Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
9604176
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Folate and brain function in the elderly
Author(s)
D'Anci, KE; Rosenberg, IH
Year
2004
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
ISSN:
1363-1950
EISSN:
1473-6519
Volume
7
Issue
6
Page Numbers
659-664
Language
English
PMID
15534434
DOI
10.1097/00075197-200411000-00011
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
Over the past several decades, folate has emerged as an important nutrient in several key conditions of concern to the elderly. Subclinical levels of folate inadequacy can have significant negative impacts on health in older individuals.
RECENT FINDINGS:
Serum and red blood cell folate levels are associated with depression in younger individuals, but the relationship is less clear in older people. However, folate status does predict response to antidepressant treatment in older individuals. Cognitive decline and some forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, are associated with lower folate levels. Supplementation with folic acid can provide cognitive benefits in some circumstances. Folic acid supplementation is generally regarded as safe; however, there remains some concern that high levels of folic acid may exacerbate the neurological consequences of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
SUMMARY:
Evidence for the role of folate in depression and dementia in the aged is increasing, although there remains much about mechanisms to be determined.
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity