High Levels of Vitamin E Shown to Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

Evan Watson, NatureCity author & contributor

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for more than 60% of late life cognitive function disorders. According to numerous experts, rates of this debilitating disease are expected to increase dramatically over the next decade.

For this reason, a number of researchers have been conducting studies to find more ways to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s through changing dietary and lifestyle patterns.

One such study was recently published in the April 2010 issue of the journal Alzheimer’s Disease.

For the study, researchers with the Sweden Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics recruited 232 individuals over 80 years of age with no signs of dementia.

The participants were followed for 6 years and during that time were given frequent tests in order to detect dementia and Alzheimer’s. The researchers also measured plasma levels of 8 different forms of vitamin E at the beginning of the trial and at the end of the trial.

By the end of the six year study the researchers observed a significant reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s among participants with the highest levels of vitamin E. Researchers attribute these results to the vitamin’s strong antioxidant properties, which help prevent oxidative damage to brain cells.

Vitamin E can be found in a number of foods, but only in small quantities. For this reason, many people do not get enough vitamin E daily and could benefit from a supplement. The best supplements have vitamin E in the natural form (the synthetic version is about half as effective) and liquid supplements are usually best.

Other than Vitamin E, there are a number of ways to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s including:

• Eating a brain-healthy diet such as foods high in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Keeping your mind active by attending social events or solving puzzles.

• Sleeping regularly and restfully

• Learning to relax

• Doing moderate intensity exercises like walking, biking or yoga 3 times a week