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Niacin aids stroke recovery
Scientific director at the Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute presented results of his research findings that demonstrated niacin's ability to aid in neurological recovery following a stroke.
March 26, 2010
1 Min Read
DETROIT
Niacin (vitamin B3) may help neurological recovery after stroke, according to new research out of Henry Ford Hospital. Michael Chopp, Ph.D., scientific director of the Henry Ford Neuroscience Institute, presented the results of the animal trial during the International Stroke Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in late February.
In the animal study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers induced ischemic stroke in rats and provided niacin. The vitamin increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which helped increase blood vessels in the brain, as well as axonal and dendritic growth, leading to a substantial improvement in functional neurological outcome after stroke.
Research is now underway at Henry Ford to investigate the effects of an extended-release form of niacin in stroke patients, under the direction of Andrew Russman, D.O., and supported by the Harris Stroke Fund. Russman said, If we are able to prove that treating patients with niacin helps to restore neurological function after stroke, were opening a whole new avenue of treatment for the leading cause of serious long-term disability in adults.
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