Assessing the determinants and association of cognitive memory performance with blood folate and cobalamin levels in Qatar’s healthy aging population

Abstract

Introduction: Cognitive health, crucial for the independence and quality of life in older adults, is influenced by various factors, including nutritional status, which is increasingly recognized for its importance. Folate (vitamin B9) and cobalamin (vitamin B12) are essential for neurological health. Despite most studies offering broad global insights, this research addresses the knowledge gap regarding the relationship between folate and cobalamin levels and cognitive memory performance in a cognitively healthy aging adult. The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between memory performance and blood levels of folate and cobalamin, as well as to identify the determinants of memory performance, in adults in Qatar. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the data obtained from Qatar Biobank. This study assessed cognitive performance using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and measured blood concentrations of folate and cobalamin. Additionally, we examined demographic, lifestyle, behavioral, and disease-related factors as determinants of memory performance. We used multivariable linear regression to identify associations between Paired Associated Learning First Attempt Memory (PALFAMS) and vitamin levels. Results: Six hundred and thirty-six individuals aged 40 years and older were included in this study. The z-scores for blood levels of folate and cobalamin were each found to be positively associated with the PALFAMS (β, 0.17 [95% CI, −0.188 to 0.538]; P = 0.334 and β, 0.19 [95% CI, −0.15 to 0.53]; P = 0.28, respectively), after adjustment for covariates. Older age and being male were found to have negative associations with PALFAMS (β, −0.10 [95% CI, −0.18 to −0.02]; P = 0.011 and β, −0.98 [95% CI, −1.91 to −0.05]; P = 0.040, respectively), whereas a higher level of education and the use of supplements showed positive associations with memory function (β, 3.76 [95% CI, 2.38 to 5.14]; P < 0.001 and β, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.02 to 1.50]; P = 0.044), after adjustment for covariates. Conclusion: Since the associations between blood levels of folate and cobalamin and memory performance were not statistically significant, these results underscore the need for more comprehensive studies to explore the complex relationships between nutrition and memory performance, ultimately guiding more effective strategies for the prevention and management of memory impairment.