Drop in Folate levels indicative of impending dementia?
Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been correlated with risk of dementia and/or Alzheimers. The higher the Hcy levels, the lower the folate levels in the blood. Folic acid supplementation improves cognitive function and enhances the plasma levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which is theorized to augment the folic acid therapy used to treat the deficiency and the cognitive decline.
Homocysteine levels have long been known to be associated not only with dementia, but with heart disease as well. A recent study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry looked at 518 people over the age of 65 who lived in South Korea – an important point because there is no folate fortification in South Korea as there is in the United States. Folate supplementation is known to mask B12 deficiency, which is also implicated in cognitive decline. Researchers tested the B12, folate and homocysteine levels in all participants.
The seniors with low folate levels at the onset of the study were 3.2 times more likely to develop dementia than those with low levels of vitamin B12. The researchers stated that homocysteine might cause a stiffening of the blood vessels, thus leading to a clogging of the blood vessels. Clogging might, in turn, lead to dementia and heart disease. This study helps tease out the role of folic acid (folate) vs. B12 in the role of the development of dementia and Alzheimer disease.
Folate deficiency might be related to poor intake and subsequent weight loss, a potentially complex interplay. Folate is found in cooked chicken liver, wheat bran flakes cereal, All Bran cereal, Product 19 cereal, beef liver, cheerios, spinach, lentils, pinto beans, black beans, asparagus, spinach and blackeyed peas, cooked. A daily intake of 400 mcg. of supplemental folate is adequate for reducing plasma hcy levels in older adults.
Other reasons for folate deficiency aside from poor intake include inadequate absorption, increased folate requirements (blood disorders, leukemia, psoriasis), impaired folate utilization typically associated with a B6 deficiency, altered folate metabolism from use of drugs (alcohol, barbiturates, sulfa drugs and anticonvulsants) and excessive folate excretion due to prolonged diarrhea.
More study is needed on the relationship with folic acid supplementation in prevention and curing dementias including Alzheimer’s disease.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
