Life Extension - Treatment using Supplements
B-vitamins -
updated: 23 January 2009
Homocysteine, B vitamins, and the incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment: results from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging
Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb;85(2):511-
Haan MN, Miller JW, Aiello AE, Whitmer RA, Jagust WJ, Mungas DM, Allen LH, Green R.
BACKGROUND: High concentrations of homocysteine have been linked to a greater risk of Alzheimer disease, dementia, and cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between homocysteine and 4.5-y combined incidences of dementia and cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND) in a cohort of 1779 Mexican Americans aged 60-101 y. DESIGN: Homocysteine, red blood cell (RBC) folate, and plasma vitamin B-12 were measured at baseline. New cases of dementia or CIND were ascertained by neuropsychological and clinical examinations and expert adjudication. We used proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of homocysteine-associated dementia or CIND and the influence of RBC folate and plasma vitamin B-12 on that association. RESULTS: High homocysteine concentrations were associated with a greater risk of dementia or CIND: hazard ratio (HR): 2.39; 95% CI: 1.11, 5.16. Plasma vitamin B-12 modified the association between homocysteine and the outcome. The rates of dementia or CIND associated with homocysteine for those in the lowest and highest tertiles of vitamin B-12, respectively, were significantly higher (HR: 1.61, P = 0.04) and lower (HR: 0.94, P = 0.015) than the risk for those in the middle tertile. CONCLUSIONS: Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for both dementia and CIND. Higher plasma vitamin B-12 may reduce the risk of homocysteine-associated dementia or CIND.
Publication Types:
- Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging
Online - Article
Low folate status is associated with impaired cognitive function and dementia in the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging
Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Dec;82(6):1346-52
Ramos MI, Allen LH, Mungas DM, Jagust WJ, Haan MN, Green R, Miller JW.
BACKGROUND: Low folate status is associated with poor cognitive function and dementia in the elderly. Since 1998, grain products in the United States have been fortified with folic acid, which has reduced the prevalence of folate deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether folate status is associated with cognitive function and dementia in a cohort of elderly Latinos (aged >or= 60 y; n = 1789) exposed to folic acid fortification. DESIGN: Global cognitive function was assessed by the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) and specific cognitive functions by cross-culturally validated neuropsychological tests. Dementia was diagnosed according to the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd edition revised, and California Alzheimer Disease Diagnostic and Treatment criteria. Red blood cell (RBC) folate was measured by automated chemiluminescence and total plasma homocysteine by HPLC. RESULTS: The prevalence of folate deficiency (RBC folate
Publication Types:
- Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging
Online - Article
A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of folic acid supplementation of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2008 Feb;23(2):155-60
Connelly PJ, Prentice NP, Cousland G, Bonham J.
OBJECTIVES: (1) to assess the effect of 1 mg folic acid supplementation of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChI) in a 6 month double-blind placebo-controlled study of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and (2) to assess whether outcome measures were affected by changes in homocysteine levels. METHOD: Fifty-seven consecutive outpatients with probable AD were treated concurrently with a ChI and either folic acid or placebo. None had conditions or medication known to interfere with folate metabolism. Fasting folate and homocysteine levels were measured prior to commencing ChI and 6 months later. Response was categorised using criteria of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE). RESULTS: Twelve males and 29 females completed treatment (mean age 76.27 SD 6.23 years, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) 23.49 SD 3.53, baseline homocysteine 18.39 SD 4.62 micromoles per litre). 23 received folic acid and 18 placebo. There were no significant baseline differences or use of individual ChI between the two arms. After 6 months a significant difference was seen in the change from baseline in combined Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Social Behaviour scores between arms (folate+1.50 (SD 5.32) vs placebo -2.29 (SD 6.16) (p=0.03) but not change in MMSE scores. Sixteen of 23 subjects receiving folic acid and 7/18 placebo subjects were classified as NICE responders (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: This pilot double blind study suggests that response to ChI in patients with AD may be improved by the use of folic acid. The relationship between any change in homocysteine levels and response to treatment is discussed.
Publication Types:
- Randomized Controlled Trial
Online - Abstract
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