THE ALZHEIMER Society of Ireland has warned against any attempt to “self-medicate” against the onset of dementia. Its warning comes after research showed that high doses of vitamin B helps to slow changes in the brain seen in dementia.
People should seek medical advice before taking any form of medication, chief executive of the society Maurice O’Connell said yesterday.
“Please do not attempt to self-medicate, particularly as there are a number of negative side effects associated with overdosing on B vitamins,” he said.
The research from Britain and Norway showed that taking B vitamins could help slow changes in the brain associated with the onset of dementia. The research was published online on PLoS ONE science website.
The brain shrinks slowly with age but does so faster if the person suffers from a decline in brain function. In a trial 168 volunteers over the age of 70 were given high doses of three B vitamins for two years. The results showed that the rate of brain atrophy was reduced by up to 50 per cent in those taking the vitamins.
Participants were given cognitive tests and those with a greater rate of atrophy had lower test scores, the researchers said.
The Alzheimer society helpline is 1800-341341; 10am-4pm on weekdays