Biomedical Research

Introduction: There is evidence that low vitamin levels may be associated with cognitive functions, results from studies on this issue have been incoherent. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is any relationship between the levels of Vitamin D, Folate and B12 and Standardized Mini-Mental Test (SMMT) and subgroups in patients with cognitive dysfunction.

Methods: This retrospective study included 184 women and 89 men with cognitive problems and who had SMMSE scores of 24/30 or less. SMMSE scores were prospectively recorded in the patient's file for each patient by an experienced neuropsychologist. SMMSE scores were prospectively recorded in the patient's file for each patient by an experienced neuropsychologist. Vitamin B12, vitamin D and Folate levels were studied from 10:00 am fasting blood samples of each patient and prospectively recorded in patient file. Patient files were retrospectively reviewed and data were recorded.

Results: No correlation was found between vitamin D and vitamin B12 levels and SMMSE (total and sub scores) in both sexes. Folate levels were significantly correlated with the SMMSE total (p=0.005, r=0.288), orientation (p=0.004, r=0.290) and registration (p=0.04, r=0.215) scores in females. A positive correlation was found between the folate levels and the SMMSE recall sub score in both sexes (p=0.002, r=0.227).

Conclusions: Folate deficiency is an easily treatable condition. Thus it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cognitive impairment especially in female patients.

Author(s): Sule Aydin Turkoglu, Muhammed Nur Ogun, Evgin Micoogullari, Edip Gultekin, Serpil Yildiz
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