Did you know that 73% of Alzheimer's cases can be prevented?
According to Patrick Holford BSc, DipION, FBANT, NTCRP, nutrition expert and founder of the Institute for Optimal Nutrition, the secret lies in getting enough Omega-3 and vitamin B12, two essential nutrients for maintaining brain health and preventing shrinkage. 1
His explanation
“Omega-3s are essential for brain function and cognitive abilities. The more Omega-3s you have, the more brain power you gain. Unfortunately, our Omega-3 levels plummet and our brains literally shrink in size! If you don't like fish, you can take supplements.”
“But here’s the key: Omega-3s don’t work without B vitamins, and vice versa! As you age, B12 absorption becomes more difficult, especially if you’re vegan (there’s no B12 in plant-based diets). So you need to supplement!”
A study from Oxford University showed that people with pre-dementia who took B vitamins in addition to Omega-3 experienced 73% less brain shrinkage in just one year! That's the difference between staying alert and losing cognitive abilities. 2 »
Another study points in the same direction, as their conclusion indicates that: when plasma concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids are low, treatment with B vitamins does not slow cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment. In contrast, when omega-3 fatty acid levels are in the upper normal range, the slowing effects of B vitamins on brain atrophy and cognitive decline are enhanced. 3
It is suggested that the effects of this interaction between the two nutrients on brain atrophy and cognition are consistent with the idea that they slow the disease process in mild cognitive impairment.
References:
1. Articles by Patrick Holford: https://www.patrickholford.com/b-vitamins-omega-3-dynamic-duo-against-dementia/ and https://www.patrickholford.com/advice/are-omega-3-plus-b-vitamins-the-dynamic-duo-for-dementia-prevention/
2. Oulhaj A, Jernerén F, Refsum H, Smith AD, de Jager CA. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status Enhances the Prevention of Cognitive Decline by B Vitamins in Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;50(2):547-57. doi:10.3233/JAD-150777. PMID: 26757190; PMCID: PMC4927899. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4927899/
3. Jernerén F, Elshorbagy AK, Oulhaj A, Smith SM, Refsum H, Smith AD. Brain atrophy in cognitively impaired elderly: the importance of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids and B vitamin status in a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jul;102(1):215-21. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.103283. Epub 2015 Apr 15. PMID: 25877495. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523277655?via%3Dihub
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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