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Gillies NA, Milan AM, Cameron-Smith D, Mumme KD, Conlon CA, von Hurst PR, Haskell-Ramsay CF, Jones B, Roy NC, Coad J, Wall CR, Beck KL. Vitamin B and One-Carbon Metabolite Profiles Show Divergent Associations with Cardiometabolic Risk Markers but not Cognitive Function in Older New Zealand Adults: A Secondary Analysis of the REACH Study. J Nutr 2023; 153:3529-3542. [PMID: 37863266 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin B inadequacies and elevated homocysteine status have been associated with impaired cognitive and cardiometabolic health with aging. There is, however, a scarcity of research investigating integrated profiles of one-carbon (1C) metabolites in this context, including metabolites of interconnected folate, methionine, choline oxidation, and transsulfuration pathways. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to examine associations between vitamins B and 1C metabolites with cardiometabolic health and cognitive function in healthy older adults, including the interactive effects of Apolipoprotein E-ε4 status. METHODS Three hundred and thirteen healthy participants (65-74 y, 65% female) were analyzed. Vitamins B were estimated according to dietary intake (4-d food records) and biochemical status (serum folate and vitamin B12). Fasting plasma 1C metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Measures of cardiometabolic health included biochemical (lipid panel, blood glucose) and anthropometric markers. Cognitive function was assessed by the Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Associations were analyzed using multivariate linear (COMPASS, cardiometabolic health) and Poisson (MoCA) regression modeling. RESULTS Over 90% of participants met dietary recommendations for riboflavin and vitamins B6 and B12, but only 78% of males and 67% of females achieved adequate folate intakes. Higher serum folate and plasma betaine and glycine concentrations were associated with favorable cardiometabolic markers, whereas higher plasma choline and homocysteine concentrations were associated with greater cardiometabolic risk based on body mass index and serum lipids concentration values (P< 0.05). Vitamins B and homocysteine were not associated with cognitive performance in this cohort, though higher glycine concentrations were associated with better global cognitive performance (P = 0.017), episodic memory (P = 0.016), and spatial memory (P = 0.027) scores. Apolipoprotein E-ε4 status did not modify the relationship between vitamins B or 1C metabolites with cognitive function in linear regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS Vitamin B and 1C metabolite profiles showed divergent associations with cardiometabolic risk markers and limited associations with cognitive performance in this cohort of healthy older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola A Gillies
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; The Riddet Institute, New Zealand
| | - Amber M Milan
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; The High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, New Zealand; AgResearch Ltd, Grasslands Research Centre, New Zealand
| | - David Cameron-Smith
- The Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; The Riddet Institute, New Zealand; School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen D Mumme
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Cathryn A Conlon
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Beatrix Jones
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, New Zealand; The High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, New Zealand
| | - Nicole C Roy
- The Riddet Institute, New Zealand; The High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge, New Zealand; Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - Jane Coad
- College of Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand
| | - Clare R Wall
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn L Beck
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, New Zealand.
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Xu H, Wang S, Gao F, Li C. Vitamin B 6, B 9, and B 12 Intakes and Cognitive Performance in Elders: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2014. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:537-553. [PMID: 35359912 PMCID: PMC8962758 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s337617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This research intended to investigate vitamin B6, B9, and B12 consumption in relation to the risk of low cognitive performance (LCP) among elderly adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed data of 2421 participants retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 database in this cross-sectional study. Cognitive performance was evaluated by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's disease (CERAD) word learning and recall modules, the animal fluency test (AF), and the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). Participants who scored the lowest 25th percentile were categorized in the LCP group. The Dietary Interview-Total Nutrient Intakes dataset was used to determine the dietary intake of B vitamins in the participants. The low intake group and adequate intake group were differentiated based on the recommended dietary allowance. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the relations between 3 B vitamins and cognitive performance among different sex, race, and age groups. RESULTS Compared with low vitamin B6 intake (<1.7 mg/day), adequate vitamin B6 intake (≥1.7 mg/day) corresponded to a 31.7% decrease in LCP odds in the DSST tests. Participants who consumed adequate B9 (≥400 mcg/day) were associated with 31.2%, 33.8%, and 46.5% declines in the risk of LCP in the CERAD, AF, and DSST tests in contrast to those having low B9 intake (<400 mcg/day). Adequate vitamin B12 intake (≥2.4 mcg/day) correlated with a lower LCP occurrence in the CERAD, AF, and DSST tests, with 30.5%, 21.5%, and 33.3% reductions, respectively. Further, the relations between 3 B vitamins and cognitive performance varied across different sex, race, and age groups of people. CONCLUSION Adequate dietary vitamin B9 and B12 intakes are significantly associated with a better cognitive performance in immediate and delayed memory recall, categorical verbal fluency, processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory among elders assessed in the CERAD, AF, and DSST tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- Department of Fundamental Nursing, The Nursing and Health College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Fundamental Nursing, The Nursing and Health College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Caihong Li
- Department of Development Planning, Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Zhang C, Luo J, Yuan C, Ding D. Vitamin B12, B6, or Folate and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:781-794. [PMID: 32773392 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated that B vitamin deficiencies are an essential cause of neurological pathology. There is a need to provide evidence of the benefit of B vitamins for the prevention of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between intake and plasma levels of vitamins B12, B6, and folate and cognitive function in older populations through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were used to search the literature though August 8, 2019. We included observational population-based studies evaluating the association between concentrations or intake levels of vitamins B6, B12, or folate and cognition in older adults aged ≥45 years. The quality of all studies was assessed by the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were analyzed by the random-effects model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by excluding the studies with significant heterogeneity. RESULTS Twenty-one observational studies with sample sizes ranging from 155-7030 were included in the meta-analysis. Higher levels of vitamin B12 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.61-0.97) and folate concentration (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.51-0.90) were associated with better cognition in cross-sectional studies, but not in sensitivity analyses or prospective studies. High vitamin B6 concentrations showed no significant benefit on cognition and dementia risk. Prospective studies did not provide substantial evidence for the relationship. CONCLUSION The results from our meta-analysis suggest that vitamins B12, B6, and folate may not be modifiable risk factors for slowing cognitive decline among community-dwelling older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenbo Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Luo
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment (Fudan University), Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
| | - Changzheng Yuan
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Jensen DEA, Leoni V, Klein-Flügge MC, Ebmeier KP, Suri S. Associations of dietary markers with brain volume and connectivity: A systematic review of MRI studies. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 70:101360. [PMID: 33991658 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The high prevalence of unhealthy dietary patterns and related brain disorders, such as dementia, emphasizes the importance of research that examines the effect of dietary factors on brain health. Identifying markers of brain health, such as volume and connectivity, that relate to diet is an important first step towards understanding the lifestyle determinants of healthy brain ageing. We conducted a systematic review of 52 studies (total n = 21,221 healthy participants aged 26-80 years, 55 % female) that assessed with a range of MRI measurements, which brain areas, connections, and cerebrovascular factors were associated with dietary markers. We report associations between regional brain measures and dietary health. Collectively, lower diet quality was related to reduced brain volume and connectivity, especially in white and grey matter of the frontal, temporal and parietal lobe, cingulate, entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus. Associations were also observed in connecting fibre pathways and in particular the default-mode, sensorimotor and attention networks. However, there were also some inconsistencies in research methods and findings. We recommend that future research use more comprehensive and consistent dietary measures, more representative samples, and examine the role of key subcortical regions previously highlighted in relevant animal work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria E A Jensen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK; Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX37JX, UK.
