How to Prevent Aging Memory Loss – New Research Helps
Eating a diet rich in fish, meat, milk and fortified cereals can help prevent memory loss in old age, a new research has found.
Researchers at Oxford University have found that the vitamin B12 stops brain shrinkage linked to memory problems.
The researchers have based their conclusions on an analysis of the memory of 107 people, aged 61 to 87, over a period of 5 years.
The subjects underwent brain scans, memory tests and physical tests. In addition, blood samples have been taken to measure levels of B12.
After 5 years, researchers tested the subjects again with brain scans and memory tests.
They discovered that those who had higher levels of B12 in their blood were 6 times less likely to experience brain shrinkage than those with low levels of the vitamin.
According to the study authors, vitamin B12 deficiency is a public health problem, especially among older people. Some studies suggest 2 out of 5 people are deficient in the vitamin. Liver and shellfish are particularly rich sources of B12.
The study was published in the journal Neurology.