Scientists have discovered large doses of a form of vitamin B3 prevent memory loss in mice with Alzheimers, showing promise for humans suffering from the disease.
The study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reported that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, lowered levels of a protein which leads to the development of lesions that are linked to Alzheimers. Although this discovery was found in mice, human testing is under way.
The hope is that this discovery will not only help humans suffering from Alzeheimers, but may improve cognition in people without the disease.
“This suggests that not only is it good for Alzheimers disease, but if normal people take it, some aspects of their memory might improve,” said Frank LaFerla, University of California, Irvine neurobiology and behavior professor.
Nicotinamide is among a class of histone deacetylase inhibitors, nutritional supplements which have already been shown to protect the nervous system in mice with Huntingtons and Parkinsons disease.
Clinical trials for nicotinamide have also shown the vitamins benefits in dealing with diabetes complications and may help with skin conditions like acne.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimers is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., killing over 75,000 people in 2005.