Hello everyone;

I found this piece on the web and thought that some of you may be interested in reading it.

Vitamin B12 and Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotic combats Alzheimer's disease
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS. Two years ago researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital reported that the antibiotic clioquinol inhibited and even reduced the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain of mice engineered to developed Alzheimer-like deposits. Now researchers at the Harvard Medical School and the University of Melbourne are about to release the results of a phase II trial involving the use of clioquinol in human Alzheimer's patients. So far the findings are extremely promising. Clioquinol treatment slowed down the disease and significantly reduced the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques, a cardinal feature of Alzheimer's.
Dr. Ashley Bush of the Harvard Medical School believes that Alzheimer's disease begins when iron, copper and zinc accumulates in the brain and turns beta-amyloid into a rogue enzyme that catalyses the production of hydrogen peroxide which then attacks and destroys brain cells. In the process beta-amyloid forms into the long chain of insoluble plaque so characteristic of Alzheimer's. Dr. Bush believes that clioquinol works by removing (chelating?) the metals from the brain. This, in turn, stops the formation of hydrogen peroxide and thus the destruction of brain cells and also prevents the beta-amyloid particles from clumping together. There is some concern that clioquinol depletes vitamin-B12 in the body so vitamin B12 supplementation is a must when taking clioquinol.
Helmuth, Laura. An antibiotic to treat Alzheimer's? Science, Vol. 290, November 17, 2000, pp. 1273- 74
Westphal, Sylvia Pagan. You must remember this… New Scientist, August 3, 2002, p. 14

Vitamin B12 deficiency and Alzheimer's disease
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with the development of megaloblastic anemia, mental dysfunction, and dementia resembling Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin-B12 (cobalamin) is a very important cofactor in several biochemical reactions including the conversion of homocysteine to methionine and the synthesis of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). These reactions are believed to be crucial in maintaining neurological health.
Researchers at the University of Milan now report that a vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with higher levels of the inflammatory cytokine, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and reduced levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF). It is believed that high levels of TNF-alpha speed up the progression of Alzheimer's disease thus explaining the association between low vitamin B12 levels and Alzheimer's. The researchers point out that the increase in TNF-alpha and the decrease in EGF can both be reversed by vitamin B12 supplementation. TNF-alpha is also implicated in the progression of HIV to AIDS and vitamin B12 has been found to slow this progression. Editor's Note: Vitamin B12 deficiency is widespread among older people. Taking a 1 mg sublingual B12 tablet daily could prevent a lot of future health problems.
Miller, Joshua W. Vitamin B12 deficiency, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor: a novel function of vitamin B12? Nutrition Reviews, Vol. 60, May 2002, pp. 142-51

Vitamin deficiency implicated in Alzheimer's disease
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. Some studies have found a correlation between low vitamin B12 levels and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia; other studies have found no such correlation. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute now provide convincing evidence that a deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folic acid (folate) is associated with an increased risk of AD and dementia.
Their study involved 370 non-demented people aged 75 years and older who were not supplementing with vitamin B12 or folate. The participants were tested at baseline to determine mental status and had blood samples drawn for analysis of vitamin-B12 and folate levels. Only subjects who showed no signs of dementia was included in the follow-up group. Three years later 77 of the participants had developed dementia; of these 59 were diagnosed with AD. Compared with participants with normal levels of vitamin B12 and folate the participants with low levels of at least one of the vitamins had a 2.3 times higher risk of AD and a 1.7 times risk of any kind of dementia. These risk estimates were obtained after adjusting for other risk factors such as age, sex, and educational attainment.
The researchers speculate that homocysteine, a known neurotoxin, may be involved in the development of AD and that vitamin B12 and folic acid help prevent this effect by reducing homocysteine levels in the body.
Wang, H-X, et al. Vitamin B12 and folate in relation to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Neurology, Vol. 56, No. 9, May 8, 2001, pp. 1188-94

