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Association between Vitamin B12 levels and cognitive function in the elderly Korean population
Yunsoo Soh1, Do Hun Lee1, Chang Won Won2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine.
Medicine
|August 15, 2020
Summary
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) sufficiency may influence cognitive function, though not a direct risk factor for decline. Maintaining adequate B12 levels, alongside other factors, appears important for maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for DNA synthesis and cellular metabolism, particularly in the central nervous system.
- Previous research suggests a link between Vitamin B12 deficiency and cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
- Cognitive disorders are a potential consequence of Vitamin B12 insufficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Vitamin B12 levels and cognitive function in older adults.
- To determine if Vitamin B12 insufficiency is a risk factor for cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2991 participants in the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study.
- Assessed cognitive function using the Korean version of the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) assessment packet, including MMSE-KC, word list memory, digit span, TMT-A, and FAB.
- Categorized participants into Vitamin B12 insufficient (<350 pg/mL) and sufficient (≥350 pg/mL) groups.
- Employed linear regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between cognitive function and Vitamin B12 levels, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Participants with sufficient Vitamin B12 levels demonstrated significantly better performance on most cognitive tests compared to the insufficient group (P < .05).
- Multivariable linear regression analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, education, lifestyle, and comorbidities, revealed no statistically significant association between Vitamin B12 status and cognitive function.
- Vitamin B12 levels may be a contributing factor to cognitive function, alongside demographic and sociological variables.
Conclusions:
- While Vitamin B12 insufficiency was not identified as a direct risk factor for cognitive decline in this study, Vitamin B12 levels appear to influence cognitive performance.
- Cognitive function is likely affected by a combination of Vitamin B12 status, demographic factors, and other lifestyle variables.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between Vitamin B12 and cognitive health in aging populations.
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