Association of Cognitive Impairment with Plasma Levels of Folate, Vitamin B₁₂ and Homocysteine in the Elderly

Abstract

Background: Alterations in folate, vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine plasma levels have been associated with aging, neuronal development and cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma folate, vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine and cognitive function in the elderly. Patients and Methods: Elderly individuals over 60 years of age living in the community, were screened with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The study population was divided into two groups: a) 37 subjects with dementia; and b) 33 healthy controls. Blood samples were analyzed with the use of ELISA, and the results were statistically evaluated at p<0.05 level of significance. Results: Group a had significantly lower levels of folate and vitamin B₁₂ than group b. Homocysteine was significantly higher in demented individuals than in controls (p<0.01). Conclusion: Lower levels of plasma folate and/or vitamin B₁₂ and higher levels of plasma homocysteine are associated with cognitive impairment in elderly individuals.