CANBERRA, Australia—Daily supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 improved cognitive functioning, particularly in immediate and delayed memory performance, according to a new study from the Australian National University (Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Jan;95(1):194-203). Researchers found 400 mcg/d of folic acid plus 100 mcg/d vitamin B-12 for two years helped to prevent cognitive decline in older adults with elevated psychological distress.
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) compared oral supplementation with 400 mcg/d folic acid plus 100 mcg of vitamin B12 to placebo, while evaluating physical activity and depression in 900 adults aged 60 years to 74 years with elevated psychological distress, as described by a Kessler Distress score of higher than 15. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) is a 10-item questionnaire intended to yield a global measure of distress based on questions about anxiety and depressive symptoms that a person has experienced in the most recent four-week period.
The two-year intervention was delivered in 10 modules via mail with concurrent telephone tracking calls. Main outcome measures examined change in cognitive functioning at 12 and 24 months by using the telephone interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-M) and the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (processing speed); the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly was administered at 24 months.
The researchers found folic acid and vitamin B12 improved the TICS-M total (P = 0.032), TICS-M immediate (P = 0.046) and TICS-M delayed recall (P = 0.013) scores after two years in comparison with placebo. No significant changes were evident in orientation, attention, semantic memory, processing speed or informant reports.
Another recent study reported B vitamins along with other vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids reduced brain shrinkage in older adults. Studies like these encourage older adults to add B vitamin supplements to their daily routine to keep their brains sharp.
