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B Vitamins and Alzheimer's Disease

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

September 19, 2005

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A B vitamin called folate may help some folks ward off Alzheimer's disease. That's the conclusion of a study published in the July issue of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Researchers looked at the diets of 579 people over the age of 60 in a study on aging. 57 of them were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in a nine-year period.

Folks who got the recommended daily allowance of folate -- 400 micrograms -- cut their risk of Alzheimer's by 55 percent, compared to those who took less. Folks who met their daily requirements for Vitamins E and B6 also cut their risk while Vitamins C, B12 and the carotenoids did not seem to help.

Now, the study did include mostly white men so it may not apply to everyone. Still, as you get older it's a good idea to get a lot of folate from green leafy vegetables, citrus, beans and whole grains as well as supplements.

It's good for you and your heart and may help prevent Alzheimer's.

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