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Cobalamin supplementation improves cognitive and cerebral function in older, cobalamin-deficient persons
D Z van Asselt1, J W Pasman, H J van Lier
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands. D.vanAsselt@czzoger.azn.nl
Summary
Cobalamin (Cbl) supplementation improved cognitive and brain function in older adults with mild Cbl deficiency. This enhancement was linked to reduced homocysteine levels and faster brain activity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mild cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency is common in the elderly, potentially causing cognitive and cerebral issues.
- The impact of Cbl supplementation on these abnormalities remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cobalamin supplementation on cognitive and cerebral function in elderly individuals with low Cbl levels.
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 16 healthy elderly subjects with low Cbl.
- Intervention included 5 months of hydroxycobalamin injections after a 1-month placebo period.
- Measurements included plasma Cbl, homocysteine (tHcy), methylmalonic acid (MMA), quantitative electroencephalograph (qEEG), and psychometric tests.
Main Results:
- Cbl supplementation increased plasma Cbl and decreased MMA and tHcy levels.
- Significant improvements were observed in verbal learning, fluency, and similarities tests.
- qEEG showed increased fast activity and decreased slow activity, correlating with cognitive improvements and reduced tHcy.
Conclusions:
- Cobalamin supplementation demonstrated electrographic and cognitive improvements in older adults with low Cbl levels.
- These cognitive and cerebral enhancements were associated with a reduction in plasma tHcy concentration.
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