Folate, B12 & cognitive impairment (2007)
This study investigated folate, B12 & cognitive impairment. A high folic acid and B12 intake in the elderly may be protective against age-related memory decline. However, those with a high folic acid intake, from fortified food or supplements, but a low B-12 status have more memory decline and hence a greater risk for dementia. They are also at greater risk of anaemia. This research found that 4% of the elderly in the USA have high folate and low B12 status.
In seniors with low vitamin B-12 status, high serum folate was associated with anemia and cognitive impairment. When vitamin B-12 status was normal, however, high serum folate was associated with protection against cognitive impairment.
M S Morris, ‘Folate and vitamin B-12 status in relation to anemia, macrocytosis, and cognitive impairment in older Americans in the age of folic acid fortification’, Am J Clin Nutr.85(1):193-200, 2007