Folate deficiency and psycho-organic syndrome in elderly subjects: review of the literature

Abstract

Psychological syndrome is a mental disorder caused by organic brain damage accompanied by cognitive and memory deficits. According to recent estimates of incidence in the elderly population worldwide, this is likely to increase more and more over the next few years; the increase in life expectancy which in itself is a positive result, on the other hand, leads to an increase in the incidence of brain degenerative diseases that in elderly subject need to be addressed through appropriate therapeutic strategies. The lack of folates, as it is at the base of the cascade of events that lead to the development of cardio/cerebrovascular problems, anemia and depression, typical characteristics of the psycho-organic syndrome, becomes a condition that is important to correct. Several epidemiological studies show the efficacy of folates in reducing the clinical expressions typical of the syndrome, in particular the metabolic active form of folic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, is characterized by high bioavailability and rapidity of action. In clinical practice these peculiarities could be very useful both at the beginning of therapy, when it is important to have a quick and effective response, and in the maintenance, with a reduction of administration.