Folate in CSF and age

Low serum and red cell folate concentrations have been reported in up to 42% of elderly healthy subjects in the community or acute geriatric medical admissions, and in 20%–82% of psychogeriatric admissions.1 Although widely attributed to dietary causes, we have long reported a causal link between folate deficiency, depression, or dementia.1-3 Recent community studies have suggested a significant rise in serum total homocysteine and fall in serum folate with age4; and there has been renewed interest in a link between Alzheimer's disease, depression, folate deficiency, and raised serum total homocysteine.5 6 Other studies suggest that high homocysteine and low folate concentrations are independent risk factors for premature occlusive vascular …