Prevention of cerebral infarction and dementia in the elderly, folic acid and B12 do not ignore, how to supplement, the doctor tells you
At a family gathering full of warmth, an elderly grandmother suddenly forgets her grandson's name, and the laughter of the family is replaced by a subtle silence. This is not only a heart-touching moment, but also a strong alarm bell about health. As we age, our brains are also quietly changing, and cerebral infarction and dementia have become invisible killers that threaten the health and happiness of the elderly. But what if I told you that we have the opportunity to significantly reduce these risks with simple diet and lifestyle modifications?
In the medical community, folic acid and vitamin B12 are not just two common nutrients, they are key to maintaining brain health and preventing cerebrovascular disease and cognitive decline. Despite this, they are often overlooked until irreversible consequences occur. In this article, as a physician dedicated to the health of the elderly, I will reveal to you the important role of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the prevention of cerebral infarction and dementia, and provide practical supplementation guidelines so that you and your family can have a healthier and better quality of life in old age.
Folic acid and B12: the twin swords of the nervous system
Folic acid and vitamin B12 are not only essential for cell growth and replication, but also play a vital role in maintaining the health of the nervous system. Together, they are involved in a key task: to convert homocysteine, an amino acid closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, into substances that are beneficial to the body, thereby reducing the risk of neurological diseases such as cerebral infarction and dementia. In addition, folic acid and B12 are also involved in DNA synthesis and repair, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of nerve cells.
Searching for Hidden Signs: Signs of Folic Acid and B12 Deficiency
Folic acid and B12 deficiency may be subtle at first, but over time, symptoms of deficiency will become apparent. Common signs include memory loss, persistent fatigue, mood swings, and mouth sores. Especially for older adults, these symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging and thus overlook the need for supplementation with these key nutrients.
Effective Folic Acid & B12 Supplementation: The Path to Health
To ensure that you are getting enough folic acid and vitamin B12, you should first pay attention to the adjustment of your daily diet. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, citrus fruits, and whole grains are rich in folate, while liver, fish, meat, dairy, and eggs are good sources of vitamin B12. Supplements are an effective option for older adults who struggle to get adequate nutrients through their diet. When choosing a supplement, you should seek the advice of your doctor to ensure the safety and efficacy of the product you choose.
Lifestyle adjustments also play a significant role in improving the absorption rate of these nutrients. Regular moderate physical activity, good sleep habits and proper sun exposure can all help to improve the body's absorption and utilization of folic acid and B12.
Through comprehensive dietary adjustment, rational use of supplements, and lifestyle optimization, we can effectively increase the levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 in the body, laying a solid foundation for maintaining brain health.