title: Thoughts on B-vitamins and dementia.
abstract: The B-vitamins, including vitamins B12, B6, B1, B2, niacin (B3) and folate (B9), have been implicated as protective risk factors against cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. This commentary reviews the evidence to support protective relations of these vitamins, including consideration of known vitamin deficiency syndromes, theories of underlying biologic mechanisms, and the epidemiologic evidence. We also comment on the potential benefits and harms of vitamin supplementation as well as make recommendations for the direction of future studies.
authors.affiliation: Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Martha.C.morris@rush.edu
authors.forename: Martha Clare
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Christine C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Tangney
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003704:Dementia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D005492:Folic Acid