Promising Study Finds Vitamin E Slows Alzheimer’s Disease by 19% Annually
A trial published in JAMA found that individuals with Alzheimer’s who took large doses of vitamin E supplements saw a slow-down in the progression of their disease. Could it be a viable preventative measure for dementia?
Researchers found that those who took vitamin E were able to function independently for longer than those who didn’t take the supplement. Though the trial wasn’t without shortcomings and does raise many questions, it could lay the groundwork for a natural treatment option for the crushing condition.
Some research linked high doses of vitamin E with an increased risk of death. Since then, vitamin E supplementation has been seen as a risky endeavor. This most recent study didn’t find such a link, however.
For the study, the nearly all-male study participants were diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, with all being on medication for their condition. Of the 613 participants, 152 received a daily dose of 2,000 i.u. or more than 1,300 grams of alpha tocopherol, or vitamin E. Other groups received a placebo, the Alzheimer’s drug called memantine, or a combination of vitamin E and memantine.
After a period of 2.3 years, the group who took vitamin E alone had an annual reduction of 19% in the effects of Alzheimer’s on their daily life when compared with the placebo group. They also experienced a lower death rate (7.3%) than the placebo group (9.4%).
Here is another article on how to prevent Alzheimer’s with vitamin E.
As reported by the Daily Mail:
The effect amounted to a ‘clinically meaningful’ delay of 6.2 months in a worsening ability to deal with daily activities such as shopping, preparing meals and traveling.
A loss of this magnitude could translate into either the complete loss of being able to dress or bath independently, for example,” said Dr. Maurice Dysken, lead researcher.
Dr. Eric Karran offered some perspective, however, saying that the results should be replicated in a larger sample group that includes women before people start supplementing with vitamin E to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s.
“Until the findings from this trial have been replicated, we would not encourage people to take high doses of vitamin E supplements,” he said.
Because the amount of vitamin E used in the study was so much more than what is considered safe and because the study was limited in scope, it cannot be called conclusive until more research is done.
An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive disease that can not only lead to confusion, dementia, and loss of memory, but is also the sixth leading cause of death in the USA.
