April 8, 2003 – Vitamins may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but DHEA has no impact, new studies say.
First, researchers at Georgetown University in the United States discovered1 that high doses of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 may lower homocysteine levels in the blood. Previous research had linked homocysteine to Alzheimer’s disease2.
The researchers will now try to confirm their data from 400 patients, who will be randomly given vitamins or a placebo. The evolution of their condition will be monitored for 18 months.
Moreover, the hormone DHEA would be of no use in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, despite the anti-aging properties which are sometimes attributed to it.
The reasoning and memorization skills of 58 people were tested before the start of the study. Then, half of the subjects received either a daily dose of 100 mg of DHEA or a placebo. After six months, the researchers did not detect any particular benefit for people taking DHEA. Thirty-three people were still participating in the study at this time.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to drkoop.com, March 26, 2003; WebMD Health and HealthScout News, April 8, 2003.
1. Aisen PS, Egelko S, Andrews H, Diaz-Arrastia R, Weiner M, DeCarli C, Jagust W, Miller JW, Green R, Bell K, Sano M. A pilot study of vitamins to lower plasma homocysteine levels in Alzheimer disease.Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2003 Mar-Apr; 11 (2): 246-9. [Consulté le 8 avril 2003].
2. Seshadri S, Beiser A, Selhub J, Jacques PF, Rosenberg IH, D’Agostino RB, Wilson PW, Wolf PA. Plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.N Engl J Med 2002 Feb 14; 346 (7): 476-83. [Consulté le 8 avril 2003].
