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A trial of vitamin supplementation in senile dementia
Author(s) -
Burns Alistair,
Marsh Andrew,
Bender David A.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.930040606
Subject(s) - senile dementia , dementia , medicine , randomized controlled trial , vitamin , weight loss , cachexia , niacin , malnutrition , pediatrics , physical therapy , obesity , disease , cancer
The effect of supplements of vitamins B‐1, B‐2, niacin, B‐6 and C has been assessed in a randomized double‐blind trial in 15 hospitalized elderly patients suffering from senile dementia. Supplementation did not prevent an increase in either cognitive impairment or behavioural disturbance. However, it did result in weight gain over a six‐week period. Hospitalized demented patients generally suffer significant weight loss, which increases with the duration of hospitalization. Vitamin supplementation may therefore protect against physical deterioration and the development of cachexia.