In September 2010 a study was published in the journal Public Library of Science One. The study looked at about 168 elderly people experiencing different levels of mental decline known as mild cognitive impairment. This condition is considered as a precursor to Alzheimer’s, plus other forms of dementia.
Half of the volunteers were given a daily tablet containing levels of B12 vitamin and folic acid, well above the recommended amount. The other half were given a placebo. After two years, the team from the Oxford Project to investigate Memory and Aging, found that in those taking the B12 vitamin and folic acid supplements brain shrinkage was slowed, in average, by 30%. Brain shrinkage is a natural phenomenon which starts after the age of 60. It is considered one of the causes of our mental decline.
In November of this year, Dutch researchers released a study which concluded that taking vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements does not really cut the risk of developing dementia. The research, published in the journal Neurology, showed that there was no difference in memory test scores between those who had taken the B12 and folic acid supplements for two years and those who were given a placebo.
Scientists know that higher levels of homocysteine can raise risks of both strokes and dementia. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are both known to lower the levels of homocysteine in the body. In spite of that, a study of almost 3,000 people, who took either 400 micrograms of folic acid and 500 micrograms of vitamin B12 or a placebo every day for two years, produced no evidence of a protective effect of the B12 vitamin and folic acid supplements on the brain.
Even if this second study casts doubts on the use of vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements to aid memory, a balanced diet, keeping a healthy weight, no smoking, staying active, drinking in moderation and keeping both blood pressure and cholesterol in check may help our brains stay healthy for a longer time.