Folate nutrition is related to neuropsychological functions in the elderly

Abstract

We investigated the nutritional state of B vitamins and the neuropsychological functions in 25 subjects, aged 63.1 ± 6.3 years, residing in rural areas of Korea. Nutritional states of thiamin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine were assessed enzymatically in the erythrocytes, and folate concentrations were measured microbiologically in the plasma and erythrocytes. A battery of composite neuropsychological test was administered to the subjects. Plasma folate was correlated with the total intelligence score (p=0.049). Folate levels in the erythrocytes were correlated with the performance intelligence scores such as block design (p=0.017) and picture arrangement (p=0.016). The red cell folate was correlated with memory scores such as general memory (p=0.009) and delayed recall (p=0.000). Although it did not reach statistical significance, verbal memory (p=0.053) was highly correlated with the red cell folate. The red cell folate was also correlated positively with the percent of conceptual level response number score (p=0.029), and negatively with the grooved pegboard test score for the non-dominant hand (p=0.010). Fine motor coordination was also influenced by folate nutrition, as finger tapping scores in both hands were significantly correlated with red cell folate (dominant hand; p=0.026, non-dominant hand; p=0.004). Other B vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B6 were not as strongly correlated with neuropsychological function test scores as folate was. These results suggest that folate nutrition influences neuropsychological function test scores significantly in humans. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between folate or other vitamin B nutrition and neuropsychological functions and the implications thereof.

Glutamate carboxypeptidase II and folate deficiencies result in reciprocal protection against cognitive and social deficits in mice: Implications for neurodevelopmental disorders

“…Similar to our previous findings, GCPII +/- control mice are less social than wildtype control mice (Han et al, 2009). Similar to studies in other laboratories, our wildtype folate deficient mice have impaired motor coordination and spatial memory (Troen et al, 2008; Chang et al, 2009). Additionally, we show that folate-deficient male mice exhibit decreased sociability, similar to the GCPII heterozygotes.…”

Assessing Fit of Nontraditional Assistive Technologies

“…Affective Drugs Some drugs and vitamins are known to affect mental performance and alertness. For example, antihistamines, antidepressants, and antianxiety drugs may make a person less alert [White and Rumbold 1988] whereas some recreational drugs and vitamins may help increase performance intelligence [Chang et al 2009]. …”

Blood Thiamine Level and Cognitive Function in Older Hospitalized Patients

“…5 Among B vitamins, thiamine has received much attention as previous studies indicate a close association between thiamine deficiency and neurological abnormalities including cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, and delirium. [6][7][8][9][10] Cross-sectional analyses of 611 nondemented elderly patients (aged 72.3 [5.9] years) demonstrated a positive correlation between blood thiamine diphosphate, the most bioactive form of thiamine, and cognitive function. 9 However, in a study of 25 Korean elderly patients (mean age: 63.1 [6.3] years), no significant association between blood thiamine levels and neuropsychological function was observed.…”

“…9 However, in a study of 25 Korean elderly patients (mean age: 63.1 [6.3] years), no significant association between blood thiamine levels and neuropsychological function was observed. 6 In addition, depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric diseases in older individuals and is associated with impairment in physical function, emotional symptoms, and quality of life. 4,11 Review of previous literature demonstrated that thiamine deficiency may be related to mood disorders and depression.…”