Will the vitamin help?

High doses of vitamin B1 can be a therapy for Alzheimer's disease

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

Scientists have already received information that a significant increase in vitamin B1 levels reduces the symptoms characteristic of dementia. Now a simple therapy will be tested in patients at the earliest stage of Alzheimer's disease. If successful, doctors will have a very affordable and inexpensive therapy option to slow the progression of an incurable disease.

A group of researchers from the United States has announced the imminent launch of a clinical trial that will examine the efficacy and safety of high doses of vitamin B1 derivative for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease at the earliest stage. The study will involve 400 patients aged 65 to 89 years, according to the website of the University of California at San Diego (Novel Treatment Approach to Alzheimer's Disease Uses Vitamin B1 Derivative).

Scientists will test the effect of benfotiamine, a synthetic version of vitamin B1 (thiamine). It is known from previous studies that increasing thiamine levels to very high values with the help of supplements protects against the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease — cognitive impairment.

The study involves an 18-month follow-up of participants. During this period, they will perform various cognitive tests and be examined to determine the degree of progression of the condition.

If successful, with significant therapeutic effects, the new strategy can be recommended to people at risk of dementia, as well as to patients at early and progressive stages to control an incurable disease.

Another simple and promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease was previously presented by scientists from University of Texas. In preclinical studies, they have shown that blood transfusion dramatically reduces the symptoms of the disease.

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