Vitamin E Reduces
Mental Decline Among Older Persons
A study of more than 6,000 persons ages 65 and older showed that a high
intake of vitamin E from foods and/or dietary supplements was associated
with reduced memory loss and other cognitive decline.
The study, which began in 1993, measured changes in cognitive function of
individuals in an entire residential community of older persons. The
study, conducted over a three-year period, surveyed participants about
their usual diet including their use of vitamin supplements. Participants'
cognitive function was measured through a series of performance exams
including the testing of recollection of details from a lengthy story.
Martha Morris, ScD,
principal author of the study and assistant professor in the department of
internal medicine at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago,
presented details of her findings in Washington at the World Alzheimer's
Congress 2000 on July 11, 2000.
"This study is important because most of the previous research has
focused on antioxidant nutrients as treatment therapy in persons who
already have Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. There is limited study on
whether dietary intake of antioxidant nutrients can protect against the
disease from ever occurring," said Morris.
Los Angeles physician Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of the newly published
book Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind,
Memory, and Mood (St. Martins Press, $14.95, 2000), says, "I
recommend my patients take between 30 and 200 international units of
Vitamin E a day, along with 100 to 250 mg of vitamin C. Although people do
not notice an immediate effect on memory from taking antioxidants, these
vitamins serve as insurance. You pay your monthly fee now, but you earn
the benefits years later."
Ray Sahelian, M.D.
www.raysahelian.com
©
The Internet Health Library 2000
