Study suggests potential benefits of vitamin E for people with Alzheimer’s

Posted under Blog on January 3rd, 2014 by Editorial Team / No Comments

Vitamin E may help people with dementia carry out everyday tasks for longer, according to a new study.

The study, published in the journal JAMA, found that in patients with mild to moderate forms of the disorder, a daily dose of 2,000 UIs of vitamin E slowed the functional decline of Alzheimer’s.

The study was carried out by researchers from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System who split a group of 613 Alzheimer’s patients at 14 Veterans Affairs medical centers into four groups. The participants received either a daily dose of vitamin E, a dementia drug treatment called memantine, a vitamin E-memantine combination or a placebo. 

Over the follow-up time of 2.3 years, the researchers found that those who received vitamin E showed a slower decline in their ability to perform daily activities such as planning, shopping and cooking, than those who received the placebo. They also needed less help from caregivers per day, the researchers said.

While the findings are promising, the study did not show any benefit in reducing cognitive decline or memory loss.  

Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research and Development, Alzheimer’s Society, said: “While this study into the link between vitamin E intake and reduction in functional decline is of interest, it is by no means conclusive. More research is needed to see if vitamin E really does have benefits for people with dementia, and whether it would be safe to be taking such a high dose on a daily basis”. 

Tags: Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's society, JAMA, Veterans Affairs medical centers, Vitamin E

 

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