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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Abbiategrasso Brain Bank Protocol for Collecting, Processing and Characterizing Aging Brains

Abbiategrasso Brain Bank Protocol for Collecting, Processing and Characterizing Aging Brains

Published on: June 3, 2020

B vitamins and the aging brain.

Jacob Selhub¹, Aron Troen, Irwin H Rosenberg

¹Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Jacob.selhub@tufts.edu

Nutrition Reviews

|November 25, 2010

Summary

Low levels of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 are linked to neurological issues and birth defects. Improving B vitamin status in seniors is crucial for cognitive health and preventing dementia.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Nutritional Science
Gerontology

Background:

Vitamin deficiencies, specifically folate, B12, and B6, are linked to neurological and psychological problems.
Inadequate B vitamin status and elevated homocysteine are prevalent in the elderly, potentially contributing to cognitive decline and dementia.
Homocysteine may cause neurotoxicity and vasotoxicity, and impair methylation processes essential for brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the relationship between B vitamin status and cognitive function in the elderly.
To investigate the role of homocysteine in age-related cognitive impairment and dementia.
To identify safe methods for enhancing B vitamin levels in older adults.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on B vitamin deficiencies and neurological outcomes.

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Analysis of studies correlating B vitamin status, homocysteine levels, and cognitive performance in elderly populations.

Examination of proposed biochemical mechanisms linking B vitamins, homocysteine, and brain health.

Main Results:

Deficiencies in folate, B12, and B6 are associated with neurological and psychological dysfunction.
High prevalence of inadequate B vitamin status in the elderly correlates with cognitive impairment and dementia.
Elevated plasma homocysteine is a potential factor in age-related cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

Maintaining adequate B vitamin status is critical for neurological health, particularly in aging populations.
Further research is needed to develop safe and effective strategies for improving B vitamin levels in the elderly.
Understanding the mechanisms of homocysteine's impact on the brain is vital for preventing dementia.