Could a Synthetic Form of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) be a Potential Ally Against Early Alzheimer's Disease?

In the relentless battle against Alzheimer's disease, researchers are looking closely at a lab-made version of thiamine (also known as vitamin B1). This nutrient, crucial for brain function and energy production, is now in the spotlight for its potential role in combating cognitive decline.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior that affects nearly seven million individuals in the U.S., and that number is expected to reach 13 million by 2050.[1] The good news is the Alzheimer's Association says this is a time of great promise in Alzheimer's research with increased government and philanthropic funding and a growing community of scientists — all of which are instrumental to finding new treatments to stop, slow and prevent Alzheimer's disease.[2]

Take Carole, wife and mother of two. "I have been living with Alzheimer's disease for three years and while the disease has taken its toll on me, it has really impacted my whole family. I was always the caretaker in our house, but my husband has had to step into that role now. He and my children have become my support system and I know it's not easy for them either. I am hopeful that researchers can discover more and better new treatments for people with the disease."

New Research in the Fight Against Alzheimer's Disease

In an effort to alleviate the burden of Alzheimer's disease, researchers have long sought new ways to treat and prevent the devastating disease. Recently, their attention has turned to thiamine, a nutrient with extraordinary potential. The brain tissue of people with Alzheimer's disease shows that they have a thiamine deficiency, even though they may have a sufficient supply of thiamine in their blood. This is likely due to a diminished ability to deliver thiamine to their brain. A lack of thiamine in the brain compromises memory and cognition.

Scientists are cautiously optimistic that boosting thiamine levels could hold the key to slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By significantly increasing the amount of thiamine in the bloodstream, they hope to provide a much-needed boost to brain function and memory retention. Furthermore, they believe that benfotiamine could work in combination with other existing treatments to offer additional benefits beyond what current therapies can achieve.

While the idea of a readily available intervention that helps slow or stop Alzheimer's disease cognitive decline is appealing, more research is needed to establish the link between thiamine and Alzheimer's disease. A new clinical trial, funded by the National Institute of Aging at the National Institutes of Health, is seeking to shed light on this potential connection. This trial will focus on benfotiamine, a synthetic form of thiamine specifically developed to enhance its absorption by the brain.

For Carole, and countless others like her, this trial represents hope in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. The possibility of a potential treatment is a ray of light in an otherwise difficult landscape.

Impact of Alzheimer's on Different Populations

Hispanic and Black communities bear a disproportionate burden of the disease. In fact, studies have shown that older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's compared to older non-Hispanic White Americans,[3] while older Hispanic Americans are one and a half times more likely.[4] In addition, there is growing scientific evidence that biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease are not the same across populations.[5]

In light of these disparities, it is imperative that research into potential treatments like benfotiamine considers the diverse experiences of those affected by Alzheimer's disease. "By including all populations in clinical trials to meet their specific needs, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against this devastating disease," said José Alejandro Luchsinger, M.D., MPH, Vice-Chair for Clinical and Epidemiologic Research at Columbia University and a lead investigator in the benfotiamine trial.

Participating in the Benfotiamine Trial

The benfotiamine trial (BenfoTeam Trial) needs people of every race and ethnicity to participate in the study to help find a treatment for Alzheimer's disease that works for all. The clinical trial is taking place in approximately 40 clinical trial sites across the U.S. and enrolling people who are:

• Aged 50-89
• Experiencing mild memory concerns or previously diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease
• Positive Alzheimer's disease blood test
• Stable on current FDA-approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (with or without memantine) for at least three months prior to screening
• Living in the community (not in a long-term care nursing facility)
• Willing to participate in the BenfoTeam study for up to 18 months (plus screening)

To learn more about the study, visit BenfoTeam.org.