Elevated blood concentrations of the amino acid (protein constituent) homocysteine are associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. High homocysteine can be largely attributed to suboptimal folic acid and vitamin B12 status and aging; the latter is associated with an increase in blood homocysteine levels independent of vitamin status.

In a study involving 56 elderly subjects (30 male, 26 female) between the ages of 60 and 70 years, all healthy working professionals, supplementation with biscuits enriched with vitamin B12 and folic acid for a period of 4 months was found to significantly improve cognitive functions, including short-term memory, attention focus, and reduce plasma tHcy (total blood homocysteine). Plasma tHcy was found to be significantly correlated with cognitive functions both before and after supplementation. The authors conclude, “We recommend vitamin B12 and folic acid supplementation for elderly.”

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