New research published in the journal Evidence Based Mental Health suggests that low folate levels in the blood may be linked to a higher risk of dementia and death in older people. It is estimated that up to one in five older adults are wholly deficient.
For the study, researchers wanted to see if serum folate deficiency may be linked to dementia and death from any cause in a large national sample of older adults. They analyzed the medical records of 27,188 people in Israel. All participants were between the age of 60 and 75 and had no pre-existing dementia for at least ten years before the complete eight checks began in 2013.
Advertisement
Approximately 13% of participants were fully deficient, defined as levels below 4.4 ng/ml. Among those who were folate deficient, the incidence of dementia was almost 3.5% higher than those who were not deficient.
After accounting for any influential factors that may interfere with results, including diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, smoking, and folic acid supplements, the outcomes were displayed. Researchers concluded that the folate-deficient were 68% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and nearly three times as likely to die from any cause.
As an observational study, cause cannot be established. However, researchers believe folate deficiency may affect homocysteine levels. Therefore, the vascular risk of dementia compromises the DNA repair of neurons, making them vulnerable to oxidative damage. This may enhance brain cell aging and damage.
Brain Health
Taking care of brain function and mental health is essential as you age. Numerous factors can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential, affecting memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. As this study helps outline, it is vital to get the proper vitamins and nutrients needed to keep the brain healthy.
The Smart Pill contains nine ingredients to support, nourish, and maximize brain health and cognitive function. Its unique formula includes ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, Rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This combination of doctor-formulated ingredients allows The Smart Pill to help boost circulation, fight free radicals, and provide nutritional support to assist cognitive function.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
