Functional and psychic deterioration in elderly people may be aggravated by folate deficiency

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Functional and psychic deterioration in elderly people may be aggravated by

folate deficiency.

Ortega RM, Manas LR, Andres P, et al.

 

The deterioration of functional and mental capacity is one of the major

problems of the elderly. This deterioration may be caused or worsened by

folate deficiency. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the

relationship between mental and functional capacities and folate status in a

group of 177 elderly Spanish people. Folate deficiency is common in the

Spanish population. In this study, 48.6% of the elderly subjects had folate

intakes below recommended values (200 microg/day), 34.9% had serum

concentrations < 14 nmol/L and 6.6% had <360 nmol/L erythrocyte folate.

Subjects took part in a series of tests: KatzÕ scale of activities of daily

living, Lawton's scale of instrumental activities of daily living,

Pfeiffer's mental status questionnaire, Folstein's Mini-Mental State Test

and the Geriatric Depression scale of Yesavage. The results for Lawton's

scale of instrumental activities of daily living were significantly better

(indicating greater independence and capacity) when folate intake and serum

or erythrocyte folate concentrations were adequate (i.e., folate intake no

less than recommended, > or = 14 nmol/L serum folate or > or = 360 nmol/L

erythrocyte folate). Subjects with adequate Mini-Mental State Exam results

(> or = 28 points) had serum and erythrocyte folate concentrations

significantly higher than those with less adequate results (<28 points).

Thus, there is evidence to suggest that the folate status of the elderly

should be monitored and, if possible, improved.

 

J Nutr 1996;126:1992-1999.