Great news. Researchers have discovered that benfotiamine
improves memory and cognition. Benfotiamine is a lab-made (or synthetic derivative) of thiamine (vitamin B1). It is available over the counter and does not require a prescription. (Note: As always consult with your doctor about changing the supplements you take even though they are not prescription medications)
What is Benfotiamine?
Benfotiamine is a fat-soluble form of thiamine that has better bioavailability than its water-soluble counterpart
This means it can penetrate cell membranes more efficiently which increases levels of thiamine in the bloodstream and tissues. Benfotiamine is used to treat thiamine deficiency but has recently caught the attention of Alzheimer’s researchers due to its unique properties.
Why Benfotiamine Improves Memory and Cognition
Recent studies have shown that benfotiamine may have significant benefits for those experiencing Alzheimer’s symptoms.
- Cognitive Improvement: In a study involving mild to moderate AD patients, long-term administration of benfotiamine (300 mg daily) led to an average increase of 3.2 points in Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) scores over 18 months
- Amyloid Plaque Reduction: Preclinical studies using mouse models of AD demonstrated that benfotiamine effectively reduced amyloid plaque numbers in cortical areas of the brain
- Neuroprotection: Benfotiamine appears to protect brain cells from damage, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
- Metabolic Enhancement: The compound addresses tissue deficiency of thiamine-regulated metabolic pathways linked to Alzheimers, potentially improving glucose metabolism in the brain.
Research that supports the finding that Benfotiamine Improves Memory and Cognition
J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;78(3):989-1010. Benfotiamine and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Phase IIa Clinical Trial
Abstract
Background: In preclinical models, benfotiamine efficiently ameliorates the clinical and biological pathologies that define Alzheimer’s disease (AD) including impaired cognition, amyloid-β plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, diminished glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, increased advanced glycation end products (AGE), and inflammation.
Objective: To collect evidence on feasibility, safety, and efficacy in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or mild dementia due to AD in a placebo-controlled trial of benfotiamine.
Methods: A twelve-month treatment with benfotiamine tested whether clinical decline would be delayed in the benfotiamine group compared to the placebo group. The primary clinical outcome was the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog). Secondary outcomes were the clinical dementia rating (CDR) score and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake, measured with brain positron emission tomography (PET). Blood AGE were examined as an exploratory outcome.
Results: Participants were treated with benfotiamine (34) or placebo (36). Benfotiamine treatment was safe. The increase in ADAS-Cog was 43% lower in the benfotiamine group than in the placebo group, indicating less cognitive decline, and this effect was nearly statistically significant (p = 0.125). Worsening in CDR was 77% lower (p = 0.034) in the benfotiamine group compared to the placebo group, and this effect was stronger in the APOEɛ4 non-carriers. Benfotiamine significantly reduced increases in AGE (p = 0.044), and this effect was stronger in the APOEɛ4 non-carriers. Exploratory analysis derivation of an FDG PET pattern score showed a treatment effect at one year (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: Oral benfotiamine is safe and potentially efficacious in improving cognitive outcomes among persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment and mild Alzheimers symptoms
The promising results from initial studies have paved the way for larger clinical trials:
The Benfotiamine Alzheimer’s Clinical Exploration (BACE) – ADC-061 Trial is currently underway, exploring the potential of benfotiamine in treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
- A nationwide clinical trial, funded by a $45 million grant from the NIH and NIA, is set to launch. This trial will enroll approximately 400 patients across 50 U.S. clinical sites to further investigate benfotiamine’s therapeutic potential.
Why Benfotiamine Stands Out
Several factors make benfotiamine an exciting option for treating dementia.
- Safety Profile: As a vitamin derivative, benfotiamine offers a natural option to reverse dementia with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs
- Affordability: If proven effective, benfotiamine could be a cost-effective treatment option, making it widely accessible
- Multi-faceted Action: Benfotiamine improves cognitive function and addresses underlying pathological changes in the brain including amyloid plaque formation and metabolic deficiencies
Cost
Convinced that taking Benfotiamine improves memory and cognition? If you have decided to investigate further you have likely encountered a shocking range of prices charged for Benfotiamine.
If you decide to begin taking Benfotiamine, please do not order based on price. The inexpensive brands have questionable quality and you will almost always be throwing your money down the toilet. Always purchase from a reliable source such as Life Extension.
Conclusion
The potential of taking benfotiamine to reverse dementias is undeniably exciting. The use of a vitamin-derived compound like benfotiamine represents a shift towards more natural, holistic approaches reversing dementia.