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.

 

 

 

 

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