Beta Carotene May Hold Dementia at Bay

Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Could a beta carotene supplement taken every other day keep your brain in good working order as you get older?

Boston researchers who followed a large group of men for about 18 years believe the answer may be yes. Their study shows men who took the supplements scored better on tests to measure cognitive functioning than men who received a placebo pill for comparison purposes.

While the differences in scores between the two groups were small, the researchers emphasize small changes can lead to a big difference in dementia risk down the road.

“Studies have established that very modest differences in cognition, especially verbal memory, predict substantial differences in eventual risk of dementia,” write the authors.
Beta carotene is thought to protect the brain by reducing oxidative stress that can lead to cognitive decline.

The researchers believe these results have important implications for public health policy and deserve further investigation. In an accompanying editorial, however, fellow investigators issue a word of caution. Specifically, they note other studies have associated high dose antioxidant use with adverse health consequences and even a greater risk of death.

Beta carotene, for example, has been linked to a increase risk of lung cancer in smokers.

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SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, 2007;167:2184-2190