| | - Virginia Leoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Miriam C Klein-Flügge
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Tinsley building, OX1 3SR, UK
| | | | - Sana Suri
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK; Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX37JX, UK
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Berkins S, Schiöth HB, Rukh G. Depression and Vegetarians: Association between Dietary Vitamin B6, B12 and Folate Intake and Global and Subcortical Brain Volumes. Nutrients 2021; 13:1790. [PMID: 34073949 PMCID: PMC8225207 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiency of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, mostly in vegetarians, is found to be associated with depression and adverse neurological function. We investigated whether vitamin B6, B12, and folate have an effect on brain structure, especially among depressed people who follow a specific diet. The study sample comprised 9426 participants from the UK Biobank cohort with a mean age of 62.4 years. A generalized linear model controlling for age, sex, body mass index, ethnicity, town send deprivation index, educational qualification, smoking, and alcohol intake was used to test the association between study groups and structural brain volumes. Depression was more prevalent, and intake of vitamin B6 and B12 was lower among vegetarians, while non-vegetarians had a lower intake of folate. Overall, no significant association was observed between vitamin B6, B12, and folate intakes and both global and subcortical brain volumes among participants with depression. However, vitamin B12 intake was positively associated with right pallidum among non-depressed participants, and a significant interaction between vitamin B12 intake and depression status on the right pallidum was observed. Also, a significant interaction between folate intake and depression status on grey matter (GM) volume and left thalamus was observed. Upon diet stratification, folate intake is associated with total brain volume and GM volume among vegetarians with depression. Furthermore, no significant associations were observed for subcortical regions. Our findings suggest that dietary intake of vitamin B6 and B12 might have an effect on brain structure. Vegetarians, particularly those who suffer from depression may benefit from supplementing their diets with vitamins B6, B12, and folate to ensure brain health. Further studies, especially with a larger sample size and longitudinal design, are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Berkins
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.B.); (H.B.S.)
| | - Helgi Birgir Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.B.); (H.B.S.)
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.B.); (H.B.S.)
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Krisdyana B, Hanim D, Sugiarto S. Vitamin B6, B12, Asam Folat, Tekanan Darah dan Demensia pada Lanjut Usia. AMERTA NUTRITION 2020. [DOI: 10.20473/amnt.v4i2.2020.123-131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dementia is a multifactorial disease due to genetic and environmental influences. Lack of intake of vitamins B6, B12, folic acid and blood pressure are one of the environmental factors that cause dementia.Objective: To analyze the relationship between the adequacy of vitamins B6, B12, folic acid and blood pressure with dementia in the elderlyMethod: This research was a cross sectional study, which was carried out in Tulungagung Regency. The sampling technique was cluster random sampling and a sample size of 100 elderly from 7 elderly Posyandu in Tulungagung Regency, with independent variables such as adequacy of vitamin B6, B12, folic acid and blood pressure, while the dependent variable was dementia. Data were analyzed with chi square testResults: Respondents in this study were generally aged 60-74 years (70.0%), women (48.0%), were educated in elementary / junior high school (60.0%) and did not work (69.0%). Most respondents have insufficient vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid in the less category, with percentages of 57.0%, 54% and 64%, respectively. There was an association between the adequacy of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid with dementia in the elderly (OR=2.302; 95% CI=1.011-5.241; p=0.045; OR=2.397; 95% CI=1.060-5.422; p=0.034; OR=2.516; 95% CI=1.015-6.238; p=0.043). Blood pressure is associated with dementia in the elderly (OR=3.000; 95% CI=1.288-6.988; p=0.010). The average consumption of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid in the normal group was higher than the dementia group, with a difference of 0.16 ± 0.04 mg, 0.54 ± 0.05 mcg and 65.89 ± 4.95 respectively mcgConclusionABSTRAKLatar Belakang: Demensia merupakan penyakit multifaktorial karena pengaruh genetik dan lingkungan. Minimnya asupan vitamin B6, B12, asam folat dan tekanan darah menjadi salah satu faktor lingkungan yang menyebabkan demensia.Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menganalisis hubungan antara kecukupan vitamin B6, B12, asam folat dan tekanan darah dengan demensia pada lanjut usiaMetode: Penelitian ini berupa penelitian cross sectional, yang dilakukan di Kabupaten Tulungagung. Teknik sampling dengan cluster random sampling dan besar sampel 100 lansia dari 7 posyandu lansia di Kabupaten Tulungagung, dengan variabel bebas berupa kecukupan vitamin B6, B12, asam folat dan tekanan darah, sedangkan variabel terikatnya adalah demensia. Data dianalisis dengan uji chi squareHasil: Responden penelitian ini umumnya berusia 60-74 tahun (70,0 %), wanita (48,0 %), berpendidikan terakhir SD/SMP (60,0 %) dan tidak bekerja (69,0 %). Kebanyakan responden memiliki kecukupan vitamin B6, B12 dan asam folat dalam kategori kurang, dengan persentase masing-masing 57,0 %, 54 % dan 64 %. Ditemukan hubungan antara kecukupan vitamin B6, B12 dan asam folat dengan demensia pada lanjut usia (OR=2,302, 95% CI=1,011-5,241, p=0,045; OR=2,397, 95% CI=1,060-5,422, p=0,034; OR=2,516,95% CI=1,015-6,238, p=0,043). Tekanan darah berhubungan dengan demensia pada lanjut usia (OR=3,000,95% CI=1,288-6,988,p=0,010). Rata-rata konsumsi vitamin B6, B12 dan asam folat kelompok normal lebih tinggi dibandingkan kelompok demensia, dengan selisih masing-masing sebesar 0,16±0,04 mg, 0,54±0,05 mcg dan 65,89 ±4,95 mcg.Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan antara kecukupan vitamin B6, B12, asam folat dan tekanan darah dengan demensia pada lanjut usia.
