Summary

Homocysteine, an amino acid found in the blood, is a risk factor for dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a possible early stage of dementia that can involve problems with memory, language, thinking and judgment that are greater than normal age-related changes. This study evaluated whether blood levels of homocysteine can be lowered by supplementing B vitamins, thereby slowing the accelerated rate of mental decline in patients with MCI. 271 MCI participants were given either folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 or a placebo for 24 months. The results showed that treatment with B vitamins lowered homocysteine levels and slowed the rate of mental decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Further details can be found in the study.

References

A David Smith, Stephen M Smith, Celeste A de Jager, Philippa Whitbread, Carole Johnston, Grzegorz Agacinski, Abderrahim Oulhaj, Kevin M Bradley, Robin Jacoby, Helga Refsum

 

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