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Hyperhomocysteinemia in dementia

F Leblhuber1, J Walli, E Artner-Dworzak

  • 1Department of Gerontology, Landesnervenklinik Wagner Jauregg, Linz, Austria.

Journal of Neural Transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
|July 19, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to dementia and vitamin B deficiency. This study found high homocysteine and low folic acid correlate with cognitive decline in dementia patients, suggesting folic acid supplementation may help.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Biochemistry
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease.
  • Elevated serum homocysteine levels are often correlated with vitamin B deficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between homocysteine levels and cognitive decline in patients with dementia.
  • To explore the potential role of folic acid in managing hyperhomocysteinemia in dementia.

Main Methods:

  • Pilot study involving patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
  • Measurement of serum homocysteine and folic acid concentrations.
  • Correlation analysis between homocysteine/folic acid levels and cognitive status.

Main Results:

  • Significantly elevated homocysteine levels were observed in patients with both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
  • A significant correlation was found between low folic acid concentrations and cognitive decline.
  • High homocysteine concentrations were also significantly correlated with cognitive decline.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated homocysteine and low folic acid are associated with cognitive decline in dementia patients, suggesting shared pathophysiological pathways.
  • Folic acid supplementation presents a potential, cost-effective strategy for reducing homocysteine levels in demented individuals.

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