Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that adequate vitamin and dietary intake is important for cognitive function. Particularly of interest are the positive relationships between B group vitamins and cognitive performance, the production of metabolic reactions, the manufacture of neurotransmitters and brain volume. However, no studies have investigated endogenous brain metabolites associated with cognition and the role of B vitamin status using the technique of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). MRS research has the potential to elucidate the functional integrity of brain regions by examining biochemical changes in neurometabolites. Therefore, we will examine the association between plasma B vitamin levels, domains of cognitive performance and neurometabolites in 40 healthy adults aged 30 65 years. The first novel aim is to determine the association of B vitamins and brain metabolites with cognitive performance. The second novel aim is to examine whether associations between the B group vitamins is stronger for cognitive performance or brain metabolite levels. Cognitive performance will be measured using a computerised cognitive test battery sensitive to the effects of ageing. Blood measures of B vitamin status including folate, B-12 and B-6 will be obtained. MRS will be employed to investigate participants' neurometabolite levels in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC), for its association with higher order processing, and the posterior cingulate (PC), due to its sensitivity to diseases of cognitive impairment. It is expected that there will be a strong relationship between B vitamin status and cognitive performance as well as between brain metabolites and cognitive performance. It is also expected that higher blood levels of B group vitamins will show positive relationships with cognitive performance and brain metabolites in both regions of interest, but particularly the lDLPFC.
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