Alcohol-induced Vitamin B1 Deficiency, A Key Factor for Cognitive Decline, Study Suggests

Oct, 2020 - By SMI

According to a new research study by the researchers of Medical University of Vienna have reported to develop a hypothesis that highlights the role of iron deposits in the brain (due to alcohol-induced vitamin B1 deficiency) resulting in the development of dementia in alcoholic individuals.

It is evident that high alcohol consumption on a regular basis can lead to decline in cognitive function, which further can result in advanced dementia, however it is still unclear that how alcohol actually damages the brain (pathomechanism). This led researchers to develop a hypothesis, thereby explaining the action of iron deposits in the brain due to alcohol-induced vitamin B1 deficiency and a major factor in cognitive decline. Researchers also reported that administration of vitamin B1 could prevent the brain from these iron deposits.

Researchers suggested that it is known from various neurodegenerative diseases that iron deposits in the brain are accountable for nerve tissue damage, and these iron deposits are more prominent in specific regions of the brain such as basal ganglia in individuals who are highly alcoholic. Thus, hypothesis developed by the researchers explain that high alcohol consumption increases level of iron in the blood including vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, which is vital maintaining the blood-brain barrier. Hypothesis also elaborated that if these two situations overlap, then there will be increasing deposits of iron inside the brain that eventually lead to oxidative tissue damage.

Researchers also highlighted that vitamin B1 in this process could offer preventive and therapeutic approaches in future. Researchers concluded that it would be beneficial to assess the usage of drugs in reducing the iron level, as it is exhibited its efficiency in other neurodegenerative diseases.