B Vitamins Studied for Memory and Cognition in Elderly

Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid may play a role in memory and cognition in older adults, a recent study reports. Previous research indicates that memory and cognition may be influenced by homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid associated with early development of suboptimal cardiovascular health. Adequate levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid are associated with healthy, balanced homocysteine levels.

In this double-blind study, 266 adults age 70 years or older with mild suboptimal cognitive health received 0.8 mg folic acid plus 0.5 mg vitamin B12 plus 20 mg vitamin B6 daily or a placebo for 2 years. The subjects were evaluated for plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive function and memory at the beginning of the study and again after 2 years.

The study found that homocysteine levels were 30 percent lower in the subjects who received the B vitamin supplementation compared to placebo. B vitamin supplementation also stabilized executive functioning compared to the subjects receiving placebo. Additionally, the study showed a significant benefit with B vitamin supplementation in the subjects with imbalanced homocysteine levels in global cognition, episodic memory and semantic (word meaning) memory.

The researchers concluded that B vitamins appear to support cognitive health in individuals with mild suboptimal cognitive function, in particular in those with imbalanced plasma homocysteine levels.

Reference:

de Jager CA, Oulhaj A, Jacoby R, Refsum H, Smith AD. Cognitive and clinical outcomes of homocysteine-lowering B-vitamin treatment in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2011 Jul 21. Published Online Ahead of Print.