New findings in the field of neurology suggest that increased supplementation of B-Complex vitamins by injection may slow the symptoms of dementia in older patients.
The findings are the result of a two-year clinical trial conducted in England which suggests the high dosage administration of Vitamin B Complex slows the shrinkage of the brain therefore stalling the symptoms of dementia that routinely manifest during early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
For weight loss surgery patients who may already be deficient in B-Vitamins there is now one more reason to take those Vitamin B shots and supplements prescribed by bariatric nutritionists: Vitamin B may very well delay the onset of dementia and ultimately Alzheimer’s Disease according to recent reports.
It is believed the B-Complex Vitamins react with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine which is linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Gustavo C. Román, medical director of the Alzheimer & Dementia Center at the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, said he has seen the impact of these B vitamins in his patients and found that injections of B-complex vitamins are more effective than oral supplements.
He added, “I’m not saying that everyone who takes B vitamins will prevent dementia, but in the right dosage and for the appropriate patients, the vitamin B-12 treatment could be a step toward modifying disease progression.”
Medical experts predict that in the next decade Americans are facing a health care crisis as 78 million baby boomers reach the age of Alzheimer’s onset.
To date there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease in spite of hundreds of clinical trials and millions of dollars spent on research.
Alzheimer’s Disease takes a toll on the victim, 60% of whom are women, and on the caregiver, most often family members. It is estimated that over a lifetime Alzheimer’s care per patient is about $58,000 and rising.
Patients recovering from morbid obesity with weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass or adjustable gastric banding are advised to compliment their diet with a vitamin B complex supplement taken daily by sublingual tablet or monthly by injection.
The supplementation is to correct for inadequate absorption following gastric surgery and annual blood tests will indicate if a patient suffers from vitamin B deficiencies.
Patients should always follow the supplementation protocol prescribed by their bariatric surgeon, nutritionist and general practitioner.
The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins essential for cell metabolism. In nature they are found in whole, unprocessed foods. A B-Complex supplement will contain: B1, Thiamine; B2, Riboflavin; B3, Niacin; B5, Pantothenic Acid; B6, Pyridoxine; B7, Biotin; B9, Folic Acid; B12, Various Cobalamins.
Without adequate B vitamins the body lacks energy, for it is the coenzyme process of B vitamins that releases energy from the nutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrate.