Vitamin B12 deficiency implicated in Alzheimer's disease
CLWYD, NORTH WALES. Suspicion has been growing that a lack of vitamin B12 is somehow implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Now researchers in the United Kingdom have confirmed this suspicion. They evaluated members of a family with a genetic predisposition towards Alzheimer's disease. They found that four out of six (67 per cent) of family members with confirmed Alzheimer's disease had abnormally low vitamin B12 levels in their blood. This compares to only one out of 12 (8 per cent) among the family members who were at equal genetic risk for developing Alzheimer's disease but did not. The researchers speculate that a vitamin B12 deficiency could result in impaired methylation reactions in the central nervous system - a characteristic feature in Alzheimer's disease. They also consider the possibility that the genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease may actually be related to a genetic impairment in the ability to absorb vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency in itself often causes disorientation and confusion and thus mimics some of the prominent symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
McCaddon, A. and Kelly, C.L. Familial Alzheimer's disease and vitamin B12 deficiency. Age and Ageing, Vol. 23, July 1994, pp. 334-37

Boy, I'm glad I'm taking B-12 everyday! It's in my stress vitamins.

Hi sammichj9;

Glad you read the article, but I must inform you that the amount of B-12 that is in your multi vitamin is no where near the amount the body needs, and that B-12 in tablet form cannot benefit anyone since, by the time it goes through the digestive system, there is nothing left for the body to absorb. The only way it can benefit anyone, is if it is given by injection or by a subliminal tablet for which is either chewable or placed under the toung for quick absorbtion into the blood stream. You can take too much of this vitamin since the body only uses what it needs and eliminates what it doesn't. For more info. please type "B-12" into your web browser, and get as much info as possible.
Wishing you good health

Mag

Sorry;

Sorry again, haven't used this post before and still have to get used to it. In my reply to Sammichj9, forth line down, it should have said " tablet form " which is either chewable or can be placed under the toung, and in the second last line where it says " You can take too much of this vitamin" should have been You " CAN NOT " take too much of this vitamin etc.

I know with mom that was one of the first things they tested her for deficiency of B12. It is one of the magic drugs they give the elderly when they are run down and not feeling all that great. Didn't realize that the pill form was such a difference.
Have heard that the one to take that is OTC is the sublimal kind and that is taken under the tongue it also contains some other vitimins that are good for memory and health......just passing along some of the things I hear

Am also plainning on starting daughters on the B's just for that hormonal blessing once a month....

Good job Mag! I have learned a bunch about B12 and plan on making sure that not only my MIL with AD, but my mother, and myself are taking it!
Thank you for all the information! I will pass along what I have learned as well.

Best to you and yours,
CC..

anyone try to sublingal stuff yet? That one has a few different things comnplied together for the memeory aspect and curious

quote:

Originally posted by Mag:
Hi sammichj9;

Glad you read the article, but I must inform you that the amount of B-12 that is in your multi vitamin is no where near the amount the body needs, and that B-12 in tablet form cannot benefit anyone since, by the time it goes through the digestive system, there is nothing left for the body to absorb. The only way it can benefit anyone, is if it is given by injection or by a subliminal tablet for which is either chewable or placed under the toung for quick absorbtion into the blood stream. You can take too much of this vitamin since the body only uses what it needs and eliminates what it doesn't. For more info. please type "B-12" into your web browser, and get as much info as possible.
Wishing you good health

Mag

Absolutely correct!

quote:

Originally posted by Mag:

quote:

Originally posted by riley:
I know with mom that was one of the first things they tested her for deficiency of B12. It is one of the magic drugs they give the elderly when they are run down and not feeling all that great. Didn't realize that the pill form was such a difference.
Have heard that the one to take that is OTC is the sublimal kind and that is taken under the tongue it also contains some other vitimins that are good for memory and health......just passing along some of the things I hear

Am also plainning on starting daughters on the B's just for that hormonal blessing once a month....

Hi Riley; I had very bad PMS up to the time of my menopause and I can tell you it took years before I was able to find which vitamins would help, so I will pass it on to you for your daughter, or anyone else who has, or knows of someone suffering with PMS. B-6: 500 mg taken after a meal, a day (if taken on an empty stomach, you might as well flush it down the toilet, which also applies to most vitamins, not to mention the waste of money), EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, three a day, the mg's ascape me at the moment, but you could either look it up on the web, or as a Health Food Store Professional. VITAMIN-E: 400 IU's the first week you start, then build up the next week to 800 IU's (that is one 400 IU's after breakfast, and another 400 IU's after lunch), third week 1200 IU's per day (that is 400 IU's three times a day after a meal). These vitamins must be taken ALL the time, not just before the monthly. Remember, all vitamins take time to build up in the system, so give it a good two months of the daily intakes.
Good luck Riley!

quote:

Originally posted by CC..:
Good job Mag! I have learned a bunch about B12 and plan on making sure that not only my MIL with AD, but my mother, and myself are taking it!
Thank you for all the information! I will pass along what I have learned as well.

