Deficient folate nutritional status and cognitive performances: Results from a retrospective study in male elderly inpatients in a geriatric department

The Nutrition, Aging, and Memory in Elders (NAME) study: design and methods for a study of micronutrients and cognitive function in a homebound elderly population

“…However, new studies suggest that even moderately low or subclinical levels of B vitamins are associated with cognitive impairment, dementia, and other psychiatric disorders (Bell et al, 1990;Riggs et al, 1996;La Rue et al, 1997;Bernard et al, 1998;Ebly et al, 1998;Franchi et al, 2001;Tucker et al, 1999;Robins Wahlin et al, 2001;Prins et al, 2002). While more severe vitamin deficiencies or congenital defects are not common, these milder sub-clinical B vitamin deficiencies are prevalent in the elderly (Joosten et al, 1993;Lindenbaum et al, 1994;Tucker et al, 2000b;van Asselt et al, 2001).…”

“…It has long been known that severe deficiency of vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B12 and thiamine cause cognitive impairment (Mayer, 1966;Victor et al, 1971;Butters, 1981;Hector et al, 1988), and that replacement of deficient nutrients can prevent or ameliorate those forms of cognitive impairment that are caused by deficiency (Gross et al, 1986;Martin et al, 1992;Passeri et al, 1993;Cunha et al, 1995;van Asselt et al, 2001). However, new studies suggest that even moderately low or subclinical levels of B vitamins are associated with cognitive impairment, dementia, and other psychiatric disorders (Bell et al, 1990;Riggs et al, 1996;La Rue et al, 1997;Bernard et al, 1998;Ebly et al, 1998;Franchi et al, 2001;Tucker et al, 1999;Robins Wahlin et al, 2001;Prins et al, 2002). While more severe vitamin deficiencies or congenital defects are not common, these milder sub-clinical B vitamin deficiencies are prevalent in the elderly (Joosten et al, 1993;Lindenbaum et al, 1994;Tucker et al, 2000b;van Asselt et al, 2001).…”