Serum folate, vitamin B 12 and cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults

Objective To analyse the relationship between serum folate (SF), vitamin B 12 and impaired cognitive function in the Chilean elderly. Design We analysed the relationships between impaired cognitive function and age, SF (μg/l) and vitamin B 12 (pg/ml) with Student’s t test, as well as between impaired cognitive function and gender, educational level, residence area, diabetes and hypertension with the χ 2 test. Multiple logistic regressions with interactions were estimated to assess the impact of SF on impaired cognitive function according to these methods. Setting Chile. Subjects Older adults (>65 years, n 1051), drawn from representative households of a national prevalence study, assessed using the Modified Mini Mental Status Examination (MMMSE). Individuals with altered MMMSE scores (≤13 points) were sequentially assessed using the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ). Results Multivariate models using the MMMSE demonstrated an increased risk of impaired cognitive function for seniors who had hypertension, diabetes and higher vitamin B 12 levels. SF and its square (SF 2 ) were statistically significant, indicating that this predictor of impaired cognitive function displays a U-shaped distribution. The interaction between SF and vitamin B 12 was not statistically significant. Models using the MMMSE plus PFAQ suggested that urban residence decreased the risk of impaired cognitive function, whereas male gender, older age, vitamin B 12 levels and hypertension increased this risk. The variables SF and SF 2 and the SF × vitamin B 12 interaction were statistically significant ( P 12 levels. When SF was low, a one-unit increase in SF (1 μg/l) diminished the risk. When SF was elevated, a further increase in SF raised the risk, especially at low vitamin B 12 levels. Conclusions The relationship between folate, vitamin B 12 and impaired cognitive function warrants further study

Cognition · Cognitive impairment · Psychiatry · Vitamin · Vitamin b · Diet and metabolism studies · Folate and B Vitamins Research · Medicine · Nutrition and Health in Aging · Gerontology · Internal Medicine

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