In the August 2008 issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, investigators from Korean reported that onset of dementia is associated with decreasing folate levels, as well as increasing homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels, in the blood.

Although prior research had shown associations among low folate levels, high homocysteine levels, and dementia, it was not known whether the abnormal folate and homocysteine levels were a cause or effect of dementia. In this study, the researchers found that lower folate levels seemed to be a predictor of dementia.

The researchers conclude that, although further research is needed to clarify this complex relationship, health care providers should keep a close watch on the nutritional status of people with dementia.