A study published this week looking at homocysteine levels, folate and B12 showed significant correlation with higher homocysteine levels and low folate and memory decline in high functioning elderly Chinese. It is interesting that low B12 did not show a correlation with decline, but perhaps that is because all the subjects had lower B12 stores as B12 absorption declines as we age. Why does B12 decline as we age? Because the HCl in our stomach declines with age. Therefore if many of the subject were low in B12 we may not find a significant correlation with cognitive function.
What does this tell us? Elderly folks should regularly have their homocysteine levels checked by an MD. Also it may be wise for elderly to supplement with a high quality 3rd party verified B12/folate supplement.
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George Mandler
Licensed Acupuncturist & Nutritionist Dietitian
Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, & Nutrition
Boston, Jamaica Plain, Brookline, Massachusetts
