Can a Common Vitamin Slow Alzheimer’s? Rutgers Launches Landmark Trial in New Jersey
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Brunswick NJ, New Jersey is on the front lines of a medical breakthrough that could change the way we treat Alzheimer’s disease. Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School has been selected as one of only 40 elite sites nationwide to test Benfotiamine, a synthetic version of Vitamin B1, to see if it can halt the progression of cognitive decline.
For the 12.3% of New Jersey seniors currently living with Alzheimer’s, this trial represents more than just science—it’s a beacon of hope.
The Science: Why Vitamin B1 is the Key to Brain Energy
The human brain is an energy-hungry organ that relies almost exclusively on glucose for fuel. To process that glucose, the brain requires Thiamine (Vitamin B1).
In patients with Alzheimer’s, brain cells often lose the ability to process this fuel, leading to cell damage and the buildup of toxic plaques. Benfotiamine works by flooding the system with a highly absorbable form of B1—raising blood levels up to 100 times higher than normal—essentially “repowering” struggling brain cells.
“In people with Alzheimer’s disease, brain cells often struggle to process that fuel,” says Dr. Fred Kobylarz, the study’s lead investigator at Rutgers. “Benfotiamine works by significantly raising thiamine levels to protect those cells.”
Why This Study is Different
Unlike expensive “miracle drugs” that often come with heavy price tags and severe side effects, Benfotiamine is:
- Inexpensive: It is a non-proprietary supplement.
- Accessible: It is already found on the shelves of most major drugstores.
- Safe: Previous small-scale studies in New York showed a significant slowdown in mental impairment with very few side effects.
New Jersey’s Growing Crisis
The timing of this study is critical. As the baby boom generation ages, the number of New Jersey residents over 60 is expected to surge to 3 million by the end of the decade. With Alzheimer’s prevalence in the Garden State already higher than the national average, finding a low-cost, effective treatment is a top public health priority.
Seeking Volunteers: How You Can Help
Rutgers is currently looking for 10 to 15 volunteers to participate in this 18-month study. This is a rare opportunity for local families to access cutting-edge care while contributing to a global cure.
Who is Eligible?
- Age: 50 to 89 years old.
- Condition: Experiencing “mild memory concerns” or diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
- Living Situation: Can live at home or in a care facility.
- Requirement: Must have a “study partner” (friend or family member) to accompany them to visits.
What the Trial Involves:
- Taking Benfotiamine or a placebo twice daily for 18 months.
- Periodic clinic visits for memory tests and blood work.
- Brain MRI scans to monitor progress.
How to Join the Rutgers Study
If you or a loved one are interested in participating, contact the Rutgers research team directly:
- Email: Fei Chen at [email protected]
- Phone: 732-667-0746
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would never work on Biden
Too late, ha ha