An Unexpected Link Between Vitamins and the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease Has Been Discovered 0 13

A deficiency in several vitamins may be associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease, while correcting the deficiency may slow the decline of cognitive functions. This conclusion was reached by Italian researchers who analyzed data from clinical and experimental studies on the role of vitamins in neurodegeneration. The results were published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

The authors of the review note that in Alzheimer's disease, reduced levels of both fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble vitamins — primarily those from group B and vitamin C — are often found. The most convincing data have been obtained for vitamins B6, B9, and B12, which are involved in the metabolism of homocysteine. Elevated levels of this substance are associated with accelerated brain atrophy and cognitive decline. In several studies, a two-year intake of a combination of these vitamins slowed the reduction of brain volume in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Promising results have also been shown for vitamin D — especially in the early stages of the disease — and for antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. They may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are considered important links in the pathogenesis of the disease. The authors emphasize that the effect was more often observed with the combined intake of vitamins rather than with the use of a single substance.

Researchers note that Alzheimer's disease has many risk factors, so eliminating isolated deficiencies is unlikely to be a universal solution. Nevertheless, the data from the review confirm that nutrition and micronutrients may play an important role in the strategy for preventing and slowing neurodegeneration.