There’s a good reason why health experts don’t just focus on the benefits of omega-3 or solely on vitamin D when it comes to brain health. These nutrients, along with others, work together in a synergistic manner to maximize the reduction of dementia risk.
A recent study examined the relationship between three important biomarkers: homocysteine, vitamin D, and the omega-3 index. Participants received a score of 0 or 1 based on their test results — with 1 indicating poor levels and 0 indicating optimal levels. Those with poor results across all three areas had 4.6 times the likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with optimal results. This research highlights the combined effect of what could be considered two of the “biological markers of cognitive decline” — healthy brain fats (such as omega-3 and vitamin D) and homocysteine-reducing B vitamins.
The study, led by Dr. Annike van Soest from the Netherlands, revealed:
“The size of the effect we observed was considerable. Individuals with suboptimal levels of omega-3, vitamin D, and homocysteine were four times more likely to develop dementia. Comparatively, the risk was only doubled for current smokers and tripled for carriers of at least one APOE ε4 gene variant.”
In this third study of its kind, researchers established a “high risk” level for homocysteine at above 8mcmol/l, for vitamin D at below 15 ng/ml (37.5 nmol/l), and for the omega-3 index at under 5%. While it has been established that homocysteine levels above 11mcmol/l lead to accelerated brain shrinkage, this study found that levels above 8mcmol/l also significantly raise the risk of dementia.
We recommend keeping homocysteine levels below 7mcmol/l to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Professor David Smith of Oxford University, who was involved in earlier research in this field, has shown that B vitamins that reduce homocysteine can slow the rate of brain shrinkage by an impressive 73%. Additionally, these B vitamins were shown to halt cognitive decline in a third of the study participants.
Prof. Smith commented:
“Nutrition has long been overlooked as a key factor in preventing dementia. This study shifts that misconception, showing how multiple nutrients are essential for brain health and dementia prevention.”
A French study, while not focused on homocysteine, looked at blood levels of carotenoids to measure oxidative stress. It similarly found a fourfold increase in dementia risk when multiple biomarkers were in the “high-risk” range.
Our Dementia Risk Index Functional Test (DRIfT) provides a comprehensive approach, examining multiple risk factors with greater sensitivity. We go beyond the basic tests, also measuring HbA1c for blood sugar control and the Glutathione Index to assess antioxidant status. Rather than a simple pass/fail system, our scoring system allows for more nuance, ranging from 0 to 3 for each test. With these tests combined, you can get an overall score between 0 and 12.
To minimize your risk, you should aim to have the following blood test results:
- Homocysteine below 7mcmol/l
- Omega-3 index above 8%
- Vitamin D above 40 ng/ml (100 nmol/l)
- HbA1c below 5.5%
- Glutathione Index above 500
Monitoring these markers alongside cognitive function will further strengthen the evidence for using a holistic, systems-based approach to stave off age-related cognitive decline. Though this might sound complex, when you work with us, we simplify the process and help you understand your test results clearly.
Excitingly, we’re looking forward to seeing more results and hope to integrate data from the NHS to track vitamin D and HbA1c levels as well as dementia diagnoses. This would allow us to further refine the DRIfT score and provide even more accurate guidance for protecting against cognitive decline.
What Can You Do?
Order At-Home Blood Tests: Get your homocysteine, vitamin D, HbA1c, omega-3, and glutathione levels tested from the comfort of your own home. Your participation will also contribute to our ongoing research. Click on the image below to get yours now.
References:
- van Soest APM, de Groot LCPGM, Witkamp RF, et al. Concurrent nutrient deficiencies and dementia risk. Alzheimer’s Dement. 2024; doi:10.1002/alz.13884.
- Neuffer J, Gourru M, Thomas A, et al. Multi-micronutrient deficiencies and dementia risk. J Alzheimer’s Dis. 2022; 85(1):331-342. doi:10.3233/JAD-215011.
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