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Homocysteine, B vitamin status, and cognitive function in the elderly.
Susan J Duthie1, Lawrence J Whalley, Andrew R Collins
1Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. sd@rri.sari.ac.uk
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|April 27, 2002
Summary
Higher levels of vitamin B-12 and folate, and lower homocysteine, are linked to better cognitive function in older adults. These B vitamins and homocysteine explain a small but significant portion of cognitive variation in aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Aging Research
Background:
- Cognitive decline is common in old age.
- Nutritional factors are implicated in age-related cognitive changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and levels of vitamin B-12, folate, and homocysteine in elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Study included survivors from Scottish Mental Surveys (1932 and 1947 cohorts).
- Measured plasma vitamin B-12, folate, and homocysteine concentrations.
- Assessed cognitive function using multiple tests (MMSE, NART, RPM, AVLT, DS, BD).
Main Results:
- Higher homocysteine levels were observed in the older cohort (ABC21).
- Positive correlations found between folate, vitamin B-12, and cognitive scores; negative correlations with homocysteine.
- Homocysteine explained 7-8% of cognitive variance in the older cohort after adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin B-12, folate, and homocysteine are associated with cognitive performance in aging.
- Homocysteine's role in cognitive variation suggests potential for neuroprotection strategies in later life.