Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that produces progressive dementia. It impairs memory, cognitive skills and, eventually, destroys a patient's ability to lead a normal life. It is the most frequent cause of dementia and it generally causes symptoms after the age of 60, according to the National Institute on Aging. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, consuming folic acid may prevent the disease from developing or it may slow the progression of the disease in Alzheimer's patients. Consult your doctor to determine if taking folic acid is a good strategy for you.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is one of the B-vitamins, sometimes called vitamin B-9. The natural form in food is called folate. Folic acid is needed by cells to make new DNA and RNA, so it is very important during growth when new cells are produced. It may also protect cellular DNA from damage and it is important for removal of homocysteine, a potentially damaging amino acid in blood. Folic acid is required by many organs, including the brain, where it is part of the cellular machinery that makes proteins.
Alzheimer's and Folic Acid
Although the actual cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, damage caused by the disease includes production of structures called amyloid plaques inside nerve cells. The plaques interfere with normal nerve function and communication between cells. Eventually, nerve cells die, and when enough of these cells are lost, problems in memory and other functions appear in patients. A number of studies suggest that low folic acid levels may be linked to Alzheimer's and that people with higher levels of the compound are less likely to develop the disease.
The Evidence
In 1998, Dr. E. Ebly et al published a paper in "Age Ageing" in which they found that, in over 1,000 elderly subjects, dementia was associated with low blood levels of folate. Later, Dr. D. Snowdon et al published a paper in 2000 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" describing studies of elderly nuns living together under identical conditions. They found a strong association between brain atrophy and low serum folate. While more research is needed, the Linus Pauling Institute concludes from these and other studies that higher levels of folic acid may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Sources and Recommendations
Folate, the naturally occurring form of folic acid, is found in many foods, including peas, broccoli, avocado, eggs, cantaloupe and wheat germ. Folic acid is added to many processed foods such as bread and breakfast cereal. Folic acid is also contained in most multi-vitamins and is available from health food stores as a separate supplement. The recommended daily intake of folic acid is 400 mcg for adults and 150 to 300 mcg for children, depending on age. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends taking no more than 1,000 mcg daily. Discuss with your doctor whether adding folic acid to your regimen is advisable for you.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
- Linus Pauling Institute: Folic Acid
- PubMed: " Folate Status, Vascular Disease and Cognition in Elderly Canadians," Ebly, E. et al, "Age Ageing," 1998
- PubMed: "Serum Folate and the Severity of Atrophy of the Neocortex in Alzheimer's Disease: Findings From the Nun Study," Snowdon, D. et al, "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," 2000.
- National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
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