Brain atrophy is often observed in the the elderly. However, is more likely to be observed in individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is not dementia, yet, is often a precursor (Smith, Smith, de Jager, Whitbread, Johnston, Agacinski, Oulhaj, Bradley, Jacoby & Refsum, 2010).
Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for the development of brain atrophy, MCI and dementia (Smith, Smith, de Jager, Whitbread, Johnston, Agacinski, Oulhaj, Bradley, Jacoby & Refsum, 2010) . There is evidence to suggest that vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and folate can lower homocysteine levels (Smith, Smith, de Jager, Whitbread, Johnston, Agacinski, Oulhaj, Bradley, Jacoby & Refsum, 2010).
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Oxford, evaluated 271 subjects over 70 years of age with MCI. Participants were divided into two groups, with one group administered a daily dose of 0.8 mg of folic acid, 0.5 mg of B12 and 20 mg of B6 while the other group received placebo (Smith, Smith, de Jager, Whitbread, Johnston, Agacinski, Oulhaj, Bradley, Jacoby & Refsum, 2010). A subset of 168 participants received sequential MRI scans to evaluate the size of the brain. Treatment continued for 2 years.
Participants diagnosed with elevated homocysteine at the beginning of the study, using the foregoing supplement dosages, reported an atrophy rate of 0.76 percent compared to 1.08 percent in the placebo group (a 45 percent difference). This being so, participants diagnosed with the highest level of homocysteine and supplementing with the foregoing nutrients, reported a brain atrophy rate 45 percent less than individuals assigned placebo.
Smith, A.D., Smith, S.M., de Jager C.A., Whitbread, P., Johnston, C., Agacinski, G., Oulhaj, A., Bradley, K.M., Jacoby, R & Refsum, H. 2010. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 5, 9, e12244.
