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WASHINGTON - Taking large amounts of folic acid improved the memory of older adults, Dutch scientists reported Monday in the first study to show a vitamin pill might slow the mental decline of aging.

The research adds to mounting evidence that a diet higher in folate -- a B vitamin found in grains and certain dark-coloured fruits and vegetables -- is important for a variety of diseases. It's already been proven to lower the risk of devastating birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, and research suggests it helps ward off heart disease and strokes, too.

The original article can be found at: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1119313518659_24/?hub=Health

The original article can found in the Media Doctor archives.

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The primary, potential source of confusion in this article are the connections drawn between the results shown in non-Alzheimer's subjects and Alzheimer's disease. The distinction is stated once, but the article goes on to elaborate on how important the results are in the context of the prevalence and severity of Alzheimer's disease, which is not directly relevant to the results being reported.

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