Vitamins that Lower Dementia Risk

Want to lower your dementia risk? Researchers say getting enough vitamins could be the key.

The findings, which were reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine and the Archives of Neurology, say adults with the poorest vitamin E and D intake were more likely to develop symptoms of dementia. Adults who did not were less likely to suffer memory loss or poor cognition as a result of dementia.

But why do these vitamins lower the risk for dementia?

Why Certain Vitamins Reduce Dementia Risk

To understand why vitamins E and D reduce a person's dementia risk, let's look at the studies first.

First, vitamin E: the study, which was reported in the Archives of Neurology, looked at the cognitive effect of vitamin intake in approximately 5,395 people aged 55 or older. Researchers tracked their health and nutrient intake for over 9 years and recorded their findings. After the study's conclusion, researchers discovered people who consumed the most vitamin E--about 18.5 milligrams per day--were 25 percent less likely to develop dementia.

Researchers also looked at the participants' vitamin C, beta-carotene and flavonoid intake, but it did not appear to affect their dementia risk.

Now for vitamin D: As reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers studied the vitamin D blood levels of 858 adults aged 65 or older. The adults with the lowest vitamin D blood levels developed signs of cognitive decline 60 percent more than adults with sufficient levels. 31 percent were also more likely to see declines in their organization, prioritization and planning abilities.

So why would both vitamins reduce your dementia risk? Some researchers credit it to their high antioxidant content, which may prevent free radical damage in the brain. Excessive free radical damage has been linked to an increase in degenerative diseases and cancer.

Reduce Your Dementia Risk Safely

Although scientists stress these are preliminary studies--it's not proof these nutrients can prevent dementia--increasing your vitamin E and D intake may be beneficial for your overall health, especially if you have a deficiency. So what can you do to reduce your risk?

- Don't use supplements. Consume your nutrients from vegetables and fruits instead, which are better utilized by the body.

- Clear any major dietary changes with your doctor. If you have a pre-existing illness, some foods may aggravate your illness. You also run the risk of overdosing on certain nutrients if you're not careful with your intake.

- Consider a healthier lifestyle change. If you're already eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods, you're more likely to consume vitamins that support brain health. It also reduces your risk for other age-related diseases, such as heart disease.

Sources:

Mann, Denise. (2010, July 12). Vitamins D and E May Affect Dementia Risk. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20100712/vitamins-d-and-e-may-affect-dementia-risk.