Abstract
Deficiencies of the vitamins folate, B(12) , and B(6) are associated with neurological and psychological dysfunction and with congenital defects. In the elderly, cognitive impairment and incident dementia may be related to the high prevalence of inadequate B vitamin status and to elevations of plasma homocysteine. Plausible mechanisms include homocysteine neurotoxicity, vasotoxicity, and impaired S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methylation reactions vital to central nervous system function. In light of this, it is imperative to find safe ways of improving vitamin B status in the elderly without exposing some individuals to undue risk.
© 2010 International Life Sciences Institute.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Aging / physiology*
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Brain / drug effects
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Brain / physiology*
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Cognition Disorders / etiology*
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Cognition Disorders / prevention & control
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Homocysteine / blood
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Humans
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Nutritional Status
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Vitamin B 12 / administration & dosage
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Vitamin B 12 / physiology
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Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications*
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Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / metabolism
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Vitamin B 6 / administration & dosage
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Vitamin B 6 / physiology
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Vitamin B 6 Deficiency / complications*
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Vitamin B 6 Deficiency / metabolism
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Vitamin B Complex / administration & dosage
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Vitamin B Complex / physiology
Substances
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Homocysteine
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Vitamin B Complex
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Vitamin B 6
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Vitamin B 12