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Alzheimer's research in recent years has been finding some new and encouraging information about the supporting roles of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. As we age, we all become less able to absorb vitamins and other nutrients. Supplementation of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D can help to prevent or reduce the future risk of dementia like Alzheimer's Disease.
Vitamin B12, also called Cobalamin, is essential for the maintenance of healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. This means that we need it for our brains and nervous systems to function in top form. And we need it for the health of our cardiovascular systems.
It has been discovered that a deficiency of Vitamin B12 can look very much like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. In cases like these, sufficiently high supplementation of Vitamin B12 can lead to the restoration of significant neurological, cognitive function for an individual who had previously been succumbing to mental confusion, depression, and personality change.
Vitamin B12 can be found in protein foods such as seafood, meat, milk and other dairy products. It can also be taken as a supplement, in tablet, gel or liquid form, or by injection.
Vitamin D is needed for proper brain development and brain function. It aids in the absorption of calcium, and in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It plays a role in a healthy immune system. It enables the nervous system to function efficiently, reducing or preventing the advent of mental confusion, depression and cognitive dysfunction. Vitamin D can help prevent vascular problems, which can play a major part in dementia like Alzheimer's Disease.
A lack of Vitamin D can cause depression and anxiety, and processing difficulties, lack of mental alertness, confusion. Those with very low levels have twice the risk of severe cognitive deterioration.
Food sources are fatty fish, like salmon and tuna. Supplements of Vitamin D are very helpful. And of course, the most familiar source for Vitamin D is exposure to the sun. The sun's UV rays cause Vitamin D to develop in skin cells.
An increase of these vitamins in the diets of those people who may be at risk of Alzheimer's is well-advised. As we get older, we need all the help we can get in the preservation of our physical, mental and emotional well-being. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D offer us a potential protection from the ravages of this disease.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic: Vitamin B12
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12
Vitamin D May Diminish Risk of Alzheimer’s and Depression
http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000776347.cfm?x=b11,0,w
Possible Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency, Alzheimer's Disease And Vascular Dementia
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151458.php
Alzheimer's Disease as related to Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
http://www.goldbamboo.com/relate-tl1059-tr8272.html
Vitamin D Could Help Prevent Cognitive Decline
http://www.healthcentral.com/alzheimers/c/62/57270/vitamin-cognitive
Vitamin B12 Deficiency can Look Identical to Alzheimer's Disease
http://www.naturalnews.com/027456_vitamin_B12_disease_dementia.html
Visit Jody's website and blog at http://www.ncubator.ca and http://ncubator.ca/blogger
Add a Comment1 Comments
Jody
Thanks for a well researched article. Studies has also shown that high homocysteine is implicated in Alzheimers and as well as B12, prevention should include B6 and folate to help lower homocysteine levels.
.......http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/346/7/476.
November 30, 2009 - 4:32amThis Comment