There is some good news in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. A study has found that high doses of vitamin E can help slow down the progression of the disease.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder which affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is commonly diagnosed in people who are 65 years and older.

The early symptoms of the disease include difficulty remembering things, disorientation, and loss of concentration. As the disease progresses, people may experience personality changes, mood swings, and difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases.

Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is not known, but scientists believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may be responsible.

Alzheimer’s occurs when the brain cells deteriorate and die, leading to a decline in cognitive function. It is believed that two abnormal structures, called amyloid plaques and tau tangles, accumulate in the brain and disrupt the normal functioning of the brain cells, leading to the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are drugs that can help slow down the progression of the disease.

These drugs work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which help to improve memory and cognitive function. However, these drugs do not stop the disease from progressing and cannot reverse the damage that has already been done to the brain.

The Role of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can harm cells, including brain cells.

It is believed that the buildup of free radicals in the brain is one of the factors that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Several studies have looked at the role of vitamin E in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1997, researchers found that high doses of vitamin E, taken for a period of 2 years, can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people with moderate to severe dementia. The study involved 341 people and found that those who took vitamin E had a slower decline in cognitive function compared to those who took a placebo.

New Study on Vitamin E and Alzheimer’s

A new study has provided further evidence of the benefits of vitamin E in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System and the University of Minnesota, involved 613 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily dose of vitamin E, a drug called memantine, a combination of vitamin E and memantine, or a placebo.

The study lasted for a period of 2 years and at the end of the study, the researchers found that the participants who took vitamin E had a slower decline in cognitive function compared to those who took a placebo.

The researchers also found that the participants who took the combination of vitamin E and memantine had an even slower decline in cognitive function.

High Doses of Vitamin E

It is important to note that the doses of vitamin E used in the study were much higher than the recommended daily allowance.

The participants took a daily dose of 2000 IU of vitamin E, which is about 20 times higher than the recommended daily intake of vitamin E. It is also important to note that taking high doses of any supplement can have side effects and should only be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

While the results of the study are promising, more research is needed to confirm the role of vitamin E in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, the study provides hope for those who suffer from this debilitating disease.