Evaluation of the Impact of Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 on Cognitive Decline in Older Adults inSokoto Metropolis

Abstract

Cognitive decline among the elderly is increasingly recognized as a public health concern, with growing evidence highlighting the role of micronutrients such as B-vitamins in neurocognitive health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum levels of vitamins B6, B9 (folate), and B12 with cognitive performance among older adults in Sokoto Metropolis. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 210 adults aged 41 to 80 years, recruited from local communities through purposive sampling. Serum concentrations of vitamins B6, B9, and B12 were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation, were employed to assess the relationship between vitamin levels and cognitive performance. A significant increase in serum vitamin B12 levels was observed with age (p < 0.05), with participants aged 71–80 years recording the highest mean concentration (818.73 ± 3.58 pg/mL). However, due to equipment malfunction, data for vitamins B6 and B9 were incomplete and excluded from the final statistical interpretation. The findings suggest a potential protective association between elevated serum vitamin B12 and cognitive function in aging individuals. These results underscore the need for targeted nutritional interventions, including dietary education and B-vitamin supplementation, especially in populations vulnerable to cognitive decline. Future studies should incorporate complete micronutrient profiles and longitudinal designs for more robust conclusions.

Keywords: Vitamin B12, Cognitive decline, Aging, Neuroprotection, MMSE, Sokoto