Abstract
Deficiencies of the vitamins folate, B(12) , and B(6) are associated with neurological and psychological dysfunction and with congenital defects. In the elderly, cognitive impairment and incident dementia may be related to the high prevalence of inadequate B vitamin status and to elevations of plasma homocysteine. Plausible mechanisms include homocysteine neurotoxicity, vasotoxicity, and impaired S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methylation reactions vital to central nervous system function. In light of this, it is imperative to find safe ways of improving vitamin B status in the elderly without exposing some individuals to undue risk.
© 2010 International Life Sciences Institute.
Publication types
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
- Review
MeSH terms
- Aged
- Aging / physiology*
- Brain / drug effects
- Brain / physiology*
- Cognition Disorders / etiology*
- Cognition Disorders / prevention & control
- Homocysteine / blood
- Humans
- Nutritional Status
- Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage
- Vitamin B 12 / physiology
- Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications*
- Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / metabolism
- Vitamin B 6 / administration & dosage
- Vitamin B 6 / physiology
- Vitamin B 6 Deficiency / complications*
- Vitamin B 6 Deficiency / metabolism
- Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
- Vitamin B Complex / physiology
Substances
- Homocysteine
- Vitamin B Complex
- Vitamin B 6
- Vitamin B 12