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Beydoun MA, Shaked D, Hossain S, Beydoun HA, Katzel LI, Davatzikos C, Gullapalli RP, Seliger SL, Erus G, Evans MK, Zonderman AB, Waldstein SR. Vitamin D, Folate, and Cobalamin Serum Concentrations Are Related to Brain Volume and White Matter Integrity in Urban Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:140. [PMID: 32523528 PMCID: PMC7261885 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives: Lower vitamin status has been linked to cognitive deficits, pending mechanistic elucidation. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], folate and cobalamin were explored against brain volumes and white matter integrity (WMI). Methods: Two prospective waves from Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS) study were primarily used [Baltimore, City, MD, 2004–2015, N = 183–240 urban adults (Agev1: 30–64 years)]. Serum vitamin 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], folate and cobalamin concentrations were measured at visits 1 (v1: 2004–2009), while structural and diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI/dMRI) outcomes were measured at vscan: 2011–2015. Top 10 ranked adjusted associations were corrected for multiple testing using familywise Bonferroni (FWER < 0.05) and false discovery rates (FDR, q-value < 0.10). Results: We found statistically significant (FWER < 0.05; β±SE) direct associations of 25(OH)D(v1) with WM volumes [overall: +910 ± 336/males: +2,054 ± 599], occipital WM; [overall: +140 ± 40, males: +261 ± 67 and Agev1 > 50 years: +205 ± 54]; parietal WM; [overall: +251 ± 77, males: +486 ± 129 and Agev1 > 50 years: +393 ± 108] and left occipital pole volume [overall: +15.70 ± 3.83 and above poverty: 19.0 ± 4.3]. Only trends were detected for cobalamin exposures (q < 0.10), while serum folate (v1) was associated with lower mean diffusivity (MD) in the Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule (ALIC), reflecting greater WMI, overall, while regional FA (e.g., cingulum gyrus) was associated with greater 25(OH)D concentration. Conclusions: Among urban adults, serum 25(OH)D status was consistently linked to larger occipital and parietal WM volumes and greater region-specific WMI. Pending longitudinal replication of our findings, randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation should be conducted against brain marker outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- May A Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) The Intramural Research Program (IRP), The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Danielle Shaked
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) The Intramural Research Program (IRP), The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD, United States
| | - Sharmin Hossain
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) The Intramural Research Program (IRP), The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hind A Beydoun
- Department of Research Programs, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, United States
| | - Leslie I Katzel
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christos Davatzikos
- Section for Biomedical Image Analysis, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rao P Gullapalli
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Stephen L Seliger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guray Erus
- Section for Biomedical Image Analysis, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michele K Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) The Intramural Research Program (IRP), The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alan B Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, The National Institute on Aging (NIA) The Intramural Research Program (IRP), The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shari R Waldstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD, United States.,Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Serum Vitamin B12, and Related MTRR and Cubilin Genotypes, Predict Neural Outcomes across the AD Spectrum. Br J Nutr 2020; 124:135-145. [PMID: 32180545 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520000951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show mixed findings for serum vitamin B12 and both cognitive and regional volume outcomes. No studies to date have comprehensively examined, in non-supplemented individuals, serum B12 level associations with neurodegeneration, hypometabolism, and cognition across the Alzheimer's disease (AD) spectrum. Serum vitamin B12 was assayed from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the Australian Imaging, Biomarker & Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL). Voxel-wise analyses regressed B12 levels against regional gray matter (GM) volume and glucose metabolism (p<.05, family-wise corrected). For ADNI GM, there were 39 cognitively normal (CN), 73 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 31 AD participants. For AIBL GM, there were 311 CN, 59 MCI, and 31 AD participants. Covariates were age, sex, baseline diagnosis, APOE4 status, and Body Mass Index (BMI). In ADNI, higher B12 was negatively associated with GM in the right precuneus and bilateral frontal gyri. When diagnostic groups were examined separately, only participants with MCI or above an established cutoff for CSF total tau showed such associations. In AIBL, higher B12 was associated with more grey matter in the right amygdala and right superior temporal pole, which largely seemed to be driven by CN participants that constituted most of the sample. Our results suggest that B12 may show different patterns of association based on clinical status and, for ADNI, AD CSF biomarkers. Accounting for these factors may clarify the relationship between B12 with neural outcomes in late-life.
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Moretti R, Peinkhofer C. B Vitamins and Fatty Acids: What Do They Share with Small Vessel Disease-Related Dementia? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5797. [PMID: 31752183 PMCID: PMC6888477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have been written on vitamin supplementation, fatty acid, and dementia, but results are still under debate, and no definite conclusion has yet been drawn. Nevertheless, a significant amount of lab evidence confirms that vitamins of the B group are tightly related to gene control for endothelium protection, act as antioxidants, play a co-enzymatic role in the most critical biochemical reactions inside the brain, and cooperate with many other elements, such as choline, for the synthesis of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine, through S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) methyl donation. B-vitamins have anti-inflammatory properties and act in protective roles against neurodegenerative mechanisms, for example, through modulation of the glutamate currents and a reduction of the calcium currents. In addition, they also have extraordinary antioxidant properties. However, laboratory data are far from clinical practice. Many studies have tried to apply these results in everyday clinical activity, but results have been discouraging and far from a possible resolution of the associated mysteries, like those represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD) or small vessel disease dementia. Above all, two significant problems emerge from the research: No consensus exists on general diagnostic criteria-MCI or AD? Which diagnostic criteria should be applied for small vessel disease-related dementia? In addition, no general schema exists for determining a possible correct time of implementation to have effective results. Here we present an up-to-date review of the literature on such topics, shedding some light on the possible interaction of vitamins and phosphatidylcholine, and their role in brain metabolism and catabolism. Further studies should take into account all of these questions, with well-designed and world-homogeneous trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Moretti
- Neurology Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
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Brain Hemodynamic Intermediate Phenotype Links Vitamin B 12 to Cognitive Profile of Healthy and Mild Cognitive Impaired Subjects. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:6874805. [PMID: 31281345 PMCID: PMC6589271 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6874805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine are implicated in pivotal neurodegenerative mechanisms and partake in elders' mental decline. Findings on the association between vitamin-related biochemistry and cognitive abilities suggest that the structural and functional properties of the brain may represent an intermediate biomarker linking vitamin concentrations to cognition. Despite this, no previous study directly investigated whether vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels are sufficient to explain individual neuropsychological profiles or, alternatively, whether the activity of brain regions modulated by these compounds better predicts cognition in elders. Here, we measured the relationship between vitamin blood concentrations, scores at seventeen neuropsychological tests, and brain activity of sixty-five elders spanning from normal to Mild Cognitive Impairment. We then evaluated whether task-related brain responses represent an intermediate phenotype, providing a better prediction of subjects' neuropsychological scores, as compared to the one obtained considering blood biochemistry only. We found that the hemodynamic activity of the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex was positively associated (p value < 0.05 cluster corrected) with vitamin B12 concentrations, suggesting that elders with higher B12 levels had a more pronounced recruitment of this salience network region. Crucially, the activity of this area significantly predicted subjects' visual search and attention abilities (p value = 0.0023), whereas B12 levels per se failed to do so. Our results demonstrate that the relationship between blood biochemistry and elders' cognitive abilities is revealed when brain activity is included into the equation, thus highlighting the role of brain imaging as intermediate phenotype.
