A new study released by Oxford University in September, 2010 found that approximately one out of every six persons over the age of seventy suffer from some form of “mild cognitive impairment”. Unfortunately, fifty percent of those persons will also develop Alzheimer’s disease (named after the German scientist Alois Alzheimer who first described it in 1906). This form of dementia is a brain disorder that causes destruction of brain cells, progressive memory loss and other behavioral disorders and eventually leads to death. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this disease?
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the new Oxford study suggests that there is a treatment that can slow the disease or possibly prevent it altogether. The study found that a vitamin B complex containing extremely high doses of vitamins B6, 9 and 12 taken regularly can slow the process of brain shrinkage by five hundred percent.
However, the study apparently did not measure the participants’ cognitive functions but rather looked at the effect on brain atrophy. Still, the University of California called the study “significant.” Researchers do agree that this is a glimmer of hope, but further study is needed. In an earlier study done by the Journal of the American Medical Association, the same type of vitamin combination was tested and the researchers found that cognitive decline was not slowed. Nevertheless, one of the participants in the new Oxford study, Mr. John Hough, took a vitamin B tablet with his breakfast for two years. He was impressed with the results and said: “It seemed to arrest my memory decline. I stopped taking it after the end of the trial and after a few months I noticed that my memory was getting worse.”
In the past doctors have recommended a variety of healthy lifestyle habits to prevent or slow the onset of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. These include: exercise, mental stimulation, lowering blood pressure or cholesterol, eating well, staying socially active etc. Nevertheless, the data is not conclusive enough to say with any certainty that these items will prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Now, even though there is no guarantee of results, based upon the Oxford study, elderly persons and those who care for them should pay attention to good levels of B vitamins.
If you or someone you know think they are beginning to experience dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. See your doctor or a geriatric care specialist. Also important is to make sure that proper powers of attorney and other necessary legal documents are drafted and executed for the person at risk. At Heritage Elder Law we provide a comprehensive elder care analysis, including a referral to a geriatric specialist, free of charge. Working together we can provide the legal and medical assistance so needed by the increasing part of our population that is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease.
