Vitamin B supplement does not slow Alzheimer's disease

Reserachers thought that vitamin B may slow Alzheimer's disease because it can lower the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to brain cell damage. A new research published in JAMA has demonstrated that vitamin B supplements made very little difference to the decline of mental functions, contrary to what previous studies have suggested

340 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease were randomised to receive either a combination of vitamin B supplements or a placebo for 18 months. Researchers found no significant difference in reduction of cognitive ability between the groups and concluded that this is not a useful treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Source: Aisen PS, Schneider LS, Sano M et al. High-Dose B Vitamin Supplementation and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA 2008; 300(15): 1774-1783 ( f/t via Athens)

Regular use of painkillers could cut Alzheimer's risk

A few newspapers reported a study that has found regular use of ibuprofen, aspirin and other painkillers known as NSAIDs reduces the risk of developing the Alzheimer's disease. Doctors warn that people should not take over-the-counter pain remedies to ward off dementia as there are side effects. The finding is based on a review of six studies involved almost 14,000 people.

Researchers concluded that NSAID use reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. However, they did not find that a sub-group of NSAIDs, known as the SALAs, more effective than other non-SALAs in preventing the disease. This suggests that all conventional NSAIDs have a similar protective effect in humans.

Critics say this was a review of selected studies and that the risk from bleeding need to be considered against any benefits.

Source: "No advantage of A 42-lowering NSAIDs for prevention of Alzheimer dementia in six pooled cohort studies." Neurology 2008; May 28 [Epub ahead of print]

Obesity increases dementia risk

Multiple news sources reported a systematic review of 10 published studies in 5 different countries that found obesity increases the risk of dementia in general by 42% and Alzheimer's by 80%. Researchers also found that people who are underweight have an elevated risk of dementia and its subtype. The study also included a meta-analysis of 7 stuides with at least 5 years followed up.

The senior author said that preventing obesity at a younger age could reduce the number of dementia patients in the US.

Source: "Obesity and central obesity as risk factors for incident dementia and its subtypes: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Obesity Reviews 9(3):204-218, May 2008

Deep-brain stimulation could improve memory

While a team of Canadian doctors was using the technique of deep-brain stimulation to suppress an obese man's appetite, the man suddenly recalled in details a scene decades earlier instead of losing his appetite. Further tests showed his ability to learn was dramatically improved.

The lead author said the discovery was totally unexpected and the team is now applying the technique to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease in a trial. The findings, reported in the Annals of Neurology, might provide benefit to patients with memory disorders.

Healthy diet may cut dementia risk

A study that looked at the diets of more than 8,000 healthy men and women aged over 65 over 4 year period, found that diets rich in fish, omega-3 oils and eating fruit and vegetables daily may decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease. The study, published in the Journal of Neurology.


Source : "Dietary patterns and risk of dementia -The Three-City cohort study" Neurology 2007;69:1921-1930 (Abstract only)

Long-term Beta Carotene Supplement use may preserve memory

According to a new study that looked at the effects of beta-carotene supplements on the cognitive abilities in nearly 6000 men over an average of 18 years, long term use of beta-carotene supplements may preserve memory and other thinking skills.


However, it was stressed in an accompanying editorial, that other studies into beta-carotene supplements had shown contrasting results. One study has suggested potential harm from taking beta-carotene in pill form.


Source : "A Randomized Trial of Beta Carotene Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men: The Physicians' Health Study II" Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(20):2184-2190.