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There are other ways to maintain your cognitive functioning than just doing daily crossword puzzles. In fact, the foods you eat may play a role in how your mind ages in ways that scientists are just beginning to understand. Now, new research suggests that for some, a diet rich in vitamin B12 can play a key role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
For the study, the researchers looked at how small worms called C. elegans responded to beta-amyloid, a protein associated with the neurological disorder. Typically, when these worms have Alzheimer’s disease, they become paralyzed. The researchers found that for worms that were deficient in vitamin B12, the diet them the vitamin changed the way they reacted to the dangerous protein. When they were fed the vitamin, it took much longer for the paralysis to set in.
RELATED: Surprising Effects of Taking Vitamin B Supplements, According to Science
The study indicates that vitamin B12 could play an important role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Certainly, its conclusions should be taken with a grain of salt.
“I am concerned that people think that eating a diet rich in vitamin B12 will delay cognitive decline in all individuals,” said lead author of the study, Jessica Tanis, PhD. Eat this, not that! in an interview. “Subclinical B12 deficiency affects 10-15% of people over the age of 60 and these are the people who could potentially benefit from increased dietary B12 intake.”
To that end, Malaz A. Boustani, MD, geriatrician, neuroscientist and Richard M. Fairbanks research professor in aging at Indiana University School of Medicine, suggests that, if you experience memory symptoms, you should ask your doctor. doctor “a complete workup” or a complete medical examination. This includes a B12 deficiency test.
While you wait for your test results to come back, you can start making other dietary changes to fight Alzheimer’s disease now. For starters, try reducing your intake of added sugars.
“There is a growing body of high-quality research demonstrating how fundamental food choices are in shaping the fate of the brain, even when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease.” says David Perlmutter, MD, FACN, certified neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author.
“Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars threaten the metabolism, especially with regard to the development of elevated blood sugar. [levels]. This poses a potent threat to brain health and has been directly associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. “
Bottom Line: More research is needed to determine if vitamin B12 might help delay the onset of the neurological disorder. However, if you are suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency, increasing your intake of foods rich in the vitamin could improve your overall health. Perhaps your best bet for preventing Alzheimer’s disease right now is a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods, including fruits and vegetables, and low in processed foods and sugar.
To learn more, be sure to check out The # 1 Diet To Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease, New Study Finds. So, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.
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