Hostname: page-component-84b7d79bbc-l82ql Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-25T20:06:28.361Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Folate and dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 September 2013

Get access

In a nutshell

Observational and some clinical evidence suggests that higher folate levels may be protective against cognitive decline and dementia. This operates at least in part through folate's effect on Hcy levels.

Those using folate supplements should bear in mind the potential for adverse CNS effects if any coexisting B12 deficiency is not corrected.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Rampersaud, GC. et al. Folate: a key to optimizing health and reducing disease risk in the elderly. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Feb;22(1):18.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2. Moretti, R. et al. Vitamin B12 and folate depletion in cognition: a review. Neurol India. 2004 Sep;52(3):310–8.Google ScholarPubMed
3. Kim, JM. et al. Changes in folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine associated with incident dementia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2008 Feb 5; [Epub ahead of print]Google Scholar
4. Wahlin, A. et al. Vitamin B status and cognitive performance in preclinical and clinical Alzheimer's disease: data from the Kungsholmen Project. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2008;25(1):2331.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5. Feng, L. et al. Homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B-12 and cognitive performance in older Chinese adults: findings from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Dec;84(6):1506–12.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
6. Tettamanti, M. et al. Low folate and the risk of cognitive and functional deficits in the very old: the Monzino 80-plus study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006 Dec;25(6):502–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7. Clarke, R. B-vitamins and prevention of dementia. Proc Nutr Soc. 2008 Feb;67(1):7581.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8. Helman, A. Homocysteine and dementia. Arb Clin Nutr Upd.131: 2002:12.Google Scholar
9. Balk, EM. et al. Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid supplementation and cognitive function: a systematic review of randomized trials. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Jan 8;167(1):2130.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
10. Malouf, M. et al. Folic acid with or without vitamin B12 for cognition and dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(4):CD004514.Google Scholar
11. Fioravanti, M. et al. Low folate levels in the cognitive decline of elderly patients and the efficacy of folate as a treatment for improving memory deficits. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1997;26:113.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
12. Haan, MN. et al. Homocysteine, B vitamins, and the incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment: results from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb;85(2):511–7.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
13. Kado, DM. et al. Homocysteine versus the vitamins folate, B6, and B12 as predictors of cognitive function and decline in older high-functioning adults: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging. Am J Med. 2005 Feb;118(2):161–7.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
14. Das, UN. Folic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids improve cognitive function and prevent depression, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease--but how and why? Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2008 Jan;78(1):11–9.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
15. Halsted, CH. et al. Relations of glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) polymorphisms to folate and homocysteine concentrations and to scores of cognition, anxiety, and depression in a homogeneous Norwegian population: the Hordaland Homocysteine Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Aug;86(2):514–21.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
16. Balk, E. et al. B vitamins and berries and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2006 Apr;(134):1161.Google Scholar
17. Smith, AD. Folic acid fortification: the good, the bad, and the puzzle of vitamin B-12. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan;85(1):35.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
18. Schneider, JA. et al. Folic acid and cognition in older persons. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2006 Jul;5(4):511–22.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed