Keeping the brain healthy and active is at the top of everyone’s list since it’s one of the most important organs contained in the human body. Its importance is one reason enigmatic diseases like Alzheimer’s cause such problems for the medical community and those who suffer from it. The fact of the matter is we’re still learning about the disease as we go.
What is Alzheimer’s?
You’ve almost certainly heard of this disease even if you haven’t met anyone who was directly affected by it in your life. What you may not know, however, is what exactly it is and how it affects your brain.
Alzheimer’s is, simply put, a common form of dementia which affects many people, particularly people over the age of 65. As of now, unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease, so researchers have been working tirelessly to learn as much about it as possible. For instance, through research it has been discovered that Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and five million people are currently living with the disease.
Throughout the course of this research, scientists have begun to study the effects of homocysteine, an amino acid, on Alzheimer’s. High levels of this non-protein amino acid correlate to higher risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and dementia. However, there is a way to regulate homocysteine. A link has been established which suggests that B vitamins can help recycle homocysteine into more essential amino acids, thus negating the higher risk of dangerous affects like Alzheimer’s.
The Effects of B Vitamins
Since it is not uncommon for the elderly to have low levels of B vitamins in their system, they often have higher levels of homocysteine, which can lead to dementia. In order to observe the effects of B vitamins on the elderly, scientists gathered a sample from over 250 random elderly men and women over the age of 70 who had been diagnosed beforehand with elevated levels of homocysteine and mild cognitive impairment.
Once the sample had been collected, researchers administered Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 injections in order to help transform homocysteine into beneficial amino acids. Over the course of a two year study, results showed that brain shrinkage had slowed, and brain atrophy in the sectors naturally vulnerable to Alzheimer’s was reduced significantly.
How Vitamin B12 Can Help
Since studies have concluded that B vitamins can help reduce the levels of homocysteine in the body and therefore help slow the effect of Alzheimer’s, it’s important to keep the levels of B vitamins balanced in your body. It’s never too early to stave off the effects of dementia, so even if you’re not 65 it’s a good idea to start preparing in advance so that you can keep your brain healthy for longer.
One easy way to increase the levels of B vitamins in your body is to receive B12 vitamin injections. These injections are filled with a solution containing B12 which offers so many benefits to your body. Aside from slowing the effects of Alzheimer’s, B12 injections also help regulate your metabolism and stimulate neuron growth and development.
Since it’s such an important vitamin for your brain, don’t you think it’s about time to be proactive? Because in the long run, maintaining proper, balanced levels of B12 in your body can lead to a healthier you– both physically and mentally.