B Vitamins in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Vascular Dementia

Chapter · August 2010 with 5 Reads
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-542-2_13
In book: Preventive Nutrition, pp.325-334

1st Kristen E. D’Anci

2nd Irwin H. Rosenberg
Abstract
As the number of elderly continues to increase worldwide, age-related neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, are a growing concern. In some cases, vascular dementia and cognitive decline in aging are associated with
nutritional status and elevated homocysteine, suggesting that improving nutritional status can play a meaningful role in the prevention of cognitive impairment. The research described in this chapter represents current understanding on the relationships
of folate and vitamin B12 nutritional status with cognitive function and dementia in adults and elderly. Low B vitamin status is associated with increased homocysteine levels and there is evidence that insufficient B vitamin intake is associated with
lower cognitive scores in comparison to adequate intake. However, higher rates of cognitive decline have been reported with high levels of folate and folic acid intake in adults, and memory performance may be impaired with high folate intake in
individuals with low vitamin B12 status. Overall, studies reported lower folate blood levels and a higher prevalence of deficiency among subjects with dementia. In general, vitamin B12 serum levels were lower in patients with dementia relative to
nondemented individuals; however, this relationship was not as consistent as that for folate. Subsequent to mandatory folic acid fortification, stroke mortality has decreased at a greater rate in the United States and Canada, suggesting a positive effect
of fortification on cerebrovascular health. Interventions with folic acid and with combinations of B vitamins were able to improve cognitive function or prevent decline, especially in subjects with low nutrient status. As with the data for blood nutrient
levels, evidence that vitamin B12 treatment improves cognitive function is conflicting and less positive. Key WordsAging-Alzheimer’s disease-B vitamins-cerebrovascular disease-cognition-dementia-folate-folic acid-vitamin B6-vitamin B12


https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226780137_B_Vitamins_in_the_Prevention_of_Cognitive_Decline_and_Vascular_Dementia

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