How Does Methylene Blue Slow Down Cognitive Decline?
- April 4, 2024
- Written by : Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS
Methylene blue, or MB, is used to treat methemoglobinemia, which occurs when blood isn’t able to deliver oxygen to areas of the body that need it. Methylene blue treatment improves mitochondrial function and has been cited as a potential cognitive treatment, including for cerebral hypoperfusion, which can be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
According to a study published in Cureus: Journal of Medical Science in 2023, “the antioxidant capabilities of MB have been shown to mitigate inflammatory and oxidative damage in the brain,” which is what’s believed to contribute to the advancement of Alzheimer’s.
Benefits of methylene blue
With its ability to help blood circulation, methylene blue can be beneifical for people with age-related brain disorders, according to a 2021 study from the University of Maryland. The same study described MB as a “promising memory enhancer.”
In addition to helping with cognitive decline, MB may have other anti-aging benefits. The University of Maryland study also found that “the inclusion of MB in daily skincare may effectively delay photoaging.” MB also has antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial to the skin.
Other benefits of methylene blue treatment include reducing inflammation and providing pain relief, combating infectious disease and supporting mental health.
Effects of methylene blue
As with many drugs prescribed by medical providers, methylene blue is safe when administered in therapeutic dosages. In high doses, it can be toxic.
According to a 2010 study, potential negative side effects include “cardiac arrhythmias, coronary vasoconstriction, decreased cardiac output, renal blood flow and mesenteric blood flow; increased pulmonary vascular pressure & pulmonary vascular resistance and gas exchange deterioration.” Toxic doses of MB also may discolor urine (greenish blue) and skin (blue).
Methylene blue cancer treatment
For clients who have cancer and aren’t able to use NAD+ therapy, methylene blue treatment can serve as an alternative. In a 2023 study, researchers concluded that their “observed results of the systematic review supported our suggestions that photodynamic therapy with MB helps against different types of cancer.” While they only found modest decreases in tumor size in breast cancer, “the results of colorectal tumor, carcinoma, and melanoma treatment were promising.”
Book a methylene blue IV infusion
IV Elements offers IV methyl blue through our mobile service and at our locations. Our methylene blue IV infusion is administered at a 1mg/kg dose and infused over 30 minutes. Make an appointment today.
REFERENCES
- Methylene Blue (Intravenous route). (2024, April 3). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/methylene-blue-intravenous-route/description/drg-20064695
- Auchter, A., Williams, J., Barksdale, B., Monfils, M., & González-Lima, F. (2014). Therapeutic Benefits of Methylene Blue on Cognitive Impairment during Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 42(s4), S525–S535. https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-141527
- Hashmi, M. U., Ahmed, R., Mahmoud, S., Ahmed, K., Bushra, N. M., Ahmed, A., Elwadie, B., Madni, A., Saâd, A., & Abdelrahman, N. (2023). Exploring methylene blue and its derivatives in Alzheimer’s treatment: A comprehensive review of randomized control trials. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.46732
- Xue, H., Thaivalappil, A., & Cao, K. (2021). The potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging drug. Cells, 10(12), 3379. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10123379
- Ginimuge, P. R., & Jyothi, S. (2010, December 1). Methylene Blue: Revisited. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3087269/
- Taldaev, A., Terekhov, R., Nikitin, I. D., Melnik, E. V., Кузина, В. Н., Klochko, M., Reshetov, I. V., Shiryaev, A., Loschenov, V. B., & Ramenskaya, G. V. (2023). Methylene
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