Niacin May Slow Alzheimer's Progression

 

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) may slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. In a recent animal study at Indiana University School of Medicine, researchers found that niacin limits Alzheimer's disease progression when used in models in the lab, a discovery that could potentially pave the way toward therapeutic approaches to the disease.

In the study,  laboratory animals that were given niacin in extended release tablets showed improved cognition and developed fewer amyloid plaques in their brains, both signs of Alzheimer's. 

In the brain, niacin interacts with a highly-selective receptor present in immune cells and physically associated with amyloid plaques. When niacin activates the receptor, it stimulates beneficial actions from these immune cells, said Gary Landreth, PhD, Martin Professor of Alzheimer's Research, one of the lead researchers on the study. 

Past epidemiology studies of niacin and Alzheimer's disease showed that people who had higher levels of niacin in their diet had diminished risk of the disease, Landreth said. Niacin is also currently being used in clinical trials in Parkinson's disease and glioblastoma.

While this study does not prove a causal relationship between niacin and Alzheimer's it suggests a promising direction for additional research in humans.

Foods that are high in niacin include fish, chicken, pork, beef, mushrooms, brown rice, peanuts, avocados, green peas, bell peppers and beans.