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11
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Lau H, Shahar S, Mohamad M, Rajab NF, Yahya HM, Din NC, Hamid HA. Relationships between dietary nutrients intake and lipid levels with functional MRI dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation. Clin Interv Aging 2018; 14:43-51. [PMID: 30613138 PMCID: PMC6307498 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s183425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a key node in the cognitive control network that supports working memory. DLPFC dysfunction is related to cognitive impairment. It has been suggested that dietary components and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) play a vital role in brain health and cognitive function. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the relationships between dietary nutrient intake and lipid levels with functional MRI (fMRI) brain activation in DLPFC among older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Participants and methods A total of 15 community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment, aged ≥60 years, participated in this cross-sectional study at selected senior citizen clubs in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The 7-day recall Diet History Questionnaire was used to assess participants’ dietary nutrient intake. Fasting blood samples were also collected for lipid profile assessment. All participants performed N-back (0- and 1-back) working memory tasks during fMRI scanning. DLPFC (Brodmann’s areas 9 and 46, and inferior, middle, and superior frontal gyrus) was identified as a region of interest for analysis. Results Positive associations were observed between dietary intake of energy, protein, cholesterol, vitamins B6 and B12, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and HDL-C with DLPFC activation (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that vitamin B6 intake, β=0.505, t (14)=3.29, P=0.023, and Digit Symbol score, β=0.413, t (14)=2.89, P=0.045; R2=0.748, were positively related to DLPFC activation. Conclusion Increased vitamin B6 intake and cognitive processing speed were related to greater activation in the DLPFC region, which was responsible for working memory, executive function, attention, planning, and decision making. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijin Lau
- Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
| | - Suzana Shahar
- Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
| | - Mazlyfarina Mohamad
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanis Mastura Yahya
- Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
| | - Normah Che Din
- Health Psychology Program, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hamzaini Abdul Hamid
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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12
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Examining the relationship between nutrition and cerebral structural integrity in older adults without dementia. Nutr Res Rev 2018; 32:79-98. [PMID: 30378509 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422418000185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The proportion of adults aged 60 years and over is expected to increase over the coming decades. This ageing of the population represents an important health issue, given that marked reductions to cerebral macro- and microstructural integrity are apparent with increasing age. Reduced cerebral structural integrity in older adults appears to predict poorer cognitive performance, even in the absence of clinical disorders such as dementia. As such, it is becoming increasingly important to identify those factors predicting cerebral structural integrity, especially factors that are modifiable. One such factor is nutritional intake. While the literature is limited, data from available cross-sectional studies indicate that increased intake of nutrients such as B vitamins (for example, B6, B12 and folate), choline, n-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, or increased adherence to prudent whole diets (for example, the Mediterranean diet) predicts greater cerebral structural integrity in older adults. There is even greater scarcity of randomised clinical trials investigating the effects of nutritional supplementation on cerebral structure, though it appears that supplementation with B vitamins (B6, B12 and folic acid) or n-3 fatty acids (DHA or EPA) may be beneficial. The current review presents an overview of available research examining the relationship between key nutrients or adherence to select diets and cerebral structural integrity in dementia-free older adults.
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13
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Reddan JM, White DJ, Macpherson H, Scholey A, Pipingas A. Glycerophospholipid Supplementation as a Potential Intervention for Supporting Cerebral Structure in Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:49. [PMID: 29563868 PMCID: PMC5845902 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Modifying nutritional intake through supplementation may be efficacious for altering the trajectory of cerebral structural decline evident with increasing age. To date, there have been a number of clinical trials in older adults whereby chronic supplementation with B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, or resveratrol, has been observed to either slow the rate of decline or repair cerebral tissue. There is also some evidence from animal studies indicating that supplementation with glycerophospholipids (GPL) may benefit cerebral structure, though these effects have not yet been investigated in adult humans. Despite this paucity of research, there are a number of factors predicting poorer cerebral structure in older humans, which GPL supplementation appears to beneficially modify or protect against. These include elevated concentrations of homocysteine, unbalanced activity of reactive oxygen species both increasing the risk of oxidative stress, increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory messengers, as well as poorer cardio- and cerebrovascular function. As such, it is hypothesized that GPL supplementation will support cerebral structure in older adults. These cerebral effects may influence cognitive function. The current review aims to provide a theoretical basis for future clinical trials investigating the effects of GPL supplementation on cerebral structural integrity in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery M Reddan
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David J White
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen Macpherson
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Pipingas
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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14
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Abstract
The biosynthesis of B12, involving up to 30 different enzyme-mediated steps, only occurs in bacteria. Thus, most eukaryotes require an external source of B12, and yet the vitamin appears to have only two functions in eukaryotes: as a cofactor for the enzymes methionine synthase and methylmalonylCoA mutase. These two functions are crucial for normal health in humans, and in particular, the formation of methionine is essential for providing methyl groups for over 100 methylation processes. Interference with the methionine synthase reaction not only depletes the body of methyl groups but also leads to the accumulation of homocysteine, a risk factor for many diseases. The syndrome pernicious anemia, characterized by lack of intrinsic factor, leads to a severe, sometimes fatal form of B12 deficiency. However, there is no sharp cutoff for B12 deficiency; rather, there is a continuous inverse relationship between serum B12 and a variety of undesirable outcomes, including neural tube defects, stroke, and dementia. The brain is particularly vulnerable; in children, inadequate B12 stunts brain and intellectual development. Suboptimal B12 status (serum B12<300pmol/L) is very common, occurring in 30%-60% of the population, in particular in pregnant women and in less-developed countries. Thus, many tens of millions of people in the world may suffer harm from having a poor B12 status. Public health steps are urgently needed to correct this inadequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A David Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Martin J Warren
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Helga Refsum
- Department of Nutrition, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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15
