Dementia is now the most feared health condition in the UK - it seems Vitamin B may have some effect on the rate of cognitive decline as we get older.

1. Can
Vitamin B
Help Reduce Cognitive Decline?
Dementia is now the most feared health condition in the UK –
whether it’s the experience of seeing a loved one suffer or the
idea of losing your sense of self, there’s something many of us
find especially unpleasant about dementia. But research has
suggested that paying attention to our diet can help us to avoid
the disease – it seems that B vitamins may have some effect on
the rate of cognitive decline as we get older.
The Research
of those given high levels of B
vitamins had a cognitive decline
less than the control group.
25%
in the group given B vitamins.
22.5%
Homocysteine, a natural amino acid
associated with increased risk of
Alzheimer’s, was found to have fallen by
In recent research from Oxford and Oslo Universities, 168
over-70s were split into 2 equal groups, over 2 years.
Group 1
Were given a combination
pill containing folic acid,
vitamin B12 & vitamin B6.
Group 2
Were given a placebo.
8%
But in the control
group, it rose by
We know that B vitamins help to control homocysteine.
Other research has found that B vitamins reduce brain
shrinkage, another risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 is also
associated with cognitive decline, separate
from the risk of Alzheimer’s.
So taking more B12 can reduce that cognitive decline –
but only if you’re already deficient in B12.
What You Can Do
The study did not prove that taking lots of B-vitamins from an
early age will reduce your risk of cognitive decline.
But if you do already have cognitive decline
associated with homocysteine, upping your intake of
B vitamins can slow the decline.
B vitamins can be found in most beans and green
vegetables, asparagus, and lentils. B12 in particular
is found in meat, fish, cheese, eggs and some
fortified cereals.
B12 works particularly well in conjunction with omega-3, so
you may want to consider combining your supplements.
But remember that there are many other aspects of your
lifestyle which can affect your risk of dementia, including
alcohol consumption, smoking and exercise.
https://www.wellmanclinic.org/2016/10/18/can-vitamin-b-help-reduce-cognitive-decline/
https://www.wellmanclinic.org/2016/11/11/vitamin-brain-12-how-vitamin-deficiency-affects-dementia/
The Wellman Clinic can provide bubble packs containing the
recommended dosages of Folic Acid, Pyridoxine and Vitamin B12.