This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/7595423.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Vitamin 'may prevent memory loss' | |
(1 day later) | |
A vitamin found in meat, fish and milk may help stave off memory loss in old age, a study has suggested. | A vitamin found in meat, fish and milk may help stave off memory loss in old age, a study has suggested. |
Older people with lower than average vitamin B12 levels were more than six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage, researchers concluded. | Older people with lower than average vitamin B12 levels were more than six times more likely to experience brain shrinkage, researchers concluded. |
The University of Oxford study, published in the journal Neurology, tested the 107 apparently healthy volunteers over a five-year period. | The University of Oxford study, published in the journal Neurology, tested the 107 apparently healthy volunteers over a five-year period. |
Some studies suggest two out of five people are deficient in the vitamin. | Some studies suggest two out of five people are deficient in the vitamin. |
The rate of shrinkage of the brain as we age may be partly influenced by what we eat Professor David SmithOxford University | The rate of shrinkage of the brain as we age may be partly influenced by what we eat Professor David SmithOxford University |
The problem is even more common among the elderly, and recent moves to supplement bread with folic acid caused concern that this could mask B12 deficiency symptoms in older people. | The problem is even more common among the elderly, and recent moves to supplement bread with folic acid caused concern that this could mask B12 deficiency symptoms in older people. |
The Oxford study looked at a group of people between 61 and 87, splitting it into thirds depending on the participants' vitamin B12 levels. | The Oxford study looked at a group of people between 61 and 87, splitting it into thirds depending on the participants' vitamin B12 levels. |
Even the third with the lowest levels were still above a threshold used by some scientists to define vitamin B12 deficiency. | Even the third with the lowest levels were still above a threshold used by some scientists to define vitamin B12 deficiency. |
However, they were still much more likely to show signs of brain shrinkage over the five-year period. | However, they were still much more likely to show signs of brain shrinkage over the five-year period. |
Liver and shellfish | Liver and shellfish |
Professor David Smith, who directs the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, said he now planned a trial of B vitamins in the elderly to see if taking them could slow brain shrinkage. | Professor David Smith, who directs the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, said he now planned a trial of B vitamins in the elderly to see if taking them could slow brain shrinkage. |
He said: "This study adds another dimension to our understanding of the effects of B vitamins on the brain - the rate of shrinkage of the brain as we age may be partly influenced by what we eat." | He said: "This study adds another dimension to our understanding of the effects of B vitamins on the brain - the rate of shrinkage of the brain as we age may be partly influenced by what we eat." |
Shrinkage has been strongly linked with a higher risk of developing dementia at a later stage and Rebecca Wood, the chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said further research was needed. | Shrinkage has been strongly linked with a higher risk of developing dementia at a later stage and Rebecca Wood, the chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said further research was needed. |
"This study suggests that consuming more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified cereals or milk as part of a balanced diet might help protect the brain. Liver and shellfish are particularly rich sources of B12. | "This study suggests that consuming more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified cereals or milk as part of a balanced diet might help protect the brain. Liver and shellfish are particularly rich sources of B12. |
"Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem among elderly people in the UK and has been linked to declining memory and dementia." | "Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common problem among elderly people in the UK and has been linked to declining memory and dementia." |
Dr Susanne Sorensen, from the Alzheimer's Society said: "Shrinkage is usually associated with the development of dementia. | Dr Susanne Sorensen, from the Alzheimer's Society said: "Shrinkage is usually associated with the development of dementia. |
"As vitamin B may be given as a food supplement, it may be useful to include tests of vitamin B levels in the general assessment of health of older individuals. | "As vitamin B may be given as a food supplement, it may be useful to include tests of vitamin B levels in the general assessment of health of older individuals. |
"This is another example of why it is crucial for people to lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and antioxidants. | "This is another example of why it is crucial for people to lead a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in B vitamins and antioxidants. |
"The best way to reduce your risk of developing dementia is to keep active, eat a balanced diet, don't smoke and visit your GP to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked." | "The best way to reduce your risk of developing dementia is to keep active, eat a balanced diet, don't smoke and visit your GP to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked." |
Previous version
1
Next version