Clinical Study Title:
Effect of vitamins and aspirin on markers of platelet activation, oxidative stress and homocysteine in people at high risk of dementia.

Plain English Summary:

This study examined the link between cognitive impairment and homocysteine levels, as well as the treatment using vitamins and aspirin. Participants in this study had some form of dementia or cognitive impairment, and ths included a total of 149 adults. Particiapnts received either aspirin or a placebo, folic acid with Vitamin B12 or a placebo and then Vitamin E or a placebo for a total of 12 weeks of the study. Cognitive functioning was assessed at the beginning of the study, along with homocysteine levels, and other blood levels. At the end of the study, those participants who had taken aspirin and the vitamin b12 complex had improved blood levels associated with cognitive impairment. This suggests that a daily regime of aspirin or B-vitamins may help reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.

Authors

Clarke R. Harrison G. Richards S. Vital Trial Collaborative Group.

Institution

Department of Internal Medicine and Nutrition, Hopital de Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France.

Country of Publication

England

Source

Journal of Internal Medicine. 254(1):67-75, 2003 Jul.