Cognitive decline: A vitamin B perspective

Abstract

Cognitive decline is one of the major causes of disability in older people. A high level of homocysteine, a byproduct of vitamin B, has been linked to brain atrophy, a precursor to cognitive decline leading to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, a low level of vitamin B is often noted in patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease and its supplementation has been shown to improve memory and slow the progress of brain atrophy. This information may aid in the use of vitamin B as a preventative measure of severe cognitive decline, and thus reduce the onset of conditions such as, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin

“…Deficiencies in these vitamins are associated with increased Hcy levels, which are assumed to have neurotoxic effects. By promoting oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, increased Hcy may be a risk factor for dementia, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease . In addition, dietary supplementation with B Vitamins may have beneficial effects in other neurological conditions such as anxiety, stress‐related disorders, and multiple sclerosis …”

“…In particular, vitamin B1, B6, and B12 are essential for maintaining the health of the nervous system . Interaction between pyridoxine and cobalamin in the methionine cycle, as well as their participation in the citric acid cycle with other B vitamins, including thiamine, suggests that these three vitamins are linked from a biochemical point of view . Indeed, a significant association between cognitive impairment and methionine‐homocysteine cycle dysfunction indicated by low levels of vitamins B6 and B12 has been found .…”

“…Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of the population suffers from deficiencies and insufficiencies of one or more of these neurotropic B vitamins. The importance of B vitamins in the context of nerve function is highlighted by the numerous neurological diseases, such as Wernicke's encephalopathy, depression, beriberi, seizures, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, or peripheral neuropathy (PN), that are related to a deficiency in one or more of these neurotropic B vitamins . However, the significance of these vitamins is also emphasized by the fact that they can improve certain neurological conditions even if no (definite) deficiency can be proven .…”

Is there a Link between Vitamin B and Multiple Sclerosis?

“…Vitamin B is required for proper functioning of the methionine and folate cycles, methylation cycle, monoamine oxidase production, DNA synthesis, repair and maintenance of lipids including myelin [6][7][8][9]. The methylation cycle is responsible for detoxification, immune function, mood and controlling inflammation.…”

“…The methylation cycle is responsible for detoxification, immune function, mood and controlling inflammation. A defect in methylation function contributes to numerous chronic conditions, including, neurological conditions [7][8][9]. Monoamine oxidase plays a vital role in the inactivation of neurotransmitters and a dysfunction in monoamine oxidase is thought to be responsible for a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, depression and MS [7,[10][11][12].…”