Vitamin B12 May Slow Brain Volume Loss in Elderly
High vitamin B12 levels may slow brain volume loss in the elderly, while high levels of homocysteine may accelerate brain aging, according to new research from Sweden.
To examine the effects of vitamin B12 on rates of brain aging, the researchers followed 501 adults aged 60 years or older who did not have dementia at baseline and who were participating in the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen.
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The researchers collected venous blood samples at baseline to record circulating vitamin B12 levels and performed repeated structural brain magnetic resonance imaging scans on 299 participants from September 17, 2001, to December 17, 2009.
The researchers aimed to track the rate of total brain volume loss and the change in white matter hyperintensity volume to determine brain aging over a 6-year timeframe.
After final follow-up, the researchers found that mean total brain volume decreased from 74% at baseline to 72%, and white matter hyperintensity increased from 0.0004% at baseline to 0.0007%.
Total brain volume loss was slower in participants with higher baseline vitamin B12 levels and faster in those with higher baseline total homocysteine levels.
In addition, increased progression of white matter hyperintensity was noted among participants with higher baseline total homocysteine levels and systolic blood pressure higher than 140 mm Hg.
“This study suggests that both vitamin B12 and total homocysteine concentrations may be related to accelerated aging of the brain,” the researchers concluded. “Randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the importance of vitamin B12 supplementation on slowing brain aging in older adults.”
—Amanda Balbi
Reference:
Hooshmand B, Mangialasche F, Kalpouzos G, et al. Association of vitamin B12, folate, and sulfur amino acids with brain magnetic resonance imaging measures in older adults: a longitudinal population-based study [published online April 27, 2016]. JAMA Psychiatry. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0274.