According to researchers with the British Medical Journal, the presence of low levels of folate (vitamin B9) in the blood might be linked to a higher risk of dementia and mortality risk among older adults.
The primary objective of the study was to examine the association between serum folate deficiency and the dementia/mortality risk among a sample of older adults aged 60-75.
Published in the journal Evidence Based Mental Health, the research included the medical data of over 27,000 older adults without pre-existing dementia for at least a span of 10 years.
What researchers found: “Serum concentrations of folate may function as a biomarker used to identify those at risk of dementia and mortality; however, reverse causation is likely.”
“Further research is needed to examine the role of serum folate deficiency in dementia aetiology.”
“Serum folate deficiency in older adults requires monitoring and treatment for preventative measures and/or as part of implemented therapeutic strategies.”