Best to you and yours,
CC..

Thanks for your kind words CC. I too wish you and yours all my best and will be thinking of you.

Hugs
Mag

quote:

Originally posted by Twice Blessed:

quote:

Originally posted by Mag:
Hi sammichj9;

Glad you read the article, but I must inform you that the amount of B-12 that is in your multi vitamin is no where near the amount the body needs, and that B-12 in tablet form cannot benefit anyone since, by the time it goes through the digestive system, there is nothing left for the body to absorb. The only way it can benefit anyone, is if it is given by injection or by a subliminal tablet for which is either chewable or placed under the toung for quick absorbtion into the blood stream. You can take too much of this vitamin since the body only uses what it needs and eliminates what it doesn't. For more info. please type "B-12" into your web browser, and get as much info as possible.
Wishing you good health

Mag

Absolutely correct!

Thanks for your support TB
Hugs
Mag

Hi
I just wanted to add to what Mag has said,about B12. I have used B12 in the shot form off and on for about 15yrs.
I am now starting my husband, who is in the early stages of AD on the sublingual b12, there are two types of sublingual you can buy, the one we have is called methylcobalamin,they say this one works better.
Each tab is 1000 mg which is the normal daily dosage. We are using 2000 mg a day, one in the morning and one at night under his tongue for 1 month then cutting back to 1000 mg every second day for a month, then back to weekly for the rest of his life.
I prefer the shots but for someone that does not like needle the sublingual ones are the next best thing.
I will try to post back in a month or so and give you an update on my husband.

quote:

Originally posted by kathyandjr:
Hi
I just wanted to add to what Mag has said,about B12. I have used B12 in the shot form off and on for about 15yrs.
I am now starting my husband, who is in the early stages of AD on the sublingual b12, there are two types of sublingual you can buy, the one we have is called methylcobalamin,they say this one works better.
Each tab is 1000 mg which is the normal daily dosage. We are using 2000 mg a day, one in the morning and one at night under his tongue for 1 month then cutting back to 1000 mg every second day for a month, then back to weekly for the rest of his life.
I prefer the shots but for someone that does not like needle the sublingual ones are the next best thing.
I will try to post back in a month or so and give you an update on my husband.

Thanks for your input Kathy. Keep us posted.
mag

Hello to ALL;

Mom and I would like to wish each and every one of you and your families, a VERY HEALTHY & HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I recently came across further information on the subliminal B12 verses the injections, as well as the patch, and therefore decided to post it for those who are currently taking the subliminal B12 and don't see any improvements.


Absorbing vitamin B12 in your body is not easy. Until now.
Most multivitamin pills only contain 100-200 mcg of the cyanocobalamin form of B12. This must then be converted to methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin before it can be used by the body. The actual absorption of B12 is a serious problem with oral supplements. Swallowing 500 mcg of Vitamin B12 can result in absorption of as little as 1.8 mcg, so most oral supplements do not provide an adequate daily intake! Sublingual forms of vitamin B12 are available, but there is no proof (nor is there any reason to expect) that they offer any advantage to oral supplements (i.e. a sublingual preparation is eventually swallowed).


The Vitamin B-12 Patch is the most effective solution.
Doctors know the health benefits of the B vitamin family and have administered vitamin B12 shots to patients for years and they've seen remarkable results. However the shots require a prescription and can be painful and expensive. With the Vitamin B-12 Patch, you simply put a small patch on once per week for up to 24 hours. This patent pending system helps your body get the maximum absorption of the vitamin B12 nutrients into your system—effective as the shot and without the pain.

The Vitamin B-12 Patch is safe, efficient and inexpensive. No more feeling sluggish, tired, down, or forgetful. The Vitamin B-12 Patch gives you the increased energy and stamina you need to do the things you want to do.

Mag