When it comes to neurological problems, vitamin B complex is believed to play a vital role in restoring proper functioning of the brain. A January 2016 study, led by Richard Deth, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology at Nova Southeastern University's (NSU) College of Pharmacy, revealed that the brain cells in individuals with autism or schizophrenia, as well as in older adults, contain significantly low levels of vitamin B12.
In the study, published in the journal Public Library of Science One (PLOS One), the researchers compared the tissues of otherwise healthy deceased donors with those who had autism or schizophrenia. Surprisingly, children below 10 years of age were found to have three times lower B12 levels, indicating a premature decline.
"These are particularly significant findings because the differences we found in brain B12 with aging, autism and schizophrenia are not seen in the blood, which is where B12 levels are usually measured," said Dr. Deth. "The large deficits of brain B12 from individuals with autism and schizophrenia could help explain why patients suffering from these disorders experience neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms."
Interestingly, healthy elderly people in the age group of 61-80 were also found to have three times lower levels of brain B12 than their younger counterparts.
With both autism and schizophrenia being associated with oxidative stress – which plays a major role in the aging process – researchers have suggested carrying out further studies to determine if the use of supplemental methyl B12 could help prevent oxidative stress and be useful in treating these conditions.
Who is at risk?
Mental illnesses cause mild to severe disturbances in thought and behavior and cover a broad range of disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and autism. Most people believe that mental disorders are rare but as a matter of fact, these can affect everyone in some way. Despite multiple, interlinking causes, genetics, environment and lifestyle are thought to play a key role in determining whether someone will develop a mental health condition. If most of the following symptoms are found in a person susceptible to mental diseases, it is time for a medical intervention:
- Feeling sad or down
- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
- Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
A 2015 report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has revealed that nearly one in five adults, or 43.8 million people in the U.S., experience one or more mental illnesses every year. Recognizing chronic non-communicable diseases as the largest cost drivers in the health care, the World Economic Forum has asked for an estimate of costs till 2030. The 2010 data showed mental disorders as the largest cost driver at $2.5 trillion in 2010, with the cost projected at $6.0 trillion by 2030.
Path to recovery
A mental illness can be treated, but there is no common treatment that works for everyone. A mental health condition often begins at a slow pace; however, at times, it may develop in stages and symptoms may increase in severity as the disease progresses. Signs of mental diseases, like schizophrenia and autism, may vary; therefore, it is important to understand various symptoms to get in touch with the relevant treatment options.
There are specialized mental health programs that understand the confidentiality and offer assistance to patients, helping them receive treatment and rehabilitation. However, if need be, help can be sought from a good mental health treatment center in Colorado. If you or your loved one is struggling with depression, the Colorado Mental Health Help can help you get the best mental health treatment Colorado. Call us today for a referral to an effective treatment program at 866-899-5063.
Source : articlesbase.com
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