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NEW YORK -- Vitamin E and drugs that reduce inflammation may slow the decline of mental and physical abilities in people with Alzheimer's disease over the long term, according to new research.

"Our results are consistent for a potential benefit of vitamin E on slowing functional decline and a smaller possible benefit of anti-inflammatory medications on slowing cognitive decline in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease," said Alireza Atri, of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School...

The original article can be found at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090506.LALZHEIMERS06ART1832/TPStory?cid=al_gam_globeedge

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what we said (Hover the mouse cursor over underlined words for more info)

This story is clearly a very short article based on the results of a clinical trial presented at a recent conference. As such, there can be limited room (or time at the conference) to provide detailed information about many aspects of the role of vitamin E in Alzheimer's treatment. However, even within a short article or conference presentation, there is room to provide some foundational background information on this study and attempt to quantify the observed outcomes and potential adverse effects (if any). The article is unclear in defining the standard of care for Alzheimer's treatment and in communicating the rationale is for adding vitamin E and/or anti-inflammatories to an Alzheimer's treatment regime. Because of this lack of clarity, it is difficult for readers to interpret what additional benefit may be gleaned from adding vitamin E and/or anti-inflammatories to a patient's treatment plan.

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