is commonly found in dark green vegetables and cereal and grain products. Deficiencies cause several problems in pregnant woman and the elderly, and it is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and new cells.
The Oxford study involved patients older than 70 that had mild cognitive difficulties. The researchers were interested in whether or not increased vitamin B intake slowed the shrinking of the human brain, known as atrophy. This is a common occurrence in people with Alzheimer's, a disease in which memory function decreases. The study lasted for two years, and through the use of MRI scans, the researchers found that not only did brain atrophy decrease, but overall cognitive ability seemed to decrease less as compared to those who took a placebo.
However, this test only implies a correlation, and clinical tests have not yet been run. These results are promising, in that they imply a prevention of memory loss is possible, as is a cure for cognitive impairments with the elderly. Clearly, more research needs to be done, but the future looks bright for a solution to helping people with their memory as they age.
This Interests Me Because: My father's mother suffered from senile dementia, and it was extremely depressing to watch. Although it was detected later on in life, there had been signs for many years before then that had gone unnoticed due to a lack in knowledge of the disease. It took a large toll on the family, and must have been a terrible thing to endure. Furthermore, I try to eat as healthy as possible at all times, and my late grandmother's condition just gives me another reason to do so. As a biomedical engineer, I am fascinated with all aspects of nutrition, physiology, and biomedical instrumentation, and maybe one day I can learn how to fuse the three.
Sources: The Study: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100912213050.htm
Vitamin B12: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12
Vitamin B6: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-b6/NS_patient-b6
Folic Acid: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-FOLIC%20ACID.aspx?activeIngredientId=1017&activeIngredientName=FOLIC%20ACID
The Oxford study involved patients older than 70 that had mild cognitive difficulties. The researchers were interested in whether or not increased vitamin B intake slowed the shrinking of the human brain, known as atrophy. This is a common occurrence in people with Alzheimer's, a disease in which memory function decreases. The study lasted for two years, and through the use of MRI scans, the researchers found that not only did brain atrophy decrease, but overall cognitive ability seemed to decrease less as compared to those who took a placebo.
However, this test only implies a correlation, and clinical tests have not yet been run. These results are promising, in that they imply a prevention of memory loss is possible, as is a cure for cognitive impairments with the elderly. Clearly, more research needs to be done, but the future looks bright for a solution to helping people with their memory as they age.
This Interests Me Because: My father's mother suffered from senile dementia, and it was extremely depressing to watch. Although it was detected later on in life, there had been signs for many years before then that had gone unnoticed due to a lack in knowledge of the disease. It took a large toll on the family, and must have been a terrible thing to endure. Furthermore, I try to eat as healthy as possible at all times, and my late grandmother's condition just gives me another reason to do so. As a biomedical engineer, I am fascinated with all aspects of nutrition, physiology, and biomedical instrumentation, and maybe one day I can learn how to fuse the three.
Sources: The Study: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100912213050.htm
Vitamin B12: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12
Vitamin B6: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-b6/NS_patient-b6
Folic Acid: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-FOLIC%20ACID.aspx?activeIngredientId=1017&activeIngredientName=FOLIC%20ACID
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