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Jannusch K, Jockwitz C, Bidmon HJ, Moebus S, Amunts K, Caspers S. A Complex Interplay of Vitamin B1 and B6 Metabolism with Cognition, Brain Structure, and Functional Connectivity in Older Adults. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:596. [PMID: 29163003 PMCID: PMC5663975 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with brain atrophy, functional brain network reorganization and decline of cognitive performance, albeit characterized by high interindividual variability. Among environmental influencing factors accounting for this variability, nutrition and particularly vitamin supply is thought to play an important role. While evidence exists that supplementation of vitamins B6 and B1 might be beneficial for cognition and brain structure, at least in deficient states and neurodegenerative diseases, little is known about this relation during healthy aging and in relation to reorganization of functional brain networks. We thus assessed the relation between blood levels of vitamins B1 and B6 and cognitive performance, cortical folding, and functional resting-state connectivity in a large sample of older adults (N > 600; age: 55-85 years), drawn from the population-based 1000BRAINS study. In addition to blood sampling, subjects underwent structural and functional resting-state neuroimaging as well as extensive neuropsychological testing in the domains of executive functions, (working) memory, attention, and language. Brain regions showing changes in the local gyrification index as calculated using FreeSurfer in relation to vitamin levels were used for subsequent seed-based resting-state functional connectivity analysis. For B6, a positive correlation with local cortical folding was found throughout the brain, while only slight changes in functional connectivity were observed. Contrarily, for B1, a negative correlation with cortical folding as well as problem solving and visuo-spatial working memory performance was found, which was accompanied by pronounced increases of interhemispheric and decreases of intrahemispheric functional connectivity. While the effects for B6 expand previous knowledge on beneficial effects of B6 supplementation on brain structure, they also showed that additional effects on cognition might not be recognizable in healthy older subjects with normal B6 blood levels. The cortical atrophy and pronounced functional reorganization associated with B1, contrarily, was more in line with the theory of a disturbed B1 metabolism in older adults, leading to B1 utilization deficits, and thus, an effective B1 deficiency in the brain, despite normal to high-normal blood levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Jannusch
- C. & O. Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christiane Jockwitz
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA–BRAIN, Jülich Aachen Research Alliance, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Bidmon
- C. & O. Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Susanne Moebus
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katrin Amunts
- C. & O. Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- JARA–BRAIN, Jülich Aachen Research Alliance, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Svenja Caspers
- C. & O. Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- JARA–BRAIN, Jülich Aachen Research Alliance, Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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16
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Walk AM, Edwards CG, Baumgartner NW, Chojnacki MR, Covello AR, Reeser GE, Hammond BR, Renzi-Hammond LM, Khan NA. The Role of Retinal Carotenoids and Age on Neuroelectric Indices of Attentional Control among Early to Middle-Aged Adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2017. [PMID: 28649198 PMCID: PMC5465972 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One apparent consequence of aging appears to be loss of some aspects of cognitive control. This loss is measurable as early as mid-adulthood. Since, like many aspects of cognition, there is wide variance among individuals, it is possible that behavior, such as one’s diet, could drive some of these differences. For instance, past data on older humans and non-human primates have suggested that dietary carotenoids could slow cognitive decline. In this study, we tested how early such protection might manifest by examining a sample (n = 60) of 25–45 year olds. Carotenoid status was assessed by directly measuring macular pigment optical density (MPOD) which has shown to be highly correlated with the primary carotenoid in brain, lutein. Cognitive control was measured using event-related potentials during the performance of cognitive control tasks designed to tap into different aspects of attentional (i.e., selective attention, attentional inhibition, and response inhibition) control. Our results showed that, across participants, MPOD was related to both age and the P3 component of participants’ neuroelectric profile (P3 amplitude) for attentional, but not response, inhibition. Although younger adults exhibited larger P3 amplitudes than their older adult counterparts, older subjects with higher MPOD levels displayed P3 indices similar to their younger adult counterparts in amplitude. Furthermore, hierarchical regression analyses showed that age was no longer a significant predictor of P3 amplitude when MPOD was included as a predictor in the model, suggesting that MPOD may partially contribute to the relationship between age and P3 amplitude. In addition, age and MPOD were shown to have independent associations with intraindividual variability of attentional control, such that younger individuals and individuals with higher MPOD showed less intraindividual variability. These results show a relationship between retinal carotenoids and neuroelectric indices underlying cognitive control. The protective role of carotenoids within the CNS may be evident during early and middle adulthood, decades prior to the onset of older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Walk
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States
| | - Caitlyn G Edwards
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States
| | - Nicholas W Baumgartner
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States
| | - Morgan R Chojnacki
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States
| | - Alicia R Covello
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States
| | - Ginger E Reeser
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States
| | - Billy R Hammond
- Department of Psychology, University of GeorgiaAthens, GA, United States
| | | | - Naiman A Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States.,Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, United States
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17
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B-Vitamin Intake and Biomarker Status in Relation to Cognitive Decline in Healthy Older Adults in a 4-Year Follow-Up Study. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9010053. [PMID: 28075382 PMCID: PMC5295097 DOI: 10.3390/nu9010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancing age can be associated with an increase in cognitive dysfunction, a spectrum of disability that ranges in severity from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Folate and the other B-vitamins involved in one-carbon metabolism are associated with cognition in ageing but the evidence is not entirely clear. The hypothesis addressed in this study was that lower dietary intake or biomarker status of folate and/or the metabolically related B-vitamins would be associated with a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline over a 4-year follow-up period in healthy older adults. Participants (aged 60-88 years; n = 155) who had been previously screened for cognitive function were reassessed four years after initial investigation using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). At the 4-year follow-up assessment when participants were aged 73.4 ± 7.1 years, mean cognitive MMSE scores had declined from 29.1 ± 1.3 at baseline to 27.5 ± 2.4 (p < 0.001), but some 27% of participants showed a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline (i.e., decrease in MMSE > 0.56 points per year). Lower vitamin B6 status, as measured using pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP; <43 nmol/L) was associated with a 3.5 times higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline, after adjustment for age and baseline MMSE score (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.58 to 7.63; p < 0.05). Correspondingly, lower dietary intake (0.9-1.4 mg/day) of vitamin B6 was also associated with a greater rate of cognitive decline (OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.28-13.90; p < 0.05). No significant relationships of dietary intake or biomarker status with cognitive decline were observed for the other B-vitamins. In conclusion, lower dietary and biomarker status of vitamin B6 at baseline predicted a greater than expected rate of cognitive decline over a 4-year period in healthy older adults. Vitamin B6 may be an important protective factor in helping maintain cognitive health in ageing.
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18
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Porter K, Hoey L, Hughes CF, Ward M, McNulty H. Causes, Consequences and Public Health Implications of Low B-Vitamin Status in Ageing. Nutrients 2016; 8:E725. [PMID: 27854316 PMCID: PMC5133110 DOI: 10.3390/nu8110725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential protective roles of folate and the metabolically related B-vitamins (vitamins B12, B6 and riboflavin) in diseases of ageing are of increasing research interest. The most common cause of folate and riboflavin deficiencies in older people is low dietary intake, whereas low B12 status is primarily associated with food-bound malabsorption, while sub-optimal vitamin B6 status is attributed to increased requirements in ageing. Observational evidence links low status of folate and the related B-vitamins (and/or elevated concentrations of homocysteine) with a higher risk of degenerative diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD), cognitive dysfunction and osteoporosis. Deficient or low status of these B-vitamins alone or in combination with genetic polymorphisms, including the common MTHFR 677 C → T polymorphism, could contribute to greater disease risk in ageing by causing perturbations in one carbon metabolism. Moreover, interventions with the relevant B-vitamins to optimise status may have beneficial effects in preventing degenerative diseases. The precise mechanisms are unknown but many have been proposed involving the role of folate and the related B-vitamins as co-factors for one-carbon transfer reactions, which are fundamental for DNA and RNA biosynthesis and the maintenance of methylation reactions. This review will examine the evidence linking folate and related B-vitamins with health and disease in ageing, associated mechanisms and public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Porter
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Leane Hoey
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Catherine F Hughes
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Mary Ward
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
| | - Helene McNulty
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK.
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19
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Zamroziewicz MK, Barbey AK. Nutritional Cognitive Neuroscience: Innovations for Healthy Brain Aging. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:240. [PMID: 27375409 PMCID: PMC4893495 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional cognitive neuroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field of research that seeks to understand nutrition's impact on cognition and brain health across the life span. Research in this burgeoning field demonstrates that many aspects of nutrition—from entire diets to specific nutrients—affect brain structure and function, and therefore have profound implications for understanding the nature of healthy brain aging. The aim of this Focused Review is to examine recent advances in nutritional cognitive neuroscience, with an emphasis on methods that enable discovery of nutrient biomarkers that predict healthy brain aging. We propose an integrative framework that calls for the synthesis of research in nutritional epidemiology and cognitive neuroscience, incorporating: (i) methods for the precise characterization of nutritional health based on the analysis of nutrient biomarker patterns (NBPs), along with (ii) modern indices of brain health derived from high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By integrating cutting-edge techniques from nutritional epidemiology and cognitive neuroscience, nutritional cognitive neuroscience will continue to advance our understanding of the beneficial effects of nutrition on the aging brain and establish effective nutritional interventions to promote healthy brain aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta K Zamroziewicz
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, USA; Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL, USA
| | - Aron K Barbey
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL, USA; Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL, USA; Carle R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL, USA; Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL, USA
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20
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Gu Y, Vorburger RS, Gazes Y, Habeck CG, Stern Y, Luchsinger JA, Manly JJ, Schupf N, Mayeux R, Brickman AM. White matter integrity as a mediator in the relationship between dietary nutrients and cognition in the elderly. Ann Neurol 2016; 79:1014-25. [PMID: 27129740 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the association of nutrient intake with microstructural white matter integrity, and the role of white matter integrity in the association between nutrient consumption and cognition. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis included 239 elderly (age ≥ 65 years) participants of a multiethnic cohort. White matter integrity was measured with fractional anisotropy (FA) from diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. Nutrient patterns were derived from principal component analysis based on energy-adjusted intake of 24 selected nutrients. Generalized linear models were used to assess the association between nutrient patterns and mean FA of 26 white matter tracts. Mediation analysis was used to determine whether FA mediates the nutrient-cognition relationship. All models were adjusted for age at time of scan, gender, ethnicity, education, caloric intake, and apolipoprotein genotype. RESULTS Among the identified 6 nutrient patterns, 1 (nutrient pattern 6, characterized by high intakes of Ω-3 and Ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E) was positively associated with FA. Those with the highest tertile of nutrient pattern 6 score had a mean of 0.01 (p = 0.01) higher FA value than those with the lowest tertile, similar to the effect of a 10-year decrease in age (b for age = -0.001, p = 0.01). FA mediated the relationship between nutrient pattern 6 and memory, language, visuospatial and speed/executive function, and mean cognitive scores. INTERPRETATION Our study suggests that older adults consuming more polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E rich foods had better white matter integrity, and that maintaining white matter microstructural integrity might be a mechanism for the beneficial role of diet on cognition. Ann Neurol 2016;79:1014-1025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yian Gu
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Robert S Vorburger
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Yunglin Gazes
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Christian G Habeck
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Yaakov Stern
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - José A Luchsinger
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Division of Epidemiology, Joseph P. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jennifer J Manly
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Nicole Schupf
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Division of Epidemiology, Joseph P. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Richard Mayeux
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Adam M Brickman
- Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY.,Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
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21
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Lee YM, Ha JK, Park JM, Lee BD, Moon E, Chung YI, Kim JH, Kim HJ, Mun CW, Kim TH, Kim YH. Apolipoprotein E genotype modulates effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on grey matter volume in Alzheimer's disease. Psychogeriatrics 2016; 16:3-11. [PMID: 25919635 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on brain volume are influenced by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. We examined the effects in each subgroup (APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and healthy normal controls. METHODS Forty participants with AD and 20 healthy normal controls were recruited from memory impairment clinics at Pusan National University Hospital in Korea. All participants were APOE genotyped and underwent magnetic resonance imaging, including 3-D volumetric images for grey matter (GM) volume. A multiple regression model integrated into statistical parametric mapping was used to see if there was any correlation between vitamin B12 or homocysteine and GM volume in each subgroup (APOE ε4 carriers and non-carriers) of AD patients and healthy normal controls. RESULTS There was a significant positive correlation between serum concentrations of vitamin B12 and regional GM volume in APOE ε4 carriers with AD but not in non-carriers. We also found that there was a significant negative correlation between serum concentrations of homocysteine and regional GM volume in APOE ε4 non-carriers with AD but not in carriers (P < 0.001, uncorrected for multiple comparisons; extent threshold = 100 voxel). CONCLUSION The present findings suggest that the effects of vitamin B12 and homocysteine on GM volume might be influenced by APOE genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Ji-Kyung Ha
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Je-Min Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Byung-Dae Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - EunSoo Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Young-In Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Hak-Jin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Chi-Woong Mun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and FIRST, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and FIRST, Inje University, Gimhae, Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Korea
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22
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Abstract
Animal experiments and cross-sectional or prospective longitudinal research in human subjects suggest a role for nutrition in cognitive ageing. However, data from randomised controlled trials (RCT) that seek causal evidence for the impact of nutrients on cognitive ageing in humans often produce null results. Given that RCT test hypotheses in a rigorous fashion, one conclusion could be that the positive effects of nutrition on the aged brain observed in other study designs are spurious. On the other hand, it may be that the design of many clinical trials conducted thus far has been less than optimal. In the present review, we offer a blueprint for a more targeted approach to the design of RCT in nutrition, cognition and brain health in ageing that focuses on three key areas. First, the role of nutrition is more suited for the maintenance of health rather than the treatment of disease. Second, given that cognitive functions and brain regions vary in their susceptibility to ageing, those that especially deteriorate in senescence should be focal points in evaluating the efficacy of an intervention. Third, the outcome measures that assess change due to nutrition, especially in the cognitive domain, should not necessarily be the same neuropsychological tests used to assess gross brain damage or major pathological conditions. By addressing these three areas, we expect that clinical trials of nutrition, cognition and brain health in ageing will align more closely with other research in this field, and aid in revealing the true nature of nutrition's impact on the aged brain.
