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Non-Linear Association between Folate/Vitamin B12 Status and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Zhe Ding1, Lihui Luo1, Shaohui Guo1
1Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Nutrients
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Folate and vitamin B12 status impact cognitive function in older adults, with both low and high levels associated with poorer outcomes. Optimal cognitive performance requires balanced nutrient levels.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Folate and vitamin B12 are crucial for neurological health.
- Existing research lacks consensus on optimal nutrient thresholds for cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between folate and vitamin B12 status and cognitive performance in older adults.
- To identify potential thresholds for nutrient impact on cognition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional data from 2204 older adults (≥60 years) from NHANES (2011-2014).
- Utilized restricted cubic spline models to assess relationships between serum folate/vitamin B12 markers and cognitive tests (CERAD-WL, CERAD-DR, AF, DSST).
- Employed AI unsupervised learning for clustering individuals based on nutrient status.
Main Results:
- Identified statistically significant non-linear, inverse U-shaped associations between folate/vitamin B12 status and cognitive function.
- Determined estimated breakpoints for nutrient status impacting cognition.
- Clustered older adults into low, medium, and high folate/vitamin B12 status groups, showing significant differences in CERAD-DR and DSST scores.
- Observed that suboptimal cognitive test outcomes were linked to both low and high folate/vitamin B12 levels.
Conclusions:
- Both insufficient and excessive folate and vitamin B12 levels are associated with impaired cognitive function in older adults.
- Nutrient status clustering reveals distinct cognitive profiles based on folate and vitamin B12 levels.
- Further research may refine optimal nutrient ranges for supporting cognitive health in aging populations.
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