Lee Swanson Research Update

Folic Acid Encourages Healthy Cognitive Function in Older Adults

March 2007

Older adults who supplement with folic acid will likely boost cognitive function and sharpen their minds, according to a Dutch study published in The Lancet.

Previous studies that have taken a look at the relationship between folate levels and cognitive function have been split, although most have suggested that folic acid supplementation in people with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood helps with cognitive function. Higher homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke and possibly also Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers undertook the study noting that "low folate and raised homocysteine concentrations in blood are associated with poor cognitive performance in the general population." Researchers randomly assigned 818 older adults in Holland, aged 50 to 70 years old, to receive 800 mcg of folic acid supplementation daily or a placebo for three years. All participants initially had low folate levels and elevated homocysteine concentrations.

Adults who received folic acid supplementation had improved cognitive functioning, especially in the areas of memory and information processing speed. Also, folate concentration increased 576% in those getting the supplements, and homocysteine levels fell 26%.

Researchers noted that the three-year change in memory, information processing speed and sensorimotor speed "were significantly better in the folic acid group than in the placebo group." They concluded: "Folic acid supplementation for three years significantly improved domains of cognitive function that tend to decline with age."

The Lancet 369:208-216, 2007

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