16/08/05 Acid test for Alzheimer's
VICTORIA WARD
EATING fruit and vegetables high in the B vitamin folic acid can more than halve the risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to a new US study.
Researchers found older people who consumed the recommended daily amount of the nutrient, found in leafy vegetables such as spinach, had a 55 per cent lower risk of contracting the disease.
Scientists at the University of California-Irvine followed the eating habits of 579 people aged 60 and above for ten years. None showed any signs of dementia when the study began and 57 went on to develop Alzheimer's.
However, those who did consume the 400 micrograms recommended daily amount of folic acid did so through supplements as opposed to diet, researchers found.
William Thies, vice-president of the US Alzheimer's Association, said: "This report bolsters evidence that adequate folic acid may help the brain and nervous system."
From (thescotsman.scotsman.com)