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Research: ZANDI and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 113
Abstract
ZANDI and colleagues, Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Hampton House Room 857, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA, pzandi@jhsph.edu, have found that the use of antioxidant vitamin supplements reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Background
Antioxidants may protect the ageing brain against the pathological changes associated with Alzheimer's. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of antioxidant vitamin supplements and the risk of Alzheimer's.
Methodology
In this cross-sectional and prospective study of dementia, elderly people were assessed in 1995 to 1997 for prevalent dementia and Alzheimer's, and again in 1998 to 2000 for incident illness. Supplement use was ascertained at the first contact. Among 4740 respondents (93%) with data sufficient to determine cognitive status at the initial assessment, 200 prevalent cases of Alzheimer's were identified. Among 3227 survivors at risk, 104 incident Alzheimer's cases were identified at follow-up. Diagnosis of AD by means of multistage assessment procedures was the main outcome measure.
Results
The use of combined vitamin E and vitamin C supplements was associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's (odds ratio 0.22). No evidence was seen for a protection from the consumption of either vitamin alone, or the use of vitamin B.
Conclusion
The use of supplements containing a combination of vitamin C and E is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
References
Zandi PP, Anthony JC, Khatchaturian AS, Stone SV, Gustafson D, Tschanz JT, Norton MC, Welsh-Bphmer KA, Breitner JC, Cache County Study Group. Reduced risk of Alzheimer disease in users of antioxidant vitamin supplements: the Cache County Study. Archives of Neurology 61 (1): 82-8, Jan 2004.
Comment
For all of us who are getting older, take heed and use combined vitamin E and C supplements to lower our risk of developing Alzheimer's. Surely a fairly safe and low-cost insurance policy.
