Dementia

Nutrition

Vitamin D deficiency linked to high risk of dementia

A Neurology study of 340 people aged 65 to 99 found those with insufficient vitamin D were twice as likely to have dementia, Alzheimer's or stroke. After adjustment, insufficiency was tied to 130 percent higher all-cause dementia risk and 100 percent higher stroke risk.

Supplements

Ginkgo biloba helps people with dementia

A six-year trial of 3,069 adults aged 72 to 96 found 120 mg of ginkgo biloba extract twice daily did nothing for global cognition, memory, language, attention or executive function. Whether the dose was optimal, or the findings apply to other ages, remains unknown.

Jan 1, 2010

Food

Fish and omega-3 don't reduce dementia risk

Researchers followed 5,395 Dutch adults aged 55 and over for 9.6 years, during which 465 developed dementia. Those eating the most fish or fatty fish had a risk similar to those eating none, and omega-3 intake showed no link to dementia either.

Aug 15, 2009

Disease

Rapid weight loss may be predictor of dementia

A Neurology study tracked 1,836 Japanese-Americans averaging 72 years old for eight years; 129 developed dementia, and those with lower BMI at the outset were 79% more likely to become ill. An earlier study had found the pre-dementia weight loss only in women.

May 21, 2009

Nutrition

Alcohol Responsible for 1 in Every 4 Cases of Dementia

Writing in Alcohol and Alcoholism, Jane Marshall and Irene Guerrini estimate one in four dementia cases may be attributable to alcohol abuse, with women especially at risk. Other researchers cited hold that moderate drinking is linked to lower Alzheimer's and vascular dementia risk.

May 11, 2009

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