Can Vitamins Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?
By Steven Bratman, M.D.

Most people over the age of 40 experience some ordinary age-related memory loss. However, Alzheimer's disease is much more serious than ordinary forgetfulness. It leads to severe mental deterioration (dementia) in the elderly. It has been estimated that 30 to 50% of people over 85 years old suffer from this disease

We do not know exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease. However, a recent observational study suggests that higher intake of vitamin B12 and folate might reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.1 This study followed 370 individuals over the age of 75. Researchers measured blood levels of vitamin B12 and folate at the beginning of this 3-year study. A total of 60 study participants developed Alzheimer's disease over the study period.

The results showed that participants deficient in either nutrient had twice the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

A study of this type can't prove that vitamin B12 or folate supplements will help prevent Alzheimer's disease.It's possible, for example, that foods supplying B12 and folate also have other ingredients that help prevent Alzheimer's disease. However, since these are essential nutrients for overall health, and deficiency is relatively common, taking B12 and folate supplements may be a good idea on general principles.

For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin B12 and folate articles.

1. Wang HX, Wahlin A, Basun H, et al. Vitamin B12 and folate in relation to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Neurology. 2001;56:1188-1194.