Voedingsadvies El MondoResearch Question:
An increased plasma homocysteine levels is associated with getting cognitive impairment and dementia in later life but an increased plasma homocysteine levels can be lowered by daily swallowing of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid.
Can swallowing vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid to improve the cognitive ability of the elderly?
Study Design:
This overview article contained 19 Rcts.
Results and conclusions:
Taking B vitamins (vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid) showed no significant improvement in cognitive ability in persons with [SMD = 0.10, 95% CI =-0.08 to 0.28] or without [SMD =-0.03, 95% CI =-0.1 to 0.04] significant cognitive impairment.
Found this result was independent of the study duration [SMD = 0.05, 95% CI =-0.10 to 0.20 and SMD = 0, 95% CI =-0.08 to 0.08], the study size (SMD = 0.05, 95% CI =-0.09 to 0.19 and SMD =-0.02, 95% CI =-0.10 to 0.05] and whether participants came from countries with a low folate status [SMD = 0.14, 95% CI =-0.12 to 0.40 and SMD =-0.10, 95% CI =-0.23 to 0.04].
The researchers concluded that swallowing of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid alone or in combination the cognitive ability in older adults with or without existing cognitive impairment, not improved. But it still needs to be determined whether long-term treatment with B-vitamins may reduce the risk of dementia later in life.
Original title:
Effect of Homocysteine lowering Treatment on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials by Ford AH and Almeida on.
Link:
http://iospress.metapress.com/content/m42p8130lq7hk785
Additional information about El Mondo:
Daily physical activities and think games can improve cognitive ability in the elderly.