Anat Rotstein
A new study led by Zuckerman-CHE Outstanding Israeli Female Postdoctoral Scholar Anat Rotstein suggests that the elderly should take folic acid supplements to balance low levels of folate – the natural B9 vitamin found in certain foods – which can significantly raise the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and premature death.
“Serum folate deficiency and the risks of dementia and all-cause mortality: a national study of old age,” found that a significant proportion of older adults may be experiencing folate, or vitamin B9, deficiency. According to the authors, folate deficiency could make neurons vulnerable to oxidative damage, which in turn might speed up brain cell aging and damage. “Evidence suggests that serum folate deficiency increases the likelihood of deficits in cognitive performance and neurological functioning.”
The study was published in the journal Evidence Based Mental Health and was featured in a March 16 Jerusalem Post article.