scholarly journals Folic acid supplementation improves cognitive function: a systematic review

Author(s):  
I Putu Eka Widyadharma ◽  
Eric Hartono Tedyanto ◽  
Anak Agung Ayu Putri Laksmidewi ◽  
I Made Oka Adnyana ◽  
Dewa Putu Gede Purwa Samatra

The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is characterized by loss of memory and cognitive impairment. In epidemiological studies, low folate could disturb vitamin B12 absorption, which leads to the inflammatory process, and it explains the association between both vitamins and AD. Authors did a systematic search through PubMed and Embase according to the PRISMA protocol. Authors included studies published in the last 5 years (from 2015 to June 2020). Authors assess the quality of studies using JADAD Scale for randomized-controlled trials. Authors found 426 journals in their search strategy. In the end, 2 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. These two randomized controlled trials revealed that folic acid improved cognitive function in AD (p<0.05) and mild cognitive impairment (p=0.028). In this systematic review, authors found that daily folic acid supplements could improve cognitive function in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment. The exact mechanism is unknown, but it is believed that folic acid supplementation improves cognitive function by reducing the levels of peripheral inflammatory cytokines. Daily oral folic acid supplemental (400 µg and 1.2 mg) for 6-12 months improves cognitive function in AD and mild cognitive Impairment.

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. e633-e642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenchen Yang ◽  
Ami Moore ◽  
Elias Mpofu ◽  
Diana Dorstyn ◽  
Qiwei Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Objectives Cognitive training delivered in conjunction with physical activity, may help to optimize aging and delay or prevent dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, their efficacy is less well studied compared to pharmaceutical treatments. This systematic review synthesizes the emerging evidence on combined cognitive-physical interventions for enhancing functioning in older adults with MCI, with implications for practice and research. Research Design and Methods We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO, Ageline, Medline, Web of Science and ProQuest databases, and hand-searched articles published between July 2013 and November 2018. Only randomized controlled trials which incorporated cognitive and physical components targeted to individuals with MCI over the age of 50 were eligible. Our search yielded 10 eligible, independent articles. Results Intervention participants with MCI self-reported, or demonstrated, improved functioning across a range of cognitive (global cognitive function, executive function, processing speed, memory, attention, mood, emotion, motivation, brain cortex, orientation), and physical (gait, balance, mobility) outcomes. Interventions which combined cognitive-physical training were comparable to those which isolated these same elements, in terms of their effects on executive function, processing speed, attention, mood, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Discussion and Implications There is preliminary evidence to support the positive effects of multicomponent interventions to improve cognitive-motor abilities in older adults at risk of developing dementia. The strength of this research evidence is, however, limited. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these effects are maintained over time. The optimal intervention intensity and length also need to be established.


2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 523-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin L Campbell ◽  
Kendra Zadravec ◽  
Kelcey A Bland ◽  
Elizabeth Chesley ◽  
Florian Wolf ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), often called “chemo-brain” or “chemo-fog,” is a common side effect among adults with cancer, which can persist well after treatment completion. Accumulating evidence demonstrates exercise can improve cognitive function in healthy older adults and adults with cognitive impairments, suggesting exercise may play a role in managing CRCI. Purpose The purpose was to perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to understand the effect of exercise on CRCI. Data Sources Relevant literature was retrieved from CINAHL, Medline (Ovid), and EMBASE. Study Selection Eligible articles were RCTs that prescribed aerobic, resistance, combined aerobic/resistance, or mind-body (eg, yoga or Qigong) exercise during or following cancer treatment and included cognitive function outcome measures. Data Extraction Descriptive information and Cohen d effect sizes were directly extracted or calculated for included trials. Data Synthesis Twenty-nine trials were included in the final analysis. A statistically significant effect of exercise on self-reported cognitive function, both during and postadjuvant treatment, was reported in 12 trials (41%) (Cohen d range: 0.24–1.14), most commonly using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Ten trials (34%) performed neuropsychological testing to evaluate cognitive function; however, only 3 trials in women with breast cancer reported a significant effect of exercise (Cohen d range: 0.41–1.47). Limitations Few RCTs to date have evaluated the effect of exercise on CRCI as a primary outcome. Twenty-six trials (90%) in this review evaluated CRCI as secondary analyses. Conclusions Evidence supporting exercise as a strategy to address CRCI is limited. Future research evaluating CRCI as a primary outcome, including self-reported and objective measures, is needed to confirm the possible role of exercise in preventing and managing cognitive impairments in adults with cancer.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 1514-1521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Zeng ◽  
Chun-Hua Xu ◽  
Yuan-Ning Xu ◽  
Ya-Li Wang ◽  
Mian Wang

AbstractObjectiveFolate and vitamin B12 are two vital regulators in the metabolic process of homocysteine, which is a risk factor of atherothrombotic events. Low folate intake or low plasma folate concentration is associated with increased stroke risk. Previous randomized controlled trials presented discordant findings in the effect of folic acid supplementation-based homocysteine lowering on stroke risk. The aim of the present review was to perform a meta-analysis of relevant randomized controlled trials to check the how different folate fortification status might affect the effects of folic acid supplementation in lowering homocysteine and reducing stroke risk.DesignRelevant randomized controlled trials were identified through formal literature search. Homocysteine reduction was compared in subgroups stratified by folate fortification status. Relative risks with 95 % confidence intervals were used as a measure to assess the association between folic acid supplementation and stroke risk.SettingThe meta-analysis included fourteen randomized controlled trials,SubjectsA total of 39 420 patients.ResultsHomocysteine reductions were 26·99 (sd 1·91) %, 18·38 (sd 3·82) % and 21·30 (sd 1·98) %, respectively, in the subgroups without folate fortification, with folate fortification and with partial folate fortification. Significant difference was observed between the subgroups with folate fortification and without folate fortification (P=0·05). The relative risk of stroke was 0·88 (95 % CI 0·77, 1·00, P=0·05) in the subgroup without folate fortification, 0·94 (95 % CI 0·58, 1·54, P=0·82) in the subgroup with folate fortification and 0·91 (95 % CI 0·82, 1·01, P=0·09) in the subgroup with partial folate fortification.ConclusionsFolic acid supplementation might have a modest benefit on stroke prevention in regions without folate fortification.


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