Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia mostly affect older people and involve a deterioration of cognitive capabilities where the brain basically shrinks. As people live longer, the number of people afflicted by the condition is growing. The World Health Organisation predicts that the rate will triple from 36 million worldwide in 2010 to 115 million in 2050.

Promising New Study Brings Good news for Alzheimer’s

A study just released by The Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences in the USA (1) found that Vitamins B12, B6 and Folic Acid could slow brain deterioration in those with Alzheimer’s disease. This is exciting news, as pharmaceutical alternatives have to date, all been ineffective in slowing this disease. An inflammatory molecule called Homocysteine is now suspected of being a major contributor to Alzheimer's and Dementia. There is an important link between high Homocysteine levels and low levels of Vitamins B12, B6 and Folic Acid. These B vitamins help lower Homocysteine levels which is why they are protective against Dementia, so ensuring you have adequate levels is vital. Here are some techniques that will help keep your brain healthy and reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's or Dementia.

• Keeping your mind active – e.g. crosswords, Sudoku, playing scrabble, bridge, a musical instrument
• Socialising
• Keeping fit
• Following at Healthy diet
• Getting Quality sleep
• Supplementation with B Vitamins and Folic acid
• Following an alkaline diet
• Managing Stress levels with relaxation, meditation, yoga etc.
• Get your blood levels of Homocysteine checked.

Homocysteine blood level check

A simple blood test can measure Homocysteine levels. At the Mr Vitamins Clinics, our practitioners can arrange to have your Homocysteine levels tested. This is a very important test as high levels can predispose you to stroke and increased risk of Dementia.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Blackmores Executive B Stress

Which has been specifically formulated based on years of research to provide a high dose of B group vitamins plus passionflower to support the body’s response in times of on-going stress Find out more about Blackmores Executive B Stress here

Ask a Naturopath

Mr Vitamins Naturopaths have a special interest in nutrition, with expertise in diet along with supplements and herbs to help clients maintain a healthy brain function. Learn more about Mr Vitamins Clinic here... 1.  Douaud, G., Refsum, H., De Jager, C., Jacoby, R., Nichols, T., and Smith, S. (2013) Preventing Alzheimer’s disease-related gray matter by B vitamin treatment. The proceedings of National Science USA.