People with low levels of vitamin B12 may be at greater risk of developing Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. The finding supports previous research showing large doses of B vitamins might halve the rate of brain shrinkage.
and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, followed 271 healthy people aged 65 to 79 for seven years. The researchers measured the blood concentration of the amino acid homocysteine, high levels of which have been linked to negative effects on the brain, such as stroke. They also measured levels of active vitamin B12, which can decrease homocysteine levels.
By the end of the study, 17 people had developed Alzheimer鈥檚. A level of homocysteine moderately above average corresponded
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to a 16聽per cent higher risk of developing Alzheimer鈥檚, while a level of active B12 slightly above average meant a 2聽per cent lower risk.
鈥淭his is a very convincing study,鈥� says of the University of Oxford, who has investigated the effect of B-vitamin supplements on brain shrinkage. He says it is the first to show that low levels of active vitamin B12 are a risk factor for developing dementia several years later.
Although B12 deficiency is common among elderly
people, more evidence is needed before recommending B12 supplements to stave off dementia, says Hooshmand.
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