Folates and Alzheimer's disease

'The Alzheimer's Society welcomes this research that adds further weight to the evidence that folates reduce the risk of people developing Alzheimer's disease.

Folates assist in modifying homocysteine levels. The evidence has been building over the last decade that elevated homocysteine levels in the brain is a risk factor for development of Alzheimer's disease.

Whereas the evidence for the benefit of other vitamins in changing the prospects for somebody at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is not consistent, the evidence supporting folate intake is very convincing.

It is good that this research by Corrada and Kawas has recruited an adequate number of participants and followed people over time rather than asking them to remember details of lifestyle and diet.

This research is particularly important, as many older people do not get a diet rich enough in folate.'

Susanne Sorensen
Head of research