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Homocysteine. The association with atherosclerotic vascular disease in older persons

Wilbert S Aronow1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Divisions of Cardiology and Geriatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.

Geriatrics
|October 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Elevated plasma homocysteine is linked to various vascular diseases and cognitive decline. Clinical trials are evaluating if B vitamin supplements can lower homocysteine and reduce disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Elevated plasma homocysteine is a recognized risk factor for multiple atherosclerotic vascular diseases.
  • Homocysteine may also contribute to cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular and neurological conditions.
  • To assess the efficacy of multivitamin therapy in reducing plasma homocysteine levels.

Main Methods:

  • Observational studies identifying homocysteine as a risk factor.
  • Ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating multivitamin interventions.

Main Results:

  • Homocysteine is associated with coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic atherosclerosis.
  • Emerging evidence suggests a potential link to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions:

  • Further research through ongoing RCTs is crucial to determine if reducing homocysteine with folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 impacts atherosclerotic vascular disease risk.

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