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Roy B, Trivedi R, Garg RK, Gupta PK, Tyagi R, Gupta RK. Assessment of functional and structural damage in brain parenchyma in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency: A longitudinal perfusion and diffusion tensor imaging study. Magn Reson Imaging 2015; 33:537-43. [PMID: 25708265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause neural tissue damage. Even in advanced stages, conventional imaging of brain usually appears normal in vitamin B12 deficient patients. The aim of this study was to assess the structural and functional changes in brain of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency before and after six weeks of vitamin B12 supplementation using diffusion tensor imaging and pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling (PCASL). METHODS MR imaging including DTI and PCASL and neuropsychological tests (NPT) were performed in 16 patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and 16 controls before and after 6weeks of therapy. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) derived from PCASL and DTI indices was calculated in brain of patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and controls. RESULTS Patient with vitamin B12 deficiency showed altered neuropsychological scores and altered CBF as well as fractional anisotropy (FA) values in various brain regions as compared with controls. Both CBF values and neuropsychological scores showed complete reversibility at 6weeks post therapy. Though FA values showed significant recovery, it failed to show complete recovery. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that micro-structural recovery lags behind functional recovery in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency following therapy and CBF change may be used as an early predictor of complete recovery in patients with B12 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaswati Roy
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Richa Trivedi
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science, Delhi, India
| | - Ravindra K Garg
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Pradeep K Gupta
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Ritu Tyagi
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India
| | - Rakesh K Gupta
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
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24
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Madsen SK, Rajagopalan P, Joshi SH, Toga AW, Thompson PM. Higher homocysteine associated with thinner cortical gray matter in 803 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36 Suppl 1:S203-10. [PMID: 25444607 PMCID: PMC4268346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.01.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A significant portion of our risk for dementia in old age is associated with lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, and cardiovascular health) that are modifiable, at least in principle. One such risk factor, high-homocysteine levels in the blood, is known to increase risk for Alzheimer's disease and vascular disorders. Here, we set out to understand how homocysteine levels relate to 3D surface-based maps of cortical gray matter distribution (thickness, volume, and surface area) computed from brain magnetic resonance imaging in 803 elderly subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative data set. Individuals with higher plasma levels of homocysteine had lower gray matter thickness in bilateral frontal, parietal, occipital, and right temporal regions and lower gray matter volumes in left frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital regions, after controlling for diagnosis, age, and sex and after correcting for multiple comparisons. No significant within-group associations were found in cognitively healthy people, patients with mild cognitive impairment, or patients with Alzheimer's disease. These regional differences in gray matter structure may be useful biomarkers to assess the effectiveness of interventions, such as vitamin B supplements, that aim to prevent homocysteine-related brain atrophy by normalizing homocysteine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Madsen
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Priya Rajagopalan
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shantanu H Joshi
- Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arthur W Toga
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Institute for Neuroimaging and Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Semel Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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25
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Jahanshad N, Rajagopalan P, Thompson PM. Neuroimaging, nutrition, and iron-related genes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:4449-61. [PMID: 23817740 PMCID: PMC3827893 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1369-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several dietary factors and their genetic modifiers play a role in neurological disease and affect the human brain. The structural and functional integrity of the living brain can be assessed using neuroimaging, enabling large-scale epidemiological studies to identify factors that help or harm the brain. Iron is one nutritional factor that comes entirely from our diet, and its storage and transport in the body are under strong genetic control. In this review, we discuss how neuroimaging can help to identify associations between brain integrity, genetic variations, and dietary factors such as iron. We also review iron's essential role in cognition, and we note some challenges and confounds involved in interpreting links between diet and brain health. Finally, we outline some recent discoveries regarding the genetics of iron and its effects on the brain, suggesting the promise of neuroimaging in revealing how dietary factors affect the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Jahanshad
- Imaging Genetics Center, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Building 225E, 635 Charles Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769 USA
| | - Priya Rajagopalan
- Imaging Genetics Center, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Building 225E, 635 Charles Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769 USA
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Building 225E, 635 Charles Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769 USA
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26
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Walhovd KB, Storsve AB, Westlye LT, Drevon CA, Fjell AM. Blood markers of fatty acids and vitamin D, cardiovascular measures, body mass index, and physical activity relate to longitudinal cortical thinning in normal aging. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:1055-64. [PMID: 24332985 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and physical activity relate to cortical sparing, whereas higher levels of cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) relate to increased atrophy in the adult lifespan. Longitudinal measures of cortical thickness were derived from magnetic resonance imaging scans acquired (mean interval 3.6 years) from 203 healthy persons aged 23-87 years. At follow-up, measures of BMI, blood pressure, and physical activity were obtained. Blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, vitamin D, and cholesterol were measured in a subsample (n = 92). Effects were tested in cortical surface-based analyses, with sex, age, follow-up interval, and the interactions between each included as covariates. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid, vitamin D, and physical activity related to cortical sparing. Higher cholesterol and BMI related to increased cortical thinning. Effects were independent, did not interact with age, and the cholesterol effect was restricted to males. Eicosapentaenoic acid and blood pressure showed no effects. The observed effects show promise for potential factors to reduce cortical atrophy in normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine B Walhovd
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Unit of Neuropsychology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Andreas B Storsve
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian A Drevon
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders M Fjell
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Unit of Neuropsychology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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27
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Abstract
The present review describes brain imaging technologies that can be used to assess the effects of nutritional interventions in human subjects. Specifically, we summarise the biological relevance of their outcome measures, practical use and feasibility, and recommended use in short- and long-term nutritional studies. The brain imaging technologies described consist of MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional MRI, as well as electroencephalography/magnetoencephalography, near-IR spectroscopy, positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computerised tomography. In nutritional interventions and across the lifespan, brain imaging can detect macro- and microstructural, functional, electrophysiological and metabolic changes linked to broader functional outcomes, such as cognition. Imaging markers can be considered as specific for one or several brain processes and as surrogate instrumental endpoints that may provide sensitive measures of short- and long-term effects. For the majority of imaging measures, little information is available regarding their correlation with functional endpoints in healthy subjects; therefore, imaging markers generally cannot replace clinical endpoints that reflect the overall capacity of the brain to behaviourally respond to specific situations and stimuli. The principal added value of brain imaging measures for human nutritional intervention studies is their ability to provide unique in vivo information on the working mechanism of an intervention in hypothesis-driven research. Selection of brain imaging techniques and target markers within a given technique should mainly depend on the hypothesis regarding the mechanism of action of the intervention, level (structural, metabolic or functional) and anticipated timescale of the intervention's effects, target population, availability and costs of the techniques.
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28
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Nassiri-Asl M, Sarookhani MR, Abbasi E, Zangivand AA, Shakiba E, Sedighi A, Rahbari M. The effects of pre-treatment with vitamin B6 on memory retrieval in rats. Food Chem 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.11.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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29
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Smith AD, Smith SM, de Jager CA, Whitbread P, Johnston C, Agacinski G, Oulhaj A, Bradley KM, Jacoby R, Refsum H. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12244. [PMID: 20838622 PMCID: PMC2935890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An increased rate of brain atrophy is often observed in older subjects, in particular those who suffer from cognitive decline. Homocysteine is a risk factor for brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and dementia. Plasma concentrations of homocysteine can be lowered by dietary administration of B vitamins. Objective To determine whether supplementation with B vitamins that lower levels of plasma total homocysteine can slow the rate of brain atrophy in subjects with mild cognitive impairment in a randomised controlled trial (VITACOG, ISRCTN 94410159). Methods and Findings Single-center, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of high-dose folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12 in 271 individuals (of 646 screened) over 70 y old with mild cognitive impairment. A subset (187) volunteered to have cranial MRI scans at the start and finish of the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups of equal size, one treated with folic acid (0.8 mg/d), vitamin B12 (0.5 mg/d) and vitamin B6 (20 mg/d), the other with placebo; treatment was for 24 months. The main outcome measure was the change in the rate of atrophy of the whole brain assessed by serial volumetric MRI scans. Results A total of 168 participants (85 in active treatment group; 83 receiving placebo) completed the MRI section of the trial. The mean rate of brain atrophy per year was 0.76% [95% CI, 0.63–0.90] in the active treatment group and 1.08% [0.94–1.22] in the placebo group (P = 0.001). The treatment response was related to baseline homocysteine levels: the rate of atrophy in participants with homocysteine >13 µmol/L was 53% lower in the active treatment group (P = 0.001). A greater rate of atrophy was associated with a lower final cognitive test scores. There was no difference in serious adverse events according to treatment category. Conclusions and Significance The accelerated rate of brain atrophy in elderly with mild cognitive impairment can be slowed by treatment with homocysteine-lowering B vitamins. Sixteen percent of those over 70 y old have mild cognitive impairment and half of these develop Alzheimer's disease. Since accelerated brain atrophy is a characteristic of subjects with mild cognitive impairment who convert to Alzheimer's disease, trials are needed to see if the same treatment will delay the development of Alzheimer's disease. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN94410159
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Affiliation(s)
- A David Smith
- Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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30
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Willette AA, Gallagher C, Bendlin BB, McLaren DG, Kastman EK, Canu E, Kosmatka KJ, Field AS, Alexander AL, Colman RJ, Voytko MLL, Weindruch RH, Coe CL, Johnson SC. Homocysteine, neural atrophy, and the effect of caloric restriction in rhesus monkeys. Neurobiol Aging 2010; 33:670-80. [PMID: 20691506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 05/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Higher serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels in humans are associated with vascular pathology and greater risk for dementia, as well as lower global and regional volumes in frontal lobe and hippocampus. Calorie restriction (CR) in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) may confer neural protection against age- or Hcy-related vascular pathology. Hcy was collected proximal to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition in aged rhesus monkeys and regressed against volumetric and diffusion tensor imaging indexes using voxel-wise analyses. Higher Hcy was associated with lower white matter volume in pons and corpus callosum. Hcy was correlated with lower gray matter volume and density in prefrontal cortices and striatum. CR did not influence Hcy levels. However, control monkeys exhibited a strong negative correlation between Hcy and global gray matter, whereas no relationship was evident for the CR monkeys. Similar group differences were also seen across modalities in the splenium of the corpus callosum, prefrontal cortices, hippocampus, and somatosensory areas. The data suggest that CR may ameliorate the influence of Hcy on several important age-related parameters of parenchymal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auriel A Willette
- Harlow Primate Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Jackson J, Balota DA, Head D. Exploring the relationship between personality and regional brain volume in healthy aging. Neurobiol Aging 2009; 32:2162-71. [PMID: 20036035 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2009.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2009] [Revised: 12/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by a reduction in regional brain volumes, particularly in prefrontal and medial temporal regions. Recent evidence suggests that personality may be related to neuroanatomical integrity. The present investigation explored whether the three targeted personality traits of neuroticism, conscientiousness, and extraversion moderated cross-sectional age-related decline in measures of neural integrity. Estimates of the personality traits and volumes of cerebral gray and white matter, prefrontal and medial temporal regions were obtained in a sample of 79 healthy adults aged 44-88. Higher neuroticism was associated with smaller regional volumes and greater decreases in volume with increasing age. Higher conscientiousness was related to larger regional volumes and less decline with advancing age. These results suggest that personality may not only relate to, but may also moderate age-related cross-sectional decline in prefrontal and medial temporal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Jackson
- Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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