Are You Methylating Ok?

I had never heard of methylation until I started working with A Mind for All Seasons (AMFAS) to help our residents with dementia.

Methylation is a vital biochemical process that occurs in every cell and tissue of the body. It involves the transfer of a methyl group (one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms) onto DNA, proteins, and other molecules. This process helps regulate gene expression, detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and even immune function. Importantly, it also plays a critical role in protecting the brain and maintaining cognitive health.

When a person has poor methylation capacity—often due to genetic variants such as those in the MTHFR, MTRR, or COMT genes—their body may not be able to efficiently carry out these essential functions.

These variants can impair the conversion of folate and other B vitamins into their active forms, which are necessary for proper methylation. As a result, the body may accumulate toxins, experience increased oxidative stress, and struggle with neurotransmitter balance—all of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s.

A key concern is the relationship between impaired methylation and elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a byproduct of methylation that, when not properly recycled due to genetic inefficiencies, can accumulate in the blood. High homocysteine levels have been strongly associated with brain atrophy, cognitive decline, and increased Alzheimer’s risk. In fact, studies show that individuals with higher homocysteine levels are at significantly greater risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.

Furthermore, poor methylation can influence the expression of genes related to inflammation and amyloid plaque buildup—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s pathology. Without adequate methylation, the body may fail to suppress inflammatory pathways and may struggle to clear amyloid-beta proteins efficiently. Over time, this can contribute to the structural and functional deterioration seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

The good news is that understanding one’s methylation genetics can open the door to preventative strategies. Working with AMFAS, we test people’s genetics, especially the MTHFR gene which is essential for turning folate into its active form. The active form of folate helps metabolize other B vitamins and amino acids.

Here is a sample report from one of our residents:

Supporting methylation with targeted nutritional supplementation—such as methylated B12 (methylcobalamin), methylfolate, riboflavin, and trimethylglycine (TMG)—can often help optimize these pathways. Of course lifestyle factors like a nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, stress management, and minimizing exposure to toxins can also play a major role in mitigating genetic risk.

It may be worth testing to see what your methylation genetics look like.