Effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive function and inflammation in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#aged #aged-80-and-over #humans #cognition #cognitive-dysfunction

Effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive function and inflammation in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Wang et al., 2024 | Arch Gerontol Geriatr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Mingchen, Fang Mingqing, Zang Wanli. Effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive function and inflammation in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2024-Nov;126:105540. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2024.105540

Abstract

OBJECT: The aim was to assess the effect of folic acid supplementation on cognitive function and inflammatory cytokines in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: From its inception until February 2024, four databases including Web of Science were searched. Two researchers independently screened the literature, assessed the quality, extracted data, and conducted a meta-analysis using RevMan. RESULTS: The systematic review included seven studies (with a total of 1102 participants, mean age 65-80 years), seven of which were appropriate for meta-analysis. Although a small number of studies found relatively large heterogeneity, the majority of studies showed significant benefit from folic acid supplementation, including the FSIQ (823 individuals, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 8.36, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.79 - 1.08), Arithmetic (823 individuals, SMD = 0.17, 95 % CI = -0.03-0.31), Information, SMD = 1.73, 95 % CI 0.41-3.05), Digit Span (823 individuals, SMD = 0.17, 95 % CI = -0.03 - 0.31), Block Design (823 individuals, SMD = 0.26, 95 % CI 0.03-0.49), Picture Completion (823 individuals, SMD = 0.27, 95 % CI = -0.15 - 0.69) and Picture Arrangement (823 individuals, SMD = -0.12, 95 % CI = -0.26 - 0.01). Finally, folic acid supplementation had a significant effect on the reduction of most inflammatory cytokines, blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, and Hcy. CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid supplementation seems to have a positive impact on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, but further evidence of its effectiveness in improving inflammatory cytokines is needed from high-quality studies.

Key Findings

The systematic review included seven studies (with a total of 1102 participants, mean age 65-80 years), seven of which were appropriate for meta-analysis. Although a small number of studies found relatively large heterogeneity, the majority of studies showed significant benefit from folic acid supplementation, including the FSIQ (823 individuals, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 8.36, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.79 - 1.08), Arithmetic (823 individuals, SMD = 0.17, 95 % CI = -0.03-0.31)

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population elderly patients
Sample Size 1102
Age Range age 65-80
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Cytokines
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Folic Acid
  • Inflammation
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: folate-cognitive

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09