Supplements May Help Prevent Memory Loss In Older Adults

When we say talk of anti-aging, many most people think about minimizing or getting rid of wrinkles and other physical signs of aging. Yet, aging affects our brains as much as, and sometimes more than, our bodies appearance. One of the biggest negative aspects of aging is memory loss. According to a recent study, memory supplements can help prevent this.

The team monitored cognitive decline because some changes to memory function occur in people once they reach the age of 60.

Participants in the study were given a dose of 400 micrograms of folic acid and 100 micrograms of Vitamin B12 per day.

Prof Christensen said she was surprised at the outcome of the study.

"With respect to depression, we didn't find any effect of folate. So folate had no effect on whether people were more or less depressed."

However, there was an effect on cognitive decline.

"We found that those people who were taking folate did not seem to show the same level of cognitive change as those that were not taking folate."

Real results emerged after people took folate for at least 12 months.

And the improvement was specific to memory decline rather than other cognitive changes, such as speed or processing of ideas.

Prof Christensen stressed more study was needed.

"We would really think it was a great idea to replicate this with another group of people before we can be running around stridently suggesting that people should be making sure they have the folate in their food."

However, she was encouraged that a definite link has been made between taking the supplements and preventing memory loss.

Prof Christensen said using folate and Vitamin B12 was an inexpensive way for people to improve memory function.

"I didn't expect that such a small dose of folate supplement would have such an effect on cognitive levels," she said. See original story

It has been known for a while now that vitamin B12 can prevent memory loss in older adults. While more studies need to be done, it cannot hurt to add folic acid to our regimen of memory supplements. Of course